Subject
East India Company -- History Books
Best books
J. (John) Biddulph
The Pirates of Malabar, and an Englishwoman in India Two Hundred Years Ago
"The Pirates of Malabar, and an Englishwoman in India Two Hundred Years Ago" by Colonel John Biddulph is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the perilous lives of English traders in India during the age of piracy, particularly focusing on the challenges they faced, including their entanglements with notorious pirates who ravaged the Indian coasts. The narrative is positioned during a time when the East India Company was still establishing its trade routes and grappling with the threats posed by both European and local pirates. The opening of the book sets a vivid scene of the turbulent waters of the Indian seas, painting a picture of piracy as a significant threat that plagued trading vessels, leading to great loss of life and cargo. It outlines the dangers encountered by traders, from encounters with mutinous crews to the perils of piracy, highlighting events such as the violent theft of ships and personal narratives of traders like Mrs. Gyfford. The text establishes a backdrop of historical events that shaped the precarious lengths merchants went to build their fortunes, intertwining their stories with the legacies of infamous pirates and the tumultuous political landscape of the time.
William Watts
Memoirs of the Revolution in Bengal, Anno Dom. 1757
"Memoirs of the Revolution in Bengal, Anno Dom. 1757" by Watts is a historical account written in the mid-18th century. This work details the political upheaval and conflicts involving the East India Company, the forces of a newly appointed Suba (governor) named Suraja Dowlat, and other European powers in Bengal. The book explores the critical events surrounding the rise of Meer Jaffeir to power, as well as the impact of British actions and policies during this tumultuous period. At the start of the memoirs, Watts outlines the conditions leading to the revolution, emphasizing the extraordinary circumstances that made this upheaval crucial for both the East India Company and British interests in the region. He introduces Suraja Dowlat, who, upon ascending to power, displays violent hostility towards the British, spurred by a mix of personal ambition and misguided counsel. The initial events depict Dowlat's aggressive actions against the English in Calcutta, his subsequent challenges, and the political machinations that ensue as various factions vie for power and influence in Bengal, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of colonial dynamics and conflicts in the unfolding narrative.
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