Armed with this work, the visitor to India can unravel the mysteries of commonly used words that make perfect sense to locals but can baffle the uninitiated. The entries are full of observations, asides, fascinating literary information and warm wit and the historical roots and context of words. A great read and reference work for the stranger and the local alike, Hanklyn-Janklin has over 2000 entries and growing with each new edition.

Hanklyn-Janklin is intended as background information for the stranger to India, to give meaning to facets of life which otherwise might seem perplexing. It may also be useful to those concerned with Indian affairs, drawing attention to bonds of behavior and language between India and the English speaking world. If it can answer any questions of those who have been in India since birth, I shall be doubly rewarded.