About This Work
The second volume of Beveridge’s monumental history takes a different approach, opening with an extensive ethnographic and cultural study of Hindu civilization before continuing the political and military narrative where Volume I concluded.
Book IV provides a detailed examination of Hindu institutions, religion, government, philosophy, arts, commerce, and social customs. This anthropological section offers valuable insights into 19th-century British understanding of Indian society and culture.
Books V and VI resume the political narrative, covering the critical period from 1765 to 1813. Book V chronicles Warren Hastings’ governorship, the establishment of British administration in Bengal, wars with Hyder Ali and the Marathas, and the creation of the Board of Control. Book VI details the expansion under Wellesley, the final defeat of Tipu Sultan, the Maratha campaigns under Lake and Wellesley, and the consolidation of British power across India.
Contents
- 1 Origin and Classification of the Hindoos
- 2 The Religion of the Hindoos
- 3 The Government of the Hindoos
- 4 Philosophy, Science, Literature, and Fine Arts of the Hindoos
- 5 Agriculture, Manufactures, and Commerce of the Hindoos
- 6 Manners of the Hindoos
- 7 Affairs of the Carnatic
- 8 Alarm from Hyder Ali's Progress
- 9 Arrangements in Bengal
- 10 Warren Hastings
- 11 State of Madras and Bombay
- 12 Financial and Judicial Arrangements
- 13 Rupture with the Mahrattas
- 14 Visit to Benares and Oude
- 15 Macpherson and Lord Cornwallis
- 16 War with Tippo Sultan
- 17 Impeachment of Warren Hastings
- 18 Sir John Shore
- 19 Marquis Wellesley and War with Tippo
- 20 Tanjore, Surat, and Oude
- 21 The Mahratta War
- 22 War with Holkar
- 23 Cornwallis and Barlow
- 24 Lord Minto