History of the Parsis : including their manners, customs, religion and present position : with coloured and other illustrations : in two volumes

INTRODUCTION. XXxi

that the meaning of these ceremonies will be rendered more clear to the reader by the illustrations given in this volume.

The reproduction of the illustrations in an adequate manner has presented many and unexpected difficulties. This fact supplies the explanation of the variety of processes that have had to be adopted. Had it been found possible to reproduce in chromolithography the faces in the two groups of “The Ceremony of Investiture with the Sudra and Kusti” and “A Marriage Ceremony” with the precision and clearness that was desirable, greater uniformity would have been attained. The indulgence of the critic and reader is asked for the variety presented in the character of the illustrations, on the ground that in no other manner could the same results have been obtained.

I have only, in conclusion, to leave my volumes to the favourable consideration of their readers. More than a quarter of a century ago I visited England at a time when, on account of the great Mutiny, the name and the persons of Indian races did not find much favour in the minds of the English people. It had been my privilege during the height of that revolt to publish a pamphlet which had an extensive circulation among the Parsis and Hindus, dwelling on the superior benefits conferred by English rule, and insisting that self-interest, if no higher