Wanderings of a pilgrim in search of the picturesque, during four-and-twenty years in the East; with, Revelations of life in the Zenana. Fanny Parks [Author's name appears in Arabic form]. Publisher: London: Richardson. In 2 Volumes. 1850. The rare book includes several illustrations and offers a British female perspective on Indian life in the 19th century. Fanny Parkes' account of her travels in India provides valuable insight into middle-class British women's views on Indian life. It includes descriptions of the Zenana and Indian domestic life--subjects that are often omitted from male-authored travel texts. Fanny Parks (1794-1875) was born in Conwy, Wales and was the daughter of William Archer, 16th Lancers, and Anne. She married Charles Crawford Parks, writer for the East India Company. Her detailed memoirs are written in a lively style reveal her independence of mind. Parks allows a colonial perspective of India, its peoples and customs, recording changes in Britain's governing of India, the economic impact of such policies and domestic problems in Indian society. What I found interesting in the book is her insight to Hinduism. There are details of Hymns and Engravings of Gods and Goddess including a front piece of Lord Ganesh with the Puja rituals.
Wanderings of a Pilgrim
