Hindusthanno Arvachin Itihas Part 03

This Jain text, titled "Hindusthanno Arvachin Itihas Part 03," authored by Champaklal Lalbhai Mehta and published by Gujarat Vernacular Society, is the third volume of a history of modern India. This particular volume, "British Riyasat" (British Dominion), is a translation and adaptation of Govind Sakharam Sardesai's work in Marathi, with modifications by Champaklal Lalbhai Mehta. It was first published in 1911 with a thousand copies printed.

The book is dedicated to Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad of Baroda, who had previously gifted Rs. 5000 to the Gujarat Vernacular Society, leading to the establishment of the "Maharaja Shri Sayajirao Gaekwad Granthamala" (Library of Maharaja Shri Sayajirao Gaekwad). This collection has published various historical and informative books, including this one.

The preface emphasizes the importance of understanding one's national history and aims to address the lack of comprehensive historical information in the Gujarati language, particularly regarding India. While acknowledging that school-level books are abundant, the author seeks to provide a deeper historical perspective that stimulates critical thinking and a desire for further knowledge.

The text is based on the third volume of Govind Sakharam Sardesai's Marathi work, focusing on the history of India from an Indian viewpoint. Mehta clarifies that it is not a direct translation but an adaptation with necessary changes to suit the local context and time. He also apologizes for any inconsistencies in word usage and potential errors due to unforeseen reasons.

The book meticulously lists the primary and other referenced books, primarily historical accounts and reports related to India, trade, and the East India Company.

The table of contents indicates a chronological and thematic approach to Indian history, starting from ancient trade routes and progressing through the establishment of European powers:

• Chapter 1: Ancient Trade Activities: Covers early trade, trade routes, the role of Egypt and Phoenicians, Jewish traders, Alexander the Great's trade policies, Roman efforts, Iran, and Arab trade.
• Chapter 2: Early European Ventures: Discusses Italian republics, Crusades, the Hanseatic League, travels of Rubruck and Marco Polo, the blockade of Eastern trade, the discovery of sea routes to America and India, and the key to ancient questions.
• Chapter 3: Ancient History of Malabar: Focuses on the importance of Malabar, its ancient history, its people (Brahmins and Nayars), Muslims, Christians, and the Mahamakham festival, as well as the Zamorin of Calicut.
• Chapter 4: Establishment of the Portuguese State (Pre-1515): Details the rise of Portugal, Prince Henry the Navigator, voyages of Dias and Calumbus, Vasco da Gama's journeys, Pedro Cabral's voyage, the second voyage of da Gama, Francisco de Almeida, and Albuquerque's early works and fall of Goa and Malacca.
• Chapter 5: Portuguese Rule in India (1510-1640): Continues the narrative of Portuguese administration, their successes and failures, trade policies, and their decline.
• Chapter 6: Discussion of Portuguese Rule's Pros and Cons: Critically analyzes Portuguese administration, their trade strategies, their luxuries, their cruelty, the Inquisition, missionary efforts, and the benefits derived by others from Portuguese mistakes.
• Chapter 7: History of the Dutch: Covers their early history, rule over the East Indies, conflicts with the English, the Amboyna massacre, negligence in seeking revenge, their oppression, and their decline.
• Chapter 8: Establishment of the East India Company (1600): Discusses the discovery of America and the Pacific Ocean, the first circumnavigation, Queen Elizabeth's sailors, Father Stephen and Ralph Fitch, the formation of the company, its first meeting, and the charter acquisition.
• Chapter 9: Regular Voyages and Sir Thomas Roe (1600-1620): Details European companies, English voyages, conflicts with Portuguese, efforts towards China and Japan, Sir Thomas Roe's appointment and journey to India, the Mughal court's situation, the draft treaty and discussions, and the benefits of these endeavors.
• Chapter 10: System of Joint Companies and Related Difficulties (1614-1658): Covers Charles I and the company, Surat's factory, the origin of Madras, the start of English factories in Bengal, Cromwell's arrangements, employee salaries, and private trade.
• Chapter 11: Establishment of Mumbai and Company's Prosperity (1658-1688): Details the founding of Mumbai, its first three governors, the lifestyle of company employees, and the prosperity of trade.
• Chapter 12: Greed for Establishing Rule (1688 onwards): Discusses the consequences of aggressive trade, political situations, the establishment of Calcutta, war with Aurangzeb, and the state of Madras.
• Chapter 13: Conflict between Regulated and Unregulated Trade Factions: Covers piracy, the establishment of a new company, disputes between the two companies in India, Sir William Norris's embassy, negotiations for their merger, the conference, and the groundwork for future empire.
• Chapter 14: History of the French (up to 1740): Outlines the work of the French and English, their initial efforts, the difference between them, and the establishment of Martin and Pondicherry.
• Chapter 15: Preparations on the Carnatic Battlefield (1739-1744): Details preparations for war, the arrangement of the Mughal administration in Carnatic, friendship between Chanda Sahib and the French, Maratha incursions into Carnatic, correspondence between Raghoji and the French, and Dupleix's influence in Carnatic's disturbances.
• Chapter 16: First War in Carnatic (1744-48): Covers the war between the English and the French, Lally's administration in Bourbon, Madras surrendering to Lally, the Battle of St. Thome, Lally's end, the conclusion of the war, and its aftermath.
• Chapter 17: Second War in Carnatic (1748-1754): Discusses the involvement of the English in Indian conflicts, the unity between Muzaffar Jang and Chanda Sahib, the victory of the two sides and the French, Dupleix's ambitions, Clive's earlier life, the siege of Arcot, and Chanda Sahib's end.
• Chapter 18: French, Nizam, and Marathas (1751-57): Covers Busby's influence in the Nizam's court, the Marathas' ultimate objective, the end of Dupleix's administration, Gadehu and Dilery, and Dupleix's politics.
• Chapter 19: Third War in Carnatic (1756-63): Details the capture of Vijaydurg fort, Busby, the Nizam, and the Northern Sarkar province, Lally's arrival and his obstacles, the conflict between Lally and the English, Lally's failure, and a critique of the French decline.
• Chapter 20: Siraj-ud-Daula and Bengal (1756): Covers the new Nawab of Bengal, Alivardi Khan, misuse of customs duties, reasons for Siraj-ud-Daula's anger, the fall of the Cossimbazar factory, the expulsion of the English from Calcutta, the "Black Hole" incident, and the English recapture of Calcutta.
• Chapter 21: Plassey - English Rule in Bengal (1757-1760): Details the fall of Chandernagore to the English, the arrangement to depose the Nawab, the Battle of Plassey, discussion of Plassey and English success, commentary on English victory and indigenous weakness, and the deposition of Mir Jafar.

The book serves as a historical account of India's modern history, focusing on the establishment and expansion of European powers, particularly the Portuguese and the British, and their interactions with Indian rulers and societies. It delves into the economic motivations, political strategies, and military conflicts that shaped the subcontinent's trajectory.