This volume presents a comprehensive statistical overview of Bengal as it existed in the mid-19th century, focusing on its demographic, economic, and social structures. W. W. Hunter, a prominent figure in British India's administrative and intellectual circles, compiled this work based on extensive official records and surveys. The book aims to provide a detailed and systematic account of the region's population, agriculture, trade, and societal conditions, serving as a foundational document for understanding colonial India.

As a historical reprint, this volume is valued for its preservation of primary source material from the colonial era. The original work by W. W. Hunter is recognized for its detailed statistical approach to understanding Bengal. Readers and scholars interested in the history of India, particularly the British Raj, will find this a significant resource for demographic and economic studies. The publisher's note indicates potential quality issues due to the age of the original text, a common characteristic of such historical reprints.