This is an objective and well-documented reinterpretation of the French presence in India during one of the most critical and decisive periods of Anglo-French global relations. A stimulating study based on a careful combing of not readily accessible archival sources as well as contemporary and current printed materials, it unfolds the real nature of French objectives in India in the backdrop of French global policy after 1763. As the author extensively documents, French policy was uniquely non-imperialistic in India after the Seven Years' War. The prevailing belief that the Anglo-French confrontation in India was primarlily a conflict for an Indian empire has been clearly revealed for what it always was: a myth.
"'Myths and Realities of French Imperialism in India, 1763-1783' is a higly significant and authoritative study which, in its totality, has never yet been attempted. The book will be useful to specialists as well as to historians and students interested in the history of modern imperialism and India. No comparable work exists in English, French or German." (Radomir V. Luza, Tulane University)
"'Myths and Realities...' successfully explores the complex realities of mid-1700s subcontinent politics and the interplay of French, British, and the Native States' policies, while exposing the many misconceptions of French motives. Das' monograph provides both an excellent, detailed survey of the historiography of imperialism in India and a strong critique of the many, more casual historians of French activities in India during this period." (Terrance L. Lewis, Southern University at New Orleans)
"The prose moves briskly, and the book is a good read,...this monograph is an illuminating reinforcement from the Indian perspective." (Bruce P. Lenman, The Internationl History Review)
"'Myths and Realities...' successfully explores the complex realities of mid-1700s subcontinent politics and the interplay of French, British, and the Native States' policies, while exposing the many misconceptions