Two Monsoons: The Life and Death of Europeans in India

by Theon Wilkinson

"It is my hope that these fragments from the past will give an insight into the life and death of Europeans in India in the last three centuries . . . another aim of the book has been to further . . . the preservation and restoration of a few of the historically important [European] cemeteries . . .".
The book’s title Two Monsoons reflected the fleeting life expectancy ( two monsoon seasons) of the early Europeans in India and contains delightful cameos of their lives – and deaths.

256 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Robin Braysher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a surprising little book. On the face of it, it's a rather niche volume on the graves and epitaphs of Europeans in India from the earliest days to the end of the Raj. What you actually get is a sweeping overview of the European experience (not just British) and their interactions with the locals through their lives - but mainly - deaths. It covers all classes, from viceroys to the children of humble soldiers and it is hard not to be moved by many of the tragic deaths, even if many of their activities now seem distasteful. The book is enlivened by much background detail and context - which is why it is such a good little book - although as the author was born in India and later served with the Gurkhas he is clearly on familiar ground. The book has a splendid map (huzzah!) and has charming drawings by Bill Smith of many of the graves. The book has useful appendices too, one on the local funeral customs and the other on searching for 'Indian' ancestors which I am sure would still be useful, in spite of the age of the book (my copy was published in 1976).

And who knew that the much lauded William Wilberforce can take some of the blame for the Indian Mutiny/First War of Independence?