The History of India

A benchmark two-volume history, published in 1841 and the most popular work of its kind among the early Victorian public.

Mountstuart Elphinstone (Author)

9781108056212, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 28 February 2013

646 pages, 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 3.6 cm, 0.81 kg

Appointed through family influence to the East India Company, Mountstuart Elphinstone (1779–1859) arrived on the subcontinent in 1796, quickly learning Persian and developing an interest in Indian civilisation. After postings in Benares, Afghanistan and Poona, he became governor in 1819 of the recently acquired territory that became known as the Bombay Presidency, where he remained until his resignation in 1827. On his return to England, he devoted much of his time to writing and was a founder member of the Royal Geographical Society. This two-volume history, based on a range of Indian sources and first published in 1841, is infused with his lifelong understanding of Indian culture, science and philosophy. A scholarly refutation of James Mill's History, it was the most popular work of its kind among the early Victorian public. Volume 1 contains a topographical introduction and covers the history of the Indian subcontinent to the thirteenth century.

Preface
Introduction
Part I. State of the Hindus at the Time of Menu's Code: 1. Divisions and employment of classes
2. Government
3. Administration of justice
4. Religion
5. Manners and state of civilisation
Part II. Changes since Menu, and State of the Hindus in Later Times: 1. Changes in cast
2. Changes in the government
3. Changes in the law
4. Present state of religion
5. Present state of philosophy
Part III. State of the Hindus in Later Times Continued: 1. Astronomy and mathematical sciences
2. Geography
3. Chronology
4. Medicine
5. Language
6. Literature
7. Fine arts
8. Other arts
9. Agriculture
10. Commerce
11. Manners and character
Part IV. History of the Hindus up to the Mahometan Invasion: 1. Hindostan
2. The Deckan
Appendices
Book V. From the Commencement of the Arab Conquests to the Establishment of a Mahometan Government in India: 1. Arab conquests
2. Dynasties formed after the breaking up of the empire of the califs
3. Sultan Mahmud
4. Other kings of Ghazni and Ghor.

Subject Areas: Asian history [HBJF]