The history of the French in India has received far less scholarly attention than that of other European nations; English historiography, in particular, has often treated it as no more than a preliminary to the extension of British power. In addition, work hitherto has tended to focus on the trade with Europe, not the Asian trade - the 'country trade' carried on within Asia; the full importance of this trade for the Dutch and British is now being recognised. This book represents the first sustained study of French activities in Asian trade, and fills this gap in the historiography.

Catherine Manning

Contents: Introduction; Maps; The Asian scene: politics and trade, 1700-50; The French Company, 1664-1748; The French community in India; French country trade: the Company and the private traders; The French partner; The European and Christian partner; The Indian partner; The Westward routes; The Eastern routes and inland trade; From trade to war; Conclusion; Appendices; Bibliography; Index.