In this episode, Revanth speaks about the late 18th, early 19th century Scottish surveyor Francis Buchanan with Prathik and explores what appears to be a diversity in his careers. He discusses his cartography, antiquarianism, statistical work, historiography, and life as ambassador. This episode shows the reliance of the survey work upon the efforts and inputs of the native plant collector, artist, and labourer. Thanks to the several layers of knowledge-building there are some thoroughly entertaining stories here: of a king riding a horse into a waterfall and Buchanan tempted by Karnataka women, who are to him especially voluptuous.
[The cover art illustration is a recreation of Buchanan being carried on palanquin.]
