Travels in Beloochistan and Sinde, Book
published 1816
By Henry Pottinger
In 1816 author Henry Pottinger published a book about finding a route between India and Persia(present day Iran) between 1810-1814. Pottinger was employed and a lieutenant in the East India Company for this mission.
Of course writing about the ancient hashish route, there are some amusing tales to be found.
“The habits of these people are indolent in the extreme, and they are fond of smoking Bhung (cannabis sativa) and other intoxicating drugs, and loitering away their time in idle amusements. Although very well inclined to be civil to strangers, it is difficult to appreciate that quality in them, as their curiosity is so great, that they will not hesitate to walk into your most private apartments, and will even feel and examine the cloths on your back: another peculiarity of manner amongst them is, that they never, or at least very seldom, ask any questions. I have seen a Noomree come, uninvited, into our house at Bela, and after sitting two hours in a room crowded with people, go out without having uttered on syllable.”
Travels in Beloochistan and Sinde By Henry Pottinger, 1816
Title page
Page 30
1930s India – Holy Man Smoking Pipe