northern India. It was a critical moment in the history of the Moghul empire. Everywhere there was a spirit of unrest. The old empire that had so long maintained its nominal grasp over all northern India was rapidly falling to decay. Internal dissensions had weakened its hold, while on the one hand the Mahrattas and on the other a crowd of western nations were knocking at its gates. It was a fascinating drama that was played before the eyes of Haji Mahomed Moshin as he travelled from city to city, showing him the beginning of that great transition which was to change the face of Hindustan.
Not content with his Indian experiences Mahomed Mohsin travelled far beyond the limits of the Moghul empire. Reaching Arabia, he made pilgrimages to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, thus gaining for himself the title of Haji which has ever since been coupled with his name. Continuing his journey he made his way through Persia, Turkey and Egypt performing pilgrimages to many of the most sacred Moslem shrines, his visits to them strengthening the strain of piety and religious enthusiasm which had always been inherent in his nature. At Najaf, then a famous seat of oriental learning, he spent some time enjoying the society of the company of scholars, whom the fame of the place had attracted there.
For twenty-seven years he continued his travels in Hindustan, Arabia, Persia, and Central Asia, meeting
