Les Civilizations De L’inde

This illustrated book with over 350 engravings and photogravures, authored by the French polymath Gustave Le Bon (1841-1931), was published in 1887.

Gustave Le Bon was sent to India by the Ministry of Public Instruction (now, Ministry of National Education), Government of France, to methodically research and report on the arts and culture of the Indian subcontinent. This project culminated in the publication of this book based on Le Bon’s photographs, watercolour paintings, and documents. The book is divided into six substantial sections, and provides in-depth studies of the subcontinent’s climate, topography, inhabitants, monuments, science, art, literature, and languages.