CHAPTER II.
COAL.
My principal
reason for preparing this account is that I find that a considerable
degree of misconception exists as to the extent and value of our Indian
coal fields. At the same time, from the frequency of the inquiries
which have been made of me, I conclude the subject is one which many
regard as being of great interest and importance.
To
India, indeed, it is one of vast imperial importance, since the
development of her natural resources, and the increase of local
manufactures consequent thereon, seem to offer a remedy the most
efficient towards establishing the equalization of the exchange.
Broadly
speaking, it may be said that there are two geologies in India—namely,
that of the Himalayas and that of the Peninsula proper. The former
conforms in character with the recognized classification adopted in
reference to European formations, while the latter differs from that of
any other well-known region in the world.
Several
of the formations occurring in peninsular India spread uninterruptedly
over hundreds of thousands of square miles. It would, in fact, be
possible to mark out areas within the limits of which two of these
formations respectively prevail which would be equal to that of the
British Islands.
On
the present occasion it will be unnecessary to offer any sketch of the
general geology, my object being to direct attention to one formation,
or rather to a system of formations, and to them more particularly in
reference to the coal which they contain.
