Hodgson used much of his time in both Nepal and Darjeeling in research, wanting to discover and understand about the architecture, languages, ethnography, religion, zoology and botany. He collected specimens and manuscripts, and had many drawings made, which he donated to many collections throughout Europe. He was also politically involved during his Residency in Nepal, and also later in England, when he continued to show an active interest in the Indian subcontinent, particularly regarding trade and vernacular education. These Personal Papers reflect these interests and are a record of much of his activity - Hodgson and his wives seemed to have a need to record all his successes. He was also a keen annotator of material, so that most of the printed material also bears his handwritten comments.

"Autograph Book belonging to Susan Hodgson, Alderley Grange, Wotton under Edge" A leather bound autograph book belonging to Hodgson's wife, Susan, in which are placed certificates, diplomas, academic and personal correspondence, newspaper cuttings and extracts related to Brian Houghton Hodgson's life. Leather binding with metal clasp. The book's binding is broken and some pages are loose. Care must be taken when using this item.

Letter from Eugène Burnouf (1801-1852),Société Asiatique, Paris, France, to Brian Houghton Hodgson to thank Hodgson for his offer to purchase Sanskrit and Buddhist texts for the Society. He discusses various points concerning Buddhist literature. Handwritten in French with printed letterhead, 3 sides, dated 7 July 1834. On 4th side, with address, Hodgson has noted "Original letters to be read and returned to me."

Letter from Eugène Burnouf to Brian Houghton Hodgson to inform Hodgson that the Société Asiatique has put aside 1500 francs to buy manuscripts. In particular it would like the Lalitavistara, Pratimokṣa and the Vajraśūcī. Handwritten in French, 3 sides, dated 20 January 1835.

Letter from Eugène Burnouf to Brian Houghton Hodgson to inform Hodgson that the Société Asiatique has put aside further money to purchase objects of importance in the study of Buddhism in Nepal. Handwritten in French, 3 sides, dated 17 February 1836.

Letter from Eugène Burnouf to Brian Houghton Hodgson to express his gratitude for the Hodgson's letter telling of procured manuscripts for the Société Asiatique. Handwritten in French, 3 sides, dated 15 May 1836.

Letter from Eugène Burnouf to Brian Houghton Hodgson to acknowledge the safe arrival of three cases of Manuscripts at the Société Asiatique. A Gold Medal will be struck to honour Hodgson. Handwritten in French with printed letterhead, 2 sides, dated 15 July 1837.

Letter from Eugène Burnouf to Brian Houghton Hodgson introducing Mr. Théroulde, a student of Sanskrit. Burnouf acknowledges the receipt of the copies of Sanskrit Buddhist manuscripts including a magnificent copy of Rakṣābhagavatī. The letter includes names of various famous Buddhist religious texts along with a discourse on Buddhism itself. Handwritten in French, 3 sides, dated 15 July 1837.

Letter from Eugène Burnouf to Brian Houghton Hodgson concerning Sanskrit manuscripts including Burnouf's gratitude for the gift of Prajnāpāramitā and 24 volumes of Manuscripts for the Société Asiatique. Handwritten in French, 3 sides, dated 5 June 1837.

Letter from Eugène Burnouf to Brian Houghton Hodgson concerning Burnouf's intense interest in studying the scriptures sent from Nepal, progress of his Buddhist studies, general philosophical discourse and beliefs related to Buddhism, place of these in the general history of Indian philosophy, progress on the translation of Saddharmapuṇḍarikasūtra, discussions on this text and others including Aṣṭasasrikāprajnāpāramitā, Karaṇyavyūha, Ratnaparikṣā, Mahāvastuavadāna, Dharmakośavyākhyā, Vinayasūtra. Burnouf requests Hodgson to send copies of these scriptures for himself. He writes about a safer address for sending manuscripts to him and informs Hodgson about the Society's Gold Medal which was not yet ready. Handwritten in French, 3 sides, dated 27 [October] 1837.