After a long absence of more than two years from Kashmir, Aurel Stein was yet again on his beloved Mohand Marg in the summer of 1912. Here he was given a special warm welcome by the people who were attached to his old domain. With all the activity on the meadow gratifying and auspicious, the nomad of Mohand marg, Aurel Stein was enjoying the unfettered life in his tent when a mail bag brought the news of knighthood for him. It was a letter from the Viceroy informing him about his inclusion in the Queen’s honour list. It announced a KCIE for him. Lord Hardinge’s personal letter sent from the Viceregal Lodge, Simla, which was brief and crisp, reached Stein in his tent - the emblem of his freedom on June 16, 1912.
“I have great pleasure in informing you that upon my recommendation the King Emperor has been pleased to appoint you as KCIE.” - Lord Hardinge of Penhurst.
(in a letter dated June 1, 1912, by the Viceroy, Lord Hardinge to Aurel Stein.) Stein Mss 83, Bodleian Library, Oxford.
This followed with bundles of congratulatory letters and telegrams sent to Stein by his well-wishers and friends.
“Hearty congratulations upon your elevation to Knighthood. I am sure you can gauge the feelings of an old pupil in congratulating his professor upon one of the highest distinctions of the Indian Empire. May you live long to enjoy this and other higher distinctions is the prayer.” - Hari Krishen Kaul.
(in a letter dated June 14, 1912, by Hari Krishen Kaul to Aurel Stein.) Stein Mss 88, Bodleian Library, Oxford. |
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Letter of the Viceroy,
Lord Hardinge |
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“I am delighted to get your kind note and am much obliged for the kind words you have written. Please do not address me as Pandit Sahib. I am the same old pupil of yours - the same Hari Krishen. Although we have not met for a long time yet my feelings of affection and respect due from an Indian Vidyarthi to his teacher have always followed you in your remotest travels.
I hope I may one of these days have a chance of paying my respects to you.”
- Hari Krishen Kaul.
(in a letter dated July21 ,1912, by Hari Krishen Kaul to Aurel Stein.) Stein Mss 88, Bodleian Library, Oxford.
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Obverse of the envelope of Lord Hardinge's letter |
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Reverse of the envelope of Lord Hardinge's letter showing
lacquer seal |
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