I was fortunate to have spent my childhood in pre-1947 India, immersed in a leisurely and privileged culture at a time when people did not rely on television and radio for entertainment but enjoyed the company of friends and family for conversation and social interaction. We had a large extended family, going back many generations in India and, as was the custom, we entertained frequently and often had family and friends as house guests to stay. There was much re-telling of old and loved family tales, and new stories were welcome additions to the existing story pool. Gossip, chatter, current affairs debates, ghost stories, songs and parlour
games were our means of passing the time in an enjoyable way.

This book is written in affectionate memory of the Raj of my childhood, which was the only real “homeland” my family had ever known, and of the Indian people who were our work colleagues, neighbours, friends and in some cases relatives.