Deccan in Transition, 1600 to 1800

This book presents the socio-cultural and historical trajectories of the Deccan plateau as well as the coastal areas of the current states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa. It studies the art of diplomacy by discussing the diplomatic relations between the Marathas and various European companies, as well as the indigenous regional states. The author also probes into the Maratha naval policy, the evolution of a composite Deccani culture and the cultural flux that was taking place within the Maratha country. Through an interdisciplinary lens, the volume examines how caste and gender relations operated, how the idea of dissent was generated as well as the socio-political impact of various linguistic, ethnic and religious groups. Through a study of monuments, sculpture and paintings prevalent in the region, the book also discusses the developments in art and architecture in the Deccan. Rich in archival sources, this book is a must read for scholars and researchers of Indian history, colonial history, South Asian history, Maratha history and history in general.

Umesh Ashok Kadam is Professor of Medieval Indian History & Early Modern History at the Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, and Member Secretary, Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi. He specializes in History of Deccan and Western India. For the last two decades he has been visiting universities in the Netherlands, France, Portugal and the United Kingdom to promote advanced research on the History of Deccan through the 8th to 18th centuries.

Preface. Abbreviations. 1. Instrumenting Power: Maratha Synergy and Diplomacy 2. Maritime Frontiers - Challenges, Conflicts and Collaboration: Establishing Sovereignty at Sea 3. Prospects and Perspectives of Symbiosis: Osmosis of Deccan Society and Culture 4. Efflorescence and Manifestations: Art and Architecture in Deccan 5. Trajectories of Entrepreneurship: Trade and Commerce in Deccan