The Great Exhibition was a display of science, culture and industry held at the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, London.  Between May and October 1851 six million people visited the exhibition.

 

The East India Company was formed in 1600 to deal with trade between England and the East Indies, though they ended up trading mainly with India and China instead.  By the 18th century, the Company had gained military and administrative power over large areas of India.  Following the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the British Crown took control of India (as the newly-formed British Raj) and in 1874 the East India Company was dissolved. 

Nanda Devi is India's second highest mountain.  It has two peaks, with the west summit being the highest.  The name Nanda Devi means 'bliss-giving goddess'.

 

The Juma (or Jama) Masjid in Delhi is the largest mosque in India.  It was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in 1656 and is situated opposite the historic Red Fort, which is also referred to in The Far Pavilions. 

 

Cholera is a disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and can be transmitted to humans through contaminated food or water.  The symptoms of cholera include vomiting, diarrhoea, cramps and dehydration.  If untreated, cholera can be fatal and was a serious illness in the 19th century.  In developed countries it is no longer a major health threat, but is still common in poorer parts of the world.

Cholera factsheet

The sal tree, Shorea robusta, is found in Southern Asia, particularly India, Bangladesh and Nepal.  It can grow as high as 30-35m tall, with a trunk of 2-2.5m diameter.  Sal trees are an important source of hardwood timber used in construction. 

The resin can be burnt as incense and is also used in Ayurvedic medicine.