Travelogue by Andrei Krasnov from his Trip to India in the Context of Orientalism

Indian chapters from the travelogue of Russian scientist and traveler Andrei Krasnov From the Cradle of Civilization. Letters from the Circumnavigation (1898) are considered in the context of Orientalism, in accordance with key concepts, set forth by Edward Said. Drawing on the polemic in Western academic circles concerning the supposed specificity of Russian orientalism, that was initiated in 2000 by Nathaniel Knight, the paper analyzes the perception by Andrei Krasnov of Indian culture, as well as colonial activities and attitudes of the British in India. The paper argues that in contrast to the concept of the dichotomy of East and West, which is pivotal for Orientalism, the Russian researcher focuses more on perceived similarities rather than differences between the cultures of the peoples of India and the Russian Empire. The result of this approach is the closing of civilizational gap and the deconstruction of the image of an Indian as the ontological “Other”. From the travelogue, the scientist’s ambivalent position towards the British in India also becomes apparent. He highly appreciates their contribution to the development of the country, but is critical of their attitude towards its population. A conclusion is made about the idiosyncrasy of the perception of Andrei Krasnov and the inconsistency of his reasoning with the paradigm of Orientalism. It is suggested that a close study of the works of Russian authors of the 19th century in the context of Orientalist and postcolonial theories can help better understand not only Russian Orientalism, but also Russian historical identity.