In 1886, renowned Bengali author T.N. Mukharji was selected by the Government of India to assist in the curation of the "Indian Empire" display within the Colonial and Indian Exhibition that was to be held in the South Kensington Museum in London. The Colonial and Indian Exhibit of 1886 was held by the Prince of Wales in order to showcase the elite power of the British Empire. During his visit to Europe Mukharji developed a travelography which recorded his personal experiences while in Europe. The travelogue acts as social commentary on the ignorance held by British citizens, and the strange misguided interest many of them have in cultures outside of their own. While upholding a high level of respect for the British Empire Mukharji did not shy away from expressing areas of concerns he found within London. Due to his education Mukharji was able to comment on the disparities between India and Europe. He takes notice that the demeanor exhibited by Europeans traveling outside of their country is vastly different than how they presented themselves when back home. He noted that the Europeans he previously encountered in his life often exuded a disposition of entitlement and "false imperialisms", which many perform under the guise of religious observance. 

Mukharji stated "London is the city in the center of the earth" since it acted as the central point of commerce internationally. Although he played a large role in the curation of the "Indian Empire" exhibit he couldn't help but feel somewhat embarrassed by its display. He takes note to how fascinated visitors were and being able to witness artifacts and visitors from the East, which included Mukharji who was not exempt from heavy stares even though he himself was not part of the exhibit. He discusses the astonishment many visitors had when realizing that India had produced great technological advancement worth of being recognized just as much as British engineering. 

Although being recognized as part of the empire during his visit, Mukharji always separated himself from his host, and remains centered in his "native" depiction that he knows he and those outside of the country are labeled under. He discusses how unlike India, other countries such as China and Japan had already broken from the mold of being considered "native" and held a great voice and power in regards to international commerce and their relationship with the empire. The journal focused deeply on the intricacies of the exhibition, and by doing so explained the socio-economic status of India. Mukharji openly condemns London for attempting to hide their misdeeds and colonization of other countries under the false pretenses of friendship and mutualism.

 Source: A Visit to Europe