Francisco Pelasert (1595-1630) was a Dutch businessman and a representative of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). He travelled in different parts of Mughal India, and stayed in Agra for seven years before departing to Java. He was also the commander of VOC-owned ship Batavia.

The arrival of Vasco da Gama on the western coast of India; near Calicut; on 27 May 1498; heralded the restoration of Europe’s links with the subcontinent after an interval of almost eight centuries. With his landing; India became accessible to Portuguese conquistadors; traders; travellers; scholars and clergymen. The sixteenth century could; in a sense; be termed the Portuguese century; for no European power could challenge its mastery of the sea route to India. The defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 by Holland and England; however; signaled the end of this monopoly and in 1595; the first Dutch fleet entered the Indian Ocean. In the seventeenth century; the Dutch; with their British camp followers; seriously undermined the Portuguese. The French also entered the Indian trade in the second half of this century. While several Portuguese accounts of India in the sixteenth century are available; for the seventeenth century; we also have the writings of travellers; scholars and missionaries from the latter three countries. Additionally; Jesuits of various nationalities wrote regular letters to home; providing valuable information on facets of Indian life; albeit tempered by their religious bias. This volume confines itself to European writings of sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It does not claim to be exhaustive but presents glimpses of the Indian reality as recorded by contemporary European visitors. Only English translations have been used. A sizeable number of accounts in European languages still await translation. Selected Stories of Honoré de Balzac by Honoré de Balzac: In this collection, Honoré de Balzac presents a selection of his acclaimed short stories, showcasing his incredible talent for vivid storytelling and character development. With its rich language and engaging narratives, this book is a must-read for fans of classical literature. Key Aspects of the Book "Selected Stories of Honoré de Balzac": Collection of Short Stories: The book features a collection of acclaimed short stories by Honoré de Balzac. Vivid Storytelling and Character Development: The stories showcase Balzac's incredible talent for vivid storytelling and character development. Useful for Literature Enthusiasts: The book is useful for fans of classical literature and those interested in the works of Balzac. Honoré de Balzac was a French novelist and playwright who is regarded as one of the greatest writers of Western literature. His book, Selected Stories of Honoré de Balzac, is highly regarded for its captivating storytelling and rich language.

This volume depicts the life and times of the Mughal emperor Jahangir in the light of his memoirs, Jahangirnama, popularly known as Tuzuk-i Jahangiri. With its fresh treatment of source material and a vivid account of historical events, the book tells the history of Jahangir’s India through his intimate and confessional memoirs incorporated in the genre of Mughal manuscript painting. The work is noteworthy for its historical portraits as well as Jahangir’s visual realism, his remarkable knowledge of natural history, and the perceptive and detailed descriptions of the world around him. Moving away from conventional historical writing, the book is a psychological study of an individual, his innate qualities, behavioural moves and instinctive affinities. Jahangir’s memoirs reveal deeper facets of him as a person as well as a poet, aesthete, connoisseur of painting and a keen observer of nature, both human and that of the natural world. The author also includes other contemporary literature of the period that narrate Jahangir’s life, such as Akbarnama, Ma’asir-i Jahangiri, Iqbalnama-i Jahangiri, Intikhab-i Jahangiri, Tatimma-i Waqi’at-i Jahangiri and Zakhirat-ul Khwanin, as well as Jesuits accounts and travelogues. He further analyses the influence of European Renaissance art on the history of Mughal paintings. A first of its kind, this book will greatly interest scholars and researchers of medieval history, Indian history, Mughal history, art history, popular culture and South Asian studies, as well as the general reader.

The definitive biography of the eldest son of Emperor Shah Jahan, whose death at the hands of his younger brother Aurangzeb changed the course of South Asian history. Dara Shukoh was the eldest son of Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, best known for commissioning the Taj Mahal as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Although the Mughals did not practice primogeniture, Dara, a Sufi who studied Hindu thought, was the presumed heir to the throne and prepared himself to be India’s next ruler. In this exquisite narrative biography, the most comprehensive ever written, Supriya Gandhi draws on archival sources to tell the story of the four brothers—Dara, Shuja, Murad, and Aurangzeb—who with their older sister Jahanara Begum clashed during a war of succession. Emerging victorious, Aurangzeb executed his brothers, jailed his father, and became the sixth and last great Mughal. After Aurangzeb’s reign, the Mughal Empire began to disintegrate. Endless battles with rival rulers depleted the royal coffers, until by the end of the seventeenth century Europeans would start gaining a foothold along the edges of the subcontinent. Historians have long wondered whether the Mughal Empire would have crumbled when it did, allowing European traders to seize control of India, if Dara Shukoh had ascended the throne. To many in South Asia, Aurangzeb is the scholastic bigot who imposed a strict form of Islam and alienated his non-Muslim subjects. Dara, by contrast, is mythologized as a poet and mystic. Gandhi’s nuanced biography gives us a more complex and revealing portrait of this Mughal prince than we have ever had.

The India They Saw Complete Collection (Vol-1 to Vol-4) (Set of 4 Books) by JAIN, SANDHYA: Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of India's history, culture, and heritage with The India They Saw Complete Collection. Spanning four volumes, this comprehensive collection brings together accounts from various travelers, explorers, and scholars who witnessed the wonders of India across different time periods. Delve into their vivid descriptions, personal narratives, and insightful observations, offering a captivating journey through India's past. Key Aspects of the Book The India They Saw Complete Collection: Multifaceted Perspectives: The collection presents a diverse range of perspectives from travelers and explorers who visited India throughout history. Each volume showcases different accounts, offering a mosaic of narratives that capture India's cultural, geographical, and social complexities from multiple angles. Historical and Cultural Insights: Through the accounts of these travelers, readers gain valuable insights into India's rich history, cultural traditions, and the way of life during various periods. The collection provides a unique window into the past, shedding light on significant events, landmarks, and societal norms that shaped the country. Personal Narratives: The India They Saw brings history to life through the personal narratives of the individuals who experienced the wonders of India firsthand. Their stories, impressions, and encounters offer an intimate glimpse into their journeys, fostering a connection between the reader and the travelers who were captivated by India's allure. Sandhya Jain is the editor and compiler of The India They Saw Complete Collection. As a historian and scholar, Jain has curated a comprehensive collection of travel accounts and narratives, bringing together diverse perspectives on India's rich cultural heritage. Through this collection, Jain provides readers with a unique opportunity to explore India's past through the eyes of those who have traversed its lands throughout history.