A unique and highly entertaining dictionary and source book written in Victorian India. Jungle, bungalow, pyjamas, tiffin, rickshaw, veranda, curry, cheroot, chintz, calico, gingham, mango, junk and catamaran are just some of the words which have crept into the English language from the days of the Raj. Hobson-Jobson (derived from the Islamic cry at the celebration of Muhurram 'Ya Hasan, ya Hosain') is shorthand for the assimilation of foreign words to the sound pattern of the adopting language. It is an essential book for all who are interested in English etymology and the development of the language and a must-have for the Indophile's library.