Sir John Malcolm (1769 - 1830 was a Scottish historian, soldier, and statesman. In 1782 he began working for the East India Company. Malcolm was diligent in learning the manners and languages of the east. He was employed in many important negotiations and held various distinguished posts, being Ambassador to Persia, Resident of Gwalior, and Governor of Bombay. He was the author of several valuable works including Sketch of the Sikh (1812) A History of Persia (1815), Memoir of Central India (1823), Political History of India from 1784 to 1823 (1826), and Life of Lord Clive (1836). His insights into this period in history make for an excellent reference work.