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)

9781108022781, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 December 2010

740 pages, 1 map
29.7 x 21 x 3.8 cm, 1.74 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 2 covers the period from the establishment of the Honourable East India Company in 1708 to East India Company Act of 1773, and from this to Pitt's India Act of 1784.

Book IV. From the Establishment, on Legislative Authority, of One Exclusive Company, in the Year 1708, till the Change in the Constitution of the Company, by the Act of 13th Geo. III. Ao. 1773: 1. The constitution of the East India Company, its practical arrangements for the conduct of business, and transactions till the conclusion of the war with France by the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle
2. Origin, progress, and suspension, of the contest for establishing Mahomed Ali Nabob of Carnatic
3. Suraja Dowla, Subahdar of Bengal, takes Calcutta, attacked by an army from Madras, dethroned, Meer Jaffier set up in his stead
4. Renewal of the war with the French in Carnatic
5. First Nabobship of Meer Jaffier
6. Political state of Carnatic
7. Second administration of Clive
8. The Subahdar of Deccan dethroned by his brother
9. Public opinion in England, proceedings in the India House, and in Parliament
Book V. From the First Great Change in the Constitution of the East India Company and in the Government of India, Ao. 1773
till the Second Great Change, by the Act, Commonly Called Mr. Pitt's Act, Ao. 1784: 1. Administration of Hastings, till the time when the parliamentary members of the Council arrived and the operations of the new constitution commenced
2. Commencement of the new government
3. Deliberations on a new plan, for collecting the revenue, and administering justice
4. In Carnatic, relations between the English and Nabob-Plenipotentiary, with independent powers from the King
5. War with the French
6. Financial difficulties
7. Journey of the Governor-General to the Upper Provinces
8. Burdens sustained by the Nabob of Oude
9. Legislative Proceedings from 1773 to 1780.

Subject Areas: Asian history [HBJF]