Advanced Study In The History Of Modern India

An analytical and critical account of the political history of early modern India from 1707 to 1813. The narrative shatters the contention of contemporary European writers that it was 'the dark age' of Indian history, characterised by 'political anarchy and misgovernment', until the British brought it under their sway. The main thesis of the author is that the period was marked by two distinct phases; the first phase, which lasted from 1707 to 1760, saw the rapid disintegration of the Mughal power and its replacement by the Maratha hegemony. Meanwhile, the English traders turned colonialists, after consolidating their hold along the Indian seacoasts and conquest of 'Carnatic' and Bengal, challenged the Maratha hegemony. The second phase of developments was thus marked by the struggle for supremacy between these two powers. The author makes use of contemporary English and Marathi sources and the intensive researches of modern historians to portray a compact picture of their findings in the form of a text book for the benefit of the degree students. Historical facts are reinterpreted through illuminating expositions, refreshing characterisation of historic personalities, and objective assessment of events and movements. Together with maps, a select bibliography, glossary and an elaborate index, the volume makes a rich contribution to the advancement of modern historical literature.

An Advanced History of Modern India has been designed for undergraduate students as well as those preparing for the Civil Services Examinations at both, the central and state levels. It is a daunting task to write a book of this kind when dynamic changes have occurred in the last three decades in the in the historiography of modern India, including the advent of Subaltern Studies, that has changed our perspective completely. This user-friendly textbook attempts to weave the known facts of history with the unknown, and thus foster a spirit of enquiry among its young readers. Apart from political history, due emphasis has been laid on socio-economic changes, administrative innovations, cultural ferments and the trials and tribulations of nationalist movements. Due importance has also been given to the post-independence era that led to the emergence of a new India vibrant with a fresh lease of life. Adequately illustrated with maps, this volume also contains a detailed chronology, biographical notes on distinguished personalities, a list of Congress sessions including names of Presidents, Prime Ministers, Presidents and Vice-Presidents of independent India as well as an exhaustive bibliography.

The book (in threevolumes) was first published in 1971, and has beenextensively revised and updated with the new findings wherever thrown up by thecurrent researches. It covers the entire period of the Indian History from 1707to 1947. All the available primary and secondary published works have beenjudiciously used to make account authentic and dependable. Efforts have beenmade to give refreshing interpretations and throw up new ideas here and there toinspire the imagination of those who would like to go deeper into the subject.