Apart from that invasion of Tibet, he travelled extensively and kept notes obsessively. In later life he developed an "unhealthy" interest in Eastern philosophy. He ended as a mystic with a penchant for advocating Asian self-rule at the most inappropriate of imperial forums.
Like other players in the Great Game, he spent much time in Kashmir. He used the Valley as a base for expeditions beyond the mountains. His wide-ranging interests gave him an understanding of local mores absent in more buttoned-down gora log. This monograph was one of those quaint collaborations that the Raj produced. The text is studded with the paintings of Major E. Molyneux. Younghusband produced a comprehensive catalogue of the history, geography, ethnicity, hunting prospects ("sport"), administration and land reform of the Valley.
Sometimes he seems prophetic, or perhaps little has actually changed since he wrote this in 1908: "There is latent in [the people] much ability, but they have always prospered most when most subjected to the influences of the great world outside Kashmir. These influences are now strong upon them and their future prosperity will very largely depend on how they meet and profit by them. A weighty responsibility also rests upon the British government that it should guide their destinies aright." Substitute "Indian" for "British" and what price Article 370 and 92 years of turmoil?
