Travels into Bokhara (Volume 3 of 3) Being the Account of A Journey from India to Cabool, Tartary, and Persia; Also, Narrative of a Voyage on the Indus, From the Sea to Lahore, With Presents From the King of Great Britain; Performed Under the Orders of the Supreme Government of India, in the Years 1831, 1832, and 1833

by Alexander Burnes

"Travels into Bokhara (Volume 3 of 3)" by Sir Alexander Burnes is a travel narrative written in the early 19th century. This volume documents the author's adventurous journey from India to Cabool, Tartary, and Persia, with a specific focus on the river Indus and its surrounding regions. Burnes provides a detailed account of political missions, cultural observations, and the geographical landscape he encounters, contributing to the understanding of the historical context of British India and its frontiers. The opening of this volume begins with Burnes introducing his mission to present gifts from the King of Great Britain to Maharaja Runjeet Sing in Lahore via the Indus River. Accompanied by a small team, Burnes outlines the challenges faced due to the political climate of Sinde and the mistrust from local rulers regarding Europeans. The narrative describes the initial stages of the voyage, including their preparations, the reception they receive from local authorities, and Burnes’s reflections on the geography and culture of the region as he navigates the complex political landscape. This opening sets the stage for a rich exploration of the interactions between differing cultures and the geographic intricacies of the Indus River.