In 1940 B. S. Guha, Member of the Zoological Department, Government of India while undertaking anthropometrical studies in the North West Frontier, encountered many difficulties in accomplishing the desired task. He informed Aurel Stein about them who instead urged Guha to take similar studies in Kashmir.

“As you referred in a previous letter to material difficulties about carrying on serious anthropometrical work on North West Frontier. I might call your attention to the interesting field for such work which Kashmir would offer. Historical evidence more available there than elsewhere in India as contained in Sanskrit records reaching back into comparatively early historical times, shows that the population of Kashmir contains a considerable admixture. Up to the present, serious anthropometrical work has not been done in Kashmir. From the investigation made by me when at work on the annotated translation and analysis of Kalhana’s Rajatarangini (published in 1900 in two volumes), I became aware that the recollection of clan distinctions is still well traceable in the Muhammaden population of the main valley and probably also in adjacent parts.

“It is a field which ought to attract a competent student. Perhaps some day you might turn your attention to this climatically attractive field. As you know Kashmir is now easily accessible as any part of India and the difficulties which work in the outlying parts of NWF would not be met here.” - Sir Aurel Stein.

(in a letter dated August 25, 1940 by Sir Aurel Stein to B. S. Guha.) Stein Mss 82, Bodleian Library, Oxford.

Guha responded with optimism.

“I am glad to receive your letter of August 25. Your suggestion of carrying out an anthropometric survey of Kashmir is admirable one and as you rightly remarked, in many cases history and clans of Muslim families even can be traced. Since my investigation in Kaffiristan I have been wanting to go to Kashmir and complete the survey of this part. Unfortunately want of funds has so for stood in my way. If and when more money is available I shall certainly think of Kashmir to complete my own survey of NWF as well as for the very weighty reasons you have mentioned about Kashmir.” - B. S. Guha.

(in a letter dated September 4, 1940, by B. S. Guha to Sir Aurel Stein.) Stein Mss 82, Bodleian Library, Oxford.

Stein impressed upon Guha that the work needs to be done with critical care and thoroughness.

“It is all the more important that it should be worked with critical care and thoroughness as historical information about the origin and movements of people of India is so very poor for the earlier periods. It is very pleasant to note that the interest offered by Kashmir for anthropometric survey has attracted your attention. Such a survey, even if carried without great elaboration is bound to prove useful just because there is fortunately in Kashmir more historical knowledge available than in most parts of India.” - Sir Aurel Stein.

(in a letter dated September 16, 1940 by Sir Aurel Stein to B. S. Guha .) Stein Mss 82, Bodleian Library, Oxford.