A History of the Mahrattas

Written by Scots historian James Grant Duff, this 1826 publication describes the history of the Marathi people in India.

James Grant Duff (Author)

9781108073004, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 19 May 2011

524 pages, 1 b/w illus. 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 3 cm, 0.66 kg

One of the many famous 'administrator-historians' of India, James Grant Duff (1789–1858), Captain of the First Regiment of Bombay Native Infantry, first arrived in India as a cadet at the age of sixteen. Quickly mastering the Marathi, Urdu, and Persian languages, Duff became well known for his ability to cut through the cultural divide, and was regarded as a valuable resource for the East India Company's expansion of trade. His wide-ranging network of connections enabled him to obtain unrestricted access to state papers, documents and temple archives. Consequently, Duff's history is comprehensive and thorough; it served as the best history of its kind for decades. More specific than the first, this second volume covers the years 1740 to 1785, focusing on the increasing influence of Europeans, and the political relations between governors of different states and between the native population and the English.

1. From AD 1740, to AD 1749. Operations of the Mahrattas in the Carnatic
2. From AD 1750, to AD 1754. The Peishwa secures Rughoojee Bhonslay in his interest
3. From AD 1755, to AD 1756. The Peishwa's troops, assisted by the English, reduce a part of Angria's territory
4. From AD 1756, to AD 1760. Rugonath Rao proceeds on an expedition to Hindoostan
5. From AD 1760, to AD 1761. Meer Shahabodeen seizes Mooltan and Lahore
6. From AD 1761, to AD 1766. Mahdoo Rao Bullal invested as Peishwa
7. From AD 1766, to AD 1772. Conquest may be too slow as well as too rapid
8. From AD 1772, to AD 1774. State of parties upon the death of Mahdoo Rao
9. From AD 1772, to AD 1775. The Court of Directors appoint a resident envoy to Poona
10. AD 1775. Expedition under Colonel Keating sails for Guzerat
11. From Ad 1774, to AD 1778. The Supreme Council in Bengal assumes the powers of general administration
12. From AD 1777, to AD 1779. Mr. Hornby's minute respecting Mahratta affairs
13. From AD 1779, to AD 1782. Hyder makes himself master of the Mahratta territory, south of the Kistna
14. From AD 1773, to AD 1784. Affairs at the imperial court
15. From AD 1784, to AD 1785. Factions at the imperial court.

Subject Areas: Asian history [HBJF]