The History of British India

James Mill's often harshly critical History of British India is a classic example of early-nineteenth century philosophical political history.

James Mill (Author)

9781108022774, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 December 2010

692 pages, 1 map
29.7 x 21.1 x 3.5 cm, 1.63 kg

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 of the Company into a joint-stock, instead of a regulated, company, in 1612, till the formation of the third joint-stock, in 1631–2
3. From the formation of the third joint-stock, in 1632, till the coalition of the Company with the Merchant Adventurers in 1657
4. From the coalition between the Company and the Merchant Adventurers, till the project for a new and rival East India Company
5. From the project of forming a new and rival company, till the union of the two Companies by the award of Godolphin, in the year 1771
Book II. Of the Hindus: 1. Chronology and ancient history of the Hindus
2. Classification and distribution of the people
3. The form of government
4. The laws
5. The taxes
6. Religion
7. Manners
8. The arts
9. Literature
10. General reflections
Book III. The Mahomedans: 1. From the first invasion of India by the nations in the north, till the expulsion of the Gaznevide dynasty
2. From the commencement of the first Gaurian dynasty, to that of the second Guarian or Afghaun dynasty
3. From the commencement of the second Gaurian dynasty, to the commencement of the Mogul dynasty
4. From the commencement to the close of the Mogul Dynasty
5. A comparison of the state of civilization among the Mahomedan conquerors of India, with the state of civilization among the Hindus.

Subject Areas: Asian history [HBJF]