Anderson, David, 1750-1828 (Diplomat, East India Company)
Dates
- Existence: 1750 - 1828
Biography
David Anderson (1750-1828) was an East India Company diplomat born in Edinburgh. Both David and his brother James Anderson (1757-1833) were close associate of Warren Hastings (1732-1818), the first British Governor-General of Bengal, Hasting’s inner circle being known for their interest in Indian and Muslim culture and heritage. David matriculated at the University of Edinburgh in 1762, studying Humanities under Professor George Stuart (no graduation recorded). By 1767 he was in India, employed as an EIC “Writer”. By 1769 he was an assistant to George Gustavas Ducarel in (Purnea district), by 1772 he held the position of Factor, assistant to the EIC Political Resident at Murshidabad where he appears to have risen through the ranks over the subsequent years. In 1782 he negotiated a peace treaty between the Marāthās and the EIC, with Madho Rao Pundit Purdhan, in Scindia. He then remained in Scindia as Political Resident until 1785 when he returned to Britain on the same ship as Hastings. He was later a witness for the defence at Hastings’ impeachment trial, and purchased St Germain House (East Lothian).
Upon his death David Anderson bequeathed 113 manuscripts to the University of Edinburgh Library in Persian (104 items), Arabic (6) and Hindustani (3). His collection indicates practical concerns such as the gathering of information on the history of India, and informing himself on letter writing and elegant composition, but also an interest in Persian literature (particularly poetry of a Sufi nature) and some interest in Hinduism. It includes a number of items translated from Sanskrit to Persian.
Found in 3 Collections and/or Records:
تأريخ شمشير خانی Tā'rīkh-i shamshīr-khānī, 1090 A.H., 1679 C.E.
This is a copy of an abridgement of the Shāh-nāmah of Firdawsī, compiled with a connecting narrative in prose by Tawakkul Beg, son of Tūlāk Beg al-Ḥasanī. The history begins with the reign of Gayūmars̱, and is brought down to the Sāsānians, descendants of Ardashīr-Bābagān.
Illuminated frontispieces.
شاه نامه Shāh-nāmah, undated copy (original text composed 10th-11th cent. C.E.)
A complete copy of the Persian "Book of Kings" and epic poem, the verse written by Abū'l-Qāsim Firdawsī ca. 329-410 A.H. (940-1019 C.E.), over two volumes OR MS 268 and 269. The first volume is injured in its first half.
Headings in black or red.
Numerous later additions have been made on the margins.
شاه نامه Shāh-nāmah, undated copy (original text composed 10th-11th cent. C.E.)
A complete copy of the Persian "Book of Kings" and epic poem, the verse written by Abū'l-Qāsim Firdawsī ca. 329-410 A.H. (940-1019 C.E.), over two volumes OR MS 268 and 269. The first volume is injured in its first half.
Headings in black or red.
Numerous later additions have been made on the margins.