Himalayan Journals — Complete Informative Summary

Overview:

This book is a fascinating account of Joseph Dalton Hooker’s travels in the Himalayas and the Khasia Mountains in the late 1800s. Hooker, a renowned botanist, meticulously documented his observations of the natural world, including flora, fauna, and the indigenous peoples he encountered. He details his arduous journeys, the challenges of traversing steep mountains and treacherous terrain, and the unique beauty he found in the diverse landscapes. The book is not only a testament to Hooker’s scientific expertise but also provides a glimpse into the diverse cultures and customs of the Himalayan tribes, offering a window into their daily lives, traditions, and beliefs.

Hooker’s observations, ranging from the delicate flora of the alpine regions to the bustling markets and religious practices of the local communities, create a rich tapestry of the Himalayan world. He meticulously records the geography, geology, and natural history of the region, offering insights into the unique characteristics of the Himalayan ecosystem. His accounts of the different tribes, their cultures, and interactions with the British government provide a fascinating look at the complexities of colonial India.

Key Findings:

Botany of the Himalayas: Hooker offers a detailed description of the diverse flora of the Himalayas, highlighting the unique and fascinating plant life found at different altitudes. His observations demonstrate the impact of altitude, climate, and geological formations on plant distribution. He also notes the presence of plants commonly found in Europe, America, and other regions, suggesting a complex history of migration and distribution.
Glacial Action and Geology: Hooker’s observations of glacial moraines and terraces provide insights into the significant role of glacial action in shaping the Himalayas. He delves into the geological formations of the region, noting the presence of sandstone, gneiss, granite, mica schist, and other rock types. He proposes theories regarding the formation of terraces and the impact of glaciers on the landscape, contributing to our understanding of the region’s geological history.
Himalayan Tribes and Customs: The book delves into the diverse cultures of the Himalayan tribes, describing their unique customs, beliefs, and ways of life. Hooker provides detailed accounts of the Lepchas, Limboos, Bhoteeas, and other tribes, highlighting their distinct languages, traditions, religious practices, and economic activities. He also explores their interactions with the British government and the complexities of the colonial era.
Thuggee and Other Crimes: Hooker encountered the remnants of the Thuggee system in India and details his meeting with captured Thugs, Dakoits, and poisoners. He offers insights into the inner workings of these criminal organizations, their beliefs, practices, and the methods employed by the British government to suppress them.

Learning:

Plant Distribution and Adaptation: Readers will gain a better understanding of how plant life adapts to diverse environments, including the influence of altitude, climate, and geological formations. Hooker’s observations highlight the fascinating mechanisms by which plants thrive in extreme conditions.
The Power of Glaciers: Hooker’s observations and insights into glacial activity offer readers a detailed understanding of the role glaciers play in shaping the landscape, creating valleys, depositing moraines, and contributing to the geological evolution of the Himalayas.
Himalayan Cultures and Customs: This book provides a unique glimpse into the diverse cultures and traditions of the Himalayan tribes, offering insight into their religious beliefs, social structures, economic activities, and daily lives. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the rich cultural landscape of the Himalayas.
The Impact of Colonialism: Hooker’s accounts of his interactions with the various tribes, the British government, and the Rajah of Sikkim offer insights into the complexities of colonial India, exploring the dynamics of power, cultural differences, and the impact of British policies on the lives of the local communities.
Thuggee and Criminal Activity: Hooker’s accounts of the Thuggee system and other criminal activities prevalent in India provide readers with historical context for the societal challenges faced in India during that era.

Historical Context:

Hooker’s journey took place during a period of significant change and development in India. The British East India Company was exerting increasing control over the region, and the British government was beginning to establish its presence through its colonial policies. The book captures the tension and complexities of this period, depicting the interactions between the British and the local communities, the impact of colonialism on the diverse cultures of India, and the emergence of new political dynamics.

Facts:

