A Social History of the Deccan, 1300–1761
Eight Indian Lives

A rich narrative history of the Deccan, portrayed through eight Indian lives.

Richard M. Eaton (Author)

9780521716277, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 6 March 2008

236 pages, 16 colour illus. 6 maps 3 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm, 0.42 kg

'In this account of one of the least-known parts of South Asia, Eaton recounts the history of the Deccan plateau in southern India from the 14th century to the rise of European colonialism.' The Times Higher Education Supplement

In this fascinating account of one of the least known parts of South Asia, Eaton recounts the history of the Deccan plateau in southern India from the fourteenth century to the rise of European colonialism. He does so, vividly, through the lives of eight Indians who lived at different times during this period, and who each represented something particular about the Deccan. In the first chapter, for example, the author describes the demise of the regional kingdom through the life of a maharaja. In the second, a Sufi sheikh illustrates Muslim piety and state authority. Other characters include a merchant, a general, a slave, a poet, a bandit and a female pawnbroker. Their stories are woven together into a rich narrative tapestry, which illumines the most important social processes of the Deccan across four centuries. This is a much-needed book by the most highly regarded scholar in the field.

1. Pratapa Rudra (c.1289–1323)
2. Muhammad Gisu Daraz (1321–1421)
3. Mahmud Gawan (1411–81)
4. Rama Raya (1484–1565)
5. Malik Ambar (1548–1626)
6. Tukuram (1608–49)
7. Papadu (1695–1710)
8. Tarabai (1675–1761).

Subject Areas: Social & cultural history [HBTB], Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900 [HBLL], Asian history [HBJF]