India in the travel notes of the Russian missionary Archimandrite Andronicus (Elpidinsky)

Abstract

The article reconstructs the portrait of India, as it is seen by a representative of Russian culture, basing on the book of Archimandrite Andronicus (Elpidinsky) «Eighteen years in India», notes of a missionary devoted to the description of India in the first half of the 20th century. Despite the elements of subjectivity and Archimandrite Andronicus’ individual perception, this book gives a clear idea of the culture, everyday life, religion, customs and attitudes of Indians that existed in this country in the early to mid 20th century.