The History of British India [Paperback]

James Mill's often harshly critical History of British India is a classic example of early-nineteenth century philosophical political history.This History is a classic of its time, established as the standard reference work of British Imperialism. An example of Benthamite 'philosophical history', it uses criticism of ideas and institutions rather than anecdotal human history to create an empirical conception of how historical records relate to the improvement of government.This History is a classic of its time, established as the standard reference work of British Imperialism. An example of Benthamite 'philosophical history', it uses criticism of ideas and institutions rather than anecdotal human history to create an empirical conception of how historical records relate to the improvement of government.James Mill's three volume History of British India was published from 1817 to 1818 and became an immediate success. A friend of Jeremy Bentham and a follower of utilitarianism, Mill focuses more on historical processes than human interest. He uses extensive sources rather than first-hand experience to create, as his preface claims, an 'objective' yet 'critical' history, often making harsh judgements of the country and its people within the context of a wider theoretical framework. He also criticises the British involvement in India and the process of conquest, colonization, and administration, the intention being to encourage the reader to a greater understanding of historical processes, ideas, and institutions with a view to encouraging thorough reform. Volume 1 examines the history from first encounters of the British in India to the formation of the Honourable East India Company in 1708, with studies of the Hindu and Muslim people and religions.Book I. Commencement of the British Intercourse with India: 1. From the commencement of the efforts to begin a trade with India, till the change of the Company from a regulated to a joint-stock company; 2. From the change ofló¬