| Summary: |
The Introduction describes the scope of the Thesis and the sources which have been consulted. In this latter connection, the whole question of the origin of the Silsilat-al-Tawarikh and of the identity of Suleyman the merchant have been discussed de novo. In the first Chapter, on Geography, the writer's knowledge of Southern India and of the Dravidian languages has been fully utilised. Chapter II deals with Ethonology. Chapter III deals with kings and kingdoms of Southern India. The much debated identity of a king called 'Balhara' has been dealt with at length, fresh arguments being adduced. Chapter IV deals with the products of Southern India. It should be mentioned that in translating the works of Arab Geographers, manuscripts have been consulted which add to the information contained in the published books, notably in those of de Goeje.
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