Memoir of William Watts McNair, Late of "Connaught House," Mussooree, of the Indian Survey Department, the First European Explorer of Kafiristan

Memoir of William Watts McNair, Late of "Connaught House," Mussooree, of the Indian Survey Department, the First European Explorer of Kafiristan is a book written by J. E. Howard. This book tells the story of William Watts McNair, a surveyor who worked for the Indian Survey Department and became the first European to explore Kafiristan. The book is a memoir that not only recounts McNair's adventures and achievements but also provides insights into his character and the context of his times. McNair's journey to Kafiristan was a remarkable feat that took place in 1883, where he traveled in disguise as a native doctor and gathered valuable information about the region and its people. The book also contains McNair's own account of his journey, which was read before the Royal Geographical Society, as well as discussions and comments from other experts and colleagues who knew him. The book is not just a story of exploration but also a tribute to McNair's life and work, highlighting his bravery, dedication, and passion for his job. It also touches on the wider context of the Indian Survey Department and the challenges faced by surveyors and explorers during that time. Through McNair's story, the book sheds light on the complexities of colonial-era exploration and the relationships between British explorers and the local populations they encountered. Overall, the book is a fascinating account of a lesser-known chapter in the history of exploration and a testament to the enduring legacy of William Watts McNair.