Ancient Indian Colonization in South-East Asia c7.2

c7.2

I am deeply thankful to the authorities of this University for having invited me to deliver the Sayajirao Gaekwar Honorarium Lectures. The illustrious person with whose name these lectures are associated has now secured a definite place in modern Indian history and will long be remembered as one of the most enlightened rulers of Indian States during the British regime. I had the rare good fortune of coming into close personal contact with him during a steamer trip from Bombay to Marseilles just a quarter of a century ago, and the impression I formed of his frank and jovial personality during the ten days of our travel is still vivid in my mind. I take this opportunity of paying my humble tribute of respect to his blessed memory. The association of his hallowed name with these lectures as well as the long list of distinguished scholars who delivered them in the past adds to the gravity of my task, and I am fully conscious how unworthy I am to discharge the heavy responsibility that lies on my shoulders. I can only try my best and crave your indulgence for my shortcomings.