Chatterjee analyzes how writing over the period of a century justified and was affected by the introduction and extension of British domination of India, demonstrating the link between written representations and the ideological, economic and political climate and debates. By showing how the representations of Britons in India, Indian religion and society and government evolved over the period 1740 to 1840, the author fills the gap between the early colonial 'exotic East' and the later 'primitive subject nation' perceptions.

Amal Chatterjee has taught at the universities of Glasgow in the Department of Adult and Continuing Education and Exeter.

Acknowledgements PART 1: INTRODUCTION AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Introduction Historical Background PART 2: THE BRITISH IN INDIA Traders Soldiers Administrators PART 3: INDIAN RELIGION AND RELIGIOUS CUSTOMS Religion Sati Thugs PART 4: INDIAN SOCIETY, GOVERNMENT AND RULERS Indian Society and Indians Indian Government and Rulers Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan PART 5: CONCLUSION Conclusion Endnotes Bibliography Index