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"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 Maharaja of Nepal to Brian Houghton Hodgson asking for an appointment for an important and secret meeting to be held in the palace after midnight. Handwritten in Khas or Parbuttia language, 1 side, dated 10 November 1841.

Placard sent by Premier Pushkar Shah of Nepal to Brian Houghton Hodgson. This takes the form of an open appeal addressed to the eldest prince (jethāsāhebjyū), prepared and distributed on the streets of Kathmandu in the name of an army battalion stationed in the capital by the anti-British and anti-Hodgson group of courtiers of Nepal; details the historical conflict and conspiracy between Bhimsen Thapa and Ranajang pande (Thapa-Pande conflict); the climax of this conspiracy in the court of Nepal; a list of 18 courtiers belonging to a so-called British supporter group known as an anti-national element and whom it says should be punished by the death penalty; accusation of the destruction of Nepal, the siphoning off of national wealth to British India and making Nepal a puppet of the British rulers in India; suggestion that there should be a mass execution of that so-called group of British supporters. Mentions Hodgson's Muslim mistress's nickname 'MusĪ dwāre' and her spying activities for Hodgson and the group of British lobbyists in the court of Nepal. Hodgson is addressed derogatively as "Harcanyā thāru musalmān phirangī " translated as 'stupid Hodgson, a Tarian or Indian of low class, a Muslim or untouchable or anti Hindu, an European traveller come with greed'. Names of royal relatives including high ranking Coutariyās (collateral brothers of the ruling monarch) namely Phatyajang Shah, Guruprasad Shah, Pushkar Shah, Badriban Shahi and ministers and courtiers including Ranajor Thapa, Singhabir Pande, Ranagambhir Pande, Birkeshar Pande, Kalu kaji, Abhiman Rana, Balanarshing Kunwar, Kirtibir Karki, Juddhabir Bohara, Gagansingh Khabas, Dalamardan Thapa, Kanaksingh Basnyat are included in the list of so-called British supporters and anti-nationals. Hodgson's title description in English on top and back side of the placard read as "Placard of February 41 received from Choutara Pushkar Shah on 14 Feb. 1842" (top) and as "Placard of Feb. 42 given me by the Premier." (back). Handwritten in Nepali on hand-made paper, 1 piece, dated 14 February 1842

Letter from the Raja of Bettiah to Brian Houghton Hodgson with best wishes and thanks for helping to restore the hereditary title and related power of the Raja (riyāsat of Bettiah) from the British Indian Government, which were previously ignored by the Commissioner of Patna; request for further help in order to restore the rights over lands and territory of the Hathuwā area from the disputing local hereditary feudal lords known as Chatradhārī sāhī jimidār by approaching Mr. Charles Tucker Shaheb, local British administrator; history of the dispute over two generations between the Raja of Bettiah and these feudals over the hereditary rights to certain lands and territory in the said area; information on earlier efforts towards a settlement by sending Mr. (Robert) Ferguson Saheb, collector of Bettiah. There is also an accompanying note from Hodgson explaining the letter on what had perhaps acted as the envelope. Handwritten in Hindi with Hodgson's note in English, 2 pieces, dated [1838].

Translation of a letter from King Rajendra, Maharaja of Nepal, to the Right Honorable Lord Ellenborough, Governor-General of India, to ask the Governor-General to use his powers to persuade Hodgson not to retire to England but to continue in his role in Nepal. Handwritten, 1 side, dated August-September 1843.

Letter from the Maharajah of Nepal (Crown Prince Surendra) to Brian Houghton Hodgson on his leaving Nepal. He sends best wishes for personal wellbeing and progress, praises Hodgson for his knowledge and its benefit to Nepal, the Nepalese and the rulers of Nepal and also for maintaining peace and friendship between British India and Nepal. He acknowledges Hodgson and Bhimsen Thapa's role in maintaining a smooth relationship between British India and Nepal; both powers are claimed to be the great governments (badā sarkār) in the region. Hodgson's note on the back of the letter stating "Rajah of Nepal's farewell letter to B. H. Hodgson" but Surendra was not the King of Nepal at the time of Hodgson's departure from Nepal - he was acting only as Crown Prince. Handwritten in Hindi with official stamp, Hodgson's note in English, dated December 1843.

Letter from Queen Rajyalaxmi of Nepal to Brian Houghton Hodgson in which she expresses her appreciation of Hodgson's help during a difficult time in Nepal, and asks for further guidance, suggestions and help for the personal benefit of herself and her two sons. She makes a request for action needed in favour of her and sons before Hodgson's departure and states her total dependence on Hodgson and the British government. She praises the East India Company and its government and expresses her feeling of deep insecurity caused by internal dispute in the court of Nepal and even more by the news of Hodgson's departure from Nepal. Hodgson's note in English on the top of the letter states "Queen's letter to me at parting, Dec. 43". Handwritten in Nepali, 1 side, dated December 1843.

Copy of an article from the "Friend of India, 25 September 1843" in praise of Hodgson's service to Nepal. On reverse side is a copy of the "Address of H. Torrens, Esq., Secretary Asiatic Society" on the occasion of Brian Houghton Hodgson's resignation which again praises the work that Hodgson has carried out. Both handwritten, 2 sides, Friend of India article dated 25 September 1843.

Extract from the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal (No. 62, N.S.) to report on the Proceedings of the Asiatic Society for February 1844. The monthly meeting on the 6 February had been an occasion on which Members were afforded an opportunity to express their sentiments on the departure of Hodgson. Printed material, 1 partial copy of 3 sides, 1 fuller extract which includes more details of Hodgson's life and works, 4 sides. Also printed testimonials to Hodgson from the Journal for October 1844, printed material, 8 sides.

Letter from Pahalman (servant) to Brian Houghton Hodgson in which he gives an eyewitness report from Nepal after the seizure of power by Jang Bahadur in 1846. He congratulates Hodgson on his marriage (to Anne Scott) in England. He writes about Nepal's preparations for a war to be fought by the next year with Tibet etc. (Susan Hodgson's title description of this letter in the Autograph Book of Brian Hodgson refers to Pahalman as a servant in Nepal (back page of IXVI). However, from the content, language and style of writing of the letter it seems that Pahalman was not just a regular household servant, but rather a quite literate person either from northern India or possibly from Nepal Tarai. The letter also states that Pahalman was intending to leave Nepal but was advised by his son living in India to stay that year and wait until Hodgson came back from England. Thus Pahalman is likely to be a staff member at the British Residency in Kathmandu who was employed by Hodgson during his tenure and close to Hodgson and his family.) Handwritten in Khas (Hindi), 2 sides, dated [1853-1854]. With accompanying envelope, handwritten in English.