Indian Antiquary Vol 61

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple, Charles E A W Oldham, S Krishnaswami Aiyangar, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarka
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 69

MARCH, 1932 ]
MISCELLANEA
59
Although the site selected for occupation was on the northern side of the harbour, and therefore on Camorta Island, the new settlement was, by Home Department Resolution No. 2016, dated 25th April 1871, directed to be called after the better known island (Nancowry) facing it, which had, moreover, given its name to the harbour formed by the two islands.
A glance at the map of the three islands of Camorta, Nancowry, and Trinkat shows that the settlement was planted in the south-east corner of the first-named island, and that it canbraced an area of about 500 acres.
(To be continued.)
MISCELLANEA. SIR AUREL STEIN'S RECENT EXPERI. Aurel had distinctly oxprerad a desire to have ENCES IN CHINESE TURKESTAN.
Associated with him a Chinese scholar and a topoWhen concluding his introduction to the detailed grapher if competent men could be found. He record of his third expedition of exploration in then returned to his base in Kashmir to complete Central Asia, Kansu and Eastern Iran (1913-16). his own arrangements. The Government of Indin Sir Aurel Stein added that his thoughts had ever gave him the usual cordial support, deputing tried since turnod longingly to those far-off deserts and assistante, including his old and trusted companion mountains which had seen the most cherished Khan Şahib Afråzgul Khan. Though fully realizing portion of his life's work. The preparation, how that his ultimate success would depend upon the ever, of his monumental works, Serindia and
attitude of the loenl administration, he wrote at Innermost Asia, and other activities, including
the end of June 1930, full of hopeful anticipation, exploration in Waziristan, and N. Baluchistan,
that the start was planned for early in August. Upper Swat and Buner, and in Makran, JhAlawan Bofore, however, he was quite half way to tho and Khårån, so prognant of important resulte,
Chinese frontier he received information that not to speak of adverse political conditions, prevent
entry into Hsin-chiang had been forbidden by the ed the completion of the further investigations Chinese Government. To meet the ostensible he had not before himself. When, with the support
ground for an agitation carried on by a section of of Harvard University and the British Museum,
the Chinese Press, he had meanwhile offered to and the sanction of the Chinese Government, he give a formal undertaking not to remove any ancient once more crossed the Påmir passes in August objects from Chinese territory without the previous 1930, his delight at the prospect of resuming his consent of the Government. On &rrival in October inquiries will be realized by all who know his charac. at Kashgar, where arrangements were to be mado tor. A sense of personal regret and sympathy
for his work, he was held up. Repeated telegraphie with him in the poignant disappointment he had applications to the provincial headquarters elicited sustained was felt by all Oriental scholars when
an invitation to proceed personally to Urumchi the telographic news arrived that he had been to discuss arrangements. This meant & caravan compelled by the attitude of the Chinese Govern- journey of at least six weeks, and the loss practically ment to return to Indis. Readers of this Journal of a whole working season. Further negociatio. will bo interested to know the circumstances leading ensuod, and ultimately sanction was obtained to up to this decision and the nature of the work he follow & route round the southern edge of the succeeded in accomplishing ponding the abortive Taklamakan, which would enalle certain ancient negociations that were carried on. Information sites to be visited on the way to Urumchi: but now received from Sir Aurel himself enables us to
it was not till the end of November thuc he was state the facts briefly.
able to start for Khotan. A definite official assurance With a view to expediting the grant of the
had been received that he would be allowed necessary authority for the work in Hsin-chiang
to "work" on the way, but a subordinate Chinese and Inner Mongolia, Sir Aurel visited Nanking,
official was to accompany and assist him. By and in May 1930, at the recommendation of the
the time he reached the small oasis of Domoko British Minister, the Chinese Minister for Foreign
(previously visited by him in 1901, 1906, 1908 Affairs sanctioned the issue to him of a passport
and 1913), which lies about 70 miles east of Khotan, authorizing him to trace and closely to investigate
on the way to Keriya, overt obstruction commenced, ancient remains in those areas, the object and scope of the work being set forth in a memorandum
and the magistrate of Keriya intimated that he submitted through our Minister and explained in
had received instructions to prohibit digging or some detail at an interview. The passport was making of plans at ruined sites. At Keriya Sir understood to authorize also such survey work Aurel was laid up for a fortnight by an attack of as might be found necessary for the task. Sir bronchitis, and it was not till February that 1