European Trade and Colonial Conquest: Volume 1

by Biplab Dasgupta

Overview

This first of three volumes focuses on the evolution of Bengal's economy and society before colonisation beginning from pre-historic days. With no documented or authentic history of Bengal, the author examines oral history, bringing us a study that uncovers the roots of the many issues in the colonial and post-colonial eras.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781843310280
Publisher:	Anthem Press
Publication date:	06/01/2005
Series:	Anthem South Asian Studies
Edition description:	First Edition, First ed.
Pages:	406
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.20(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Biplab Dasgupta (1940–2005) was Editor of NANDAN magazine. Until his retirement, he was Professor of Economics at Calcutta University, and founder–director of the Centre for Urban Economic Studies there. He was formerly a Member of Parliament (of the Lok Sabha from 1989 and the Rajya Sabha from 1994). He has worked for various UN organizations, including ILO, UNESCO and UNRISD.

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Introduction; PART I: Up to 1204: 2. Evolution of the State; 3. Emergence of Cities: Up to 1204; 4. Communities, Culture and State Power; PART II: 1204-1757: 5. Political History (1204-1757); 6. State Power and Land System Under the Turko-Afghans; Appendix A; Appendix B; 7. Cities: the Period Between 1204 and the Mid-sixteenth Century; 8. Communities, Cultures and State Power; PART III: 1620-1757: 9. Political History; 10. Bengal in the Middle Ages, as Seen Through Foreign Eyes; 11. The Portugese in Bengal; 12. Trade in Pre-Colonial Bengal; 13. Palashi: the Inside Story of a 'Fixed' Match; Notes; Glossary; Bibliography; Subject Index; Author Index

Editorial Reviews

'A valuable resource for those concerned with the economic basis of the European colonial conquest of India.' —Jose Abraham, 'American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences'

'Recommended: wide-ranging.' —'Choice'

From the Publisher