Starting from the Geo-Political situation and early history of Tibet, the book gives a brief account of the geography and history of the other Himalayan Kingdoms - Sikkim, Bhutan and Nepal and the various wars fought in these regions during 18th and 19th centuries. It ,then, gives a detailed account of the British interest in Central Asia highlighting overall British policy-objectives which were directed towards ensuring that Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Burma and of course Tibet remain in British influence. The `Peace Mission' of 1903 ultimately turned out to be a powerful Military Expedition of 1904 for which necessary planning was already in place. The Sappers and Sikh Pioneers constituted the majority of the force, and a Sapper General was in command. The force had to foot-slog a distance of 400 miles from Siliguri to Lhasa over one of the most difficult rugged terrains in the world. Above all, the Commanding General invented the wheel for the Tibetans to fight his battle of logistics. It was a meticulously planned and magnificently executed military operation of British Empire.