Lac Insect and Plant: The lac insect produces a red dye from several different plants, including Butea frondosa, Celtis, and the Peepul.
Camels: Camels are rarely found east of Calcutta due to the damp climate.
Kunker: Kunker is a nodular concretionary deposit of limestone found in the alluvial soil of India, used for road mending.
Paras-nath Mountain: Paras-nath, located in eastern India, is a sacred mountain for Jains.
Jainism: Jainism is a religion that emerged in India around the sixth century BCE, emphasizing non-violence and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Soane River: The Soane River, historically known as the Eranoboas, is believed to be named for its agates, known as “Soane pebbles.”
Rotasghur Fort: Rotasghur Fort, a prominent hill fort in India, was one of the last forts to be wrested from Baber in 1542.
Thuggee: Thuggee was a criminal organization prevalent in India that committed murders and robberies on travelers.
Benares Observatory: Built by Jey-Sing, Rajah of Jayanagar in the 18th century, the observatory in Benares is a significant example of Indian contributions to astronomical science.
Poppy Cultivation: The East India Company granted licenses for poppy cultivation and contracted for all the opium produced, a practice that significantly contributed to the company’s revenue.
Opium Production: Opium is produced by slicing poppy capsules and collecting the sap. The opium is processed in Patna and manufactured into balls for the Chinese market.
Mudar Plant: The mudar plant (Calotropis) has two species, one with white flowers and the other with purple flowers. The properties of the two species and their effectiveness as medicine remain debated.
Cosi River: The Cosi, a major Himalayan river, is known for its high volume and the amount of detritus it carries into the Ganges, causing significant disruptions to navigation.
Tea Plantation: The tea plant was introduced into the Himalayas by the British, and its cultivation has become a significant part of the region’s economy.
Mechis: The Mechis are an indigenous tribe found in the Terai region of the Himalayas. They are known for their resilience and ability to thrive in the malarious climate.
Outer Himalaya: The outer Himalayan ranges are characterized by steep slopes, dense forests, and numerous waterfalls.
Tree-Fern: Tree-ferns are a prominent feature of the outer Himalayan forests, with one species, Alsophila gigantea, reaching elevations of up to 7,000 feet.
Bamboo: Bamboo is a versatile plant, used for building materials, crafting utensils, and even making a fermented drink. Different species grow at various altitudes, each with unique properties.
Lepchas: The Lepchas are the indigenous people of Sikkim, known for their peacefulness, skill as mountaineers, and distinctive attire.
Limboos: The Limboos are another Himalayan tribe who once ruled East Nepal and are known for their martial prowess.
Moormis: The Moormis are a Tibetan tribe primarily found in Nepal, known for their pastoral and agricultural practices.
Yaks: The yak is a domesticated animal found in the Himalayas, prized for its milk, hair, and its ability to thrive in harsh conditions.
Bhoteea: The term Bhoteea refers to Tibetans living in the Himalayan regions of Nepal and Sikkim.
Murwa Beer: Murwa beer is a fermented drink made from millet, a popular beverage among the Himalayan tribes.

Statistics:

Kinchinjunga Elevation: Kinchinjunga, the highest mountain in the world at the time of Hooker’s journey, stands at 28,178 feet above sea level.
Donkia Elevation: Donkia, another prominent peak in the Himalayas, rises to 23,176 feet above sea level.
Chumulari Elevation: Chumulari, a sacred mountain in the Himalayas, is 23,929 feet high.
Highest Observed Sunlight Intensity: Hooker recorded a maximum sunlight intensity of 10.572 inches on the Yangma valley at 15,186 feet elevation.
Highest Temperature of Earth: Hooker recorded a temperature of 77° at a depth of 4 feet 6 inches, in the shade of trees, indicating a significantly higher mean temperature than in other areas.
Opium Production in Patna: Patna produces 1,353,000 opium balls annually for the Chinese market.
Rainfall in the Khasia Mountains: The Khasia mountains receive an extraordinary amount of rainfall, averaging 100 to 150 inches annually.
Annual Tea Plant Distribution: The Bhagulpore Horticultural Gardens distributed a vast quantity of seeds and vegetables, including over 189,000 plants in the four years between 1836 and 1840.
Population Growth in Dorjiling: Dorjiling experienced a rapid increase in population from a mere hundred inhabitants in 1840 to over four thousand in the early 1850s.
Thuggee Statistics: One Thug confessed to having participated in 931 murders, while the least guilty of those examined admitted to 24 murders.
Average Fall of the Ganges: The Ganges falls an average of one foot per mile from Benares to its junction with the Hooghly.
Height of Sand Pillars: Sand pillars formed on the banks of the Ganges by wind can reach heights of 70 to 80 feet.
Average Height of Pao Bamboo: The “Pao” bamboo in Sikkim can grow to heights of 40 to 60 feet, with culms as thick as a man’s thigh.
Maximum Height of Tree-Fern: The Alsophila gigantea tree-fern in Sikkim reaches heights of up to 40 feet.
Upper Limit of Palms in Sikkim: Palms in the Sikkim Himalayas reach a maximum elevation of 6,500 feet, with only the “Rhenoul” palm (Plectocomia) growing at this height.
Number of Bamboo Species in Sikkim: The Lepchas are familiar with nearly a dozen kinds of bamboo found at various elevations in Sikkim.
Altitude of the Wallanchoon Pass: The Wallanchoon pass in Nepal reaches 16,764 feet above sea level.
Altitude of the Kanglachem Pass: The Kanglachem pass in Nepal is situated at an elevation of about 16,500 feet.
Height of the Donkia Pass: The Donkia pass in Tibet is estimated to be over 17,000 feet high.
Temperature of the Teesta River: The Teesta river’s temperature at its junction with the Great Rungeet is about 60.5° in comparison to the warmer Rungeet’s 67.5°.
Ovis Ammon Size: The Ovis Ammon, or wild sheep, can stand four to five feet high and measure seven feet from nose to tail.
Yak Value: The average value of a yak in the Himalayas is between two and three pounds.
Distance of the Cosi River: The Cosi river, as seen from the summit of Tonglo, is more than 100 miles distant.

Terms:

Terai: A low, malarious belt that skirts the base of the Himalayas, characterized by dense jungle vegetation.
Kunker: A nodular concretionary deposit of limestone found in alluvial soil, used for road mending.
Ghat: A steep pass or road that leads down from a higher elevation, often used for accessing river valleys or plains.
Jungle: A dense, tangled forest, typically characterized by a variety of trees, shrubs, and vines.
Tope: A grove of trees, often planted near villages or temples.
Durbar: A court or assembly of a Rajah or other ruling figure, often used for receiving guests and conducting official business.
Lama: A Tibetan Buddhist monk or priest.
Goompa: A Tibetan Buddhist monastery or temple.
Chait: A small square pedestal topped with a hemisphere and cone, erected as tombs for Lamas or as monuments to important figures.
Mendong: A wall decorated with slabs of stone or clay bearing inscriptions, often found near temples or along sacred paths.
Mani: A prayer-wheel, usually containing inscribed prayers, turned by hand or by water.
Jos or Fo: A Tibetan Buddhist deity, similar to the Boodh figure.
Moraine: A ridge of rock and debris deposited by a glacier.
Yak: A large, long-haired bovine animal found in the Himalayas, often used as a beast of burden.
Zobo: A crossbreed between a yak and a hill cow, also found in the Himalayas.
Bhoteea: A Tibetan living in the Himalayan region of Nepal and Sikkim.

Examples:

The Cholera Tree: A peepul tree by the roadside near the Burkutta River, known for a tragic incident involving a decimated infantry detachment.
The Hot Springs of Soorujkoond: Four hot springs located near Belcuppee, emerging from gneiss rocks and reaching temperatures of up to 190°.
Rotasghur Fort and Palace: A fortified hilltop overlooking the Soane Valley, once a stronghold of the rulers of India.
The Opium Godowns of Patna: Large warehouses in Patna used to store, process, and manufacture opium for the Chinese market.
The Mechis of the Terai: A resilient tribe who have adapted to the challenging environment of the Terai region, living by annually burning jungle and cultivating the cleared lands.
The Cane Bridge: A simple but ingenious bridge constructed from Calamus canes, used for crossing rivers in the Himalayas.
The Lepcha’s House: A water-tight dwelling made from banana leaves or bamboo, crafted by Lepcha men with their trusty knives.
The Praying-Cylinder: A device used by Tibetans for offering prayers, either turned by hand or by water.
The Human Thigh-Bone Trumpet: A musical instrument made from the bone of a deceased Lama, used in religious ceremonies.
The Murwa Beer: A fermented drink made from millet, often offered to travelers by the locals.
The “Ek-Powa-Ghat”: A treacherous, one-foot-wide pass in the Kymore range, a testament to the rugged nature of the Himalayas.
The Wild Peacock: The wild peacock is found in the Himalayan jungles and produces a call similar to that of the domesticated peacock.
The Wild Sheep: The Ovis Ammon, or wild sheep, is a large and powerful animal found at high altitudes in the Himalayas.
The “Do-Mani” Stone: A large rock engraved with the words “Om Mani Padmi om,” considered sacred by Tibetans and a reminder of the spiritual significance of the region.
The “Song-Boom”: A unique stone structure used for burning juniper incense, found near a chait in Yoksun.
The Tiger’s Claws: Tigers leave behind distinctive claw marks on trees, evidence of their presence in the Himalayan forests.
The “Peepsa” Sand-Fly: A small black insect found in Sikkim, known for its painful bites.

Conclusion:

Joseph Dalton Hooker’s “Himalayan Journals” provides a captivating account of his explorations in the Himalayas and the Khasia Mountains. His detailed observations of the flora and fauna, coupled with his insights into the diverse cultures and customs of the Himalayan tribes, offer a unique perspective on these fascinating regions. The book showcases the resilience of plant life in challenging environments, reveals the power of glacial action in shaping the landscape, and explores the complexities of the social and political dynamics of colonial India. Hooker’s journey through this rugged terrain, often facing hardship and danger, is a testament to his scientific curiosity and the enduring allure of the Himalayan world. His meticulously documented observations and insights provide valuable information about the geography, geology, and natural history of the Himalayas, offering a fascinating glimpse into the rich and diverse world he encountered.

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