PREFACE

I am happy to bring out this Facsimile Reproduction of Poona District Gazetteer (Third Volume), which was first published in 1885 by the British Government in the series of Gazetteers of the Bombay Presidency. This Volume was edited by Mr. James M. Campbell, I. C. S. This encyclopaedic volume compiled 106 years ago has now become scarce and has gone out of print. The second revised edition of the Poona District Gazetteer was published in a single volume by this department in 1954. However, the utility of the Gazetteers in the Old Series is still undiminished because they contain authentic and very useful information on several aspects of life, and have the impress of profound scholarship and learning. They have not lost their utility due to the mere passage of time. It was, therefore, felt necessary to preserve this treasure of knowledge for posterity. There is also a good demand from scholars that all the Old Gazetteers should be reprinted, even though a revised edition is available. With these considerations in view, it was thought that the Gazetteer Volumes in Old Series should be reprinted. I am sure, scholars and studious persons will find them very useful.

It may be pertinent to state that a totally rewritten Marathi edition of the Pune District Gazetteer is being brought out by us.

I am thankful to the Director, Government Printing and Stationery, Shri P. S. More and the Manager, Government Photozinco Press, Pune, Shri A. C. Sayyed and other Staff in the Press for expeditiously completing the work of reprinting.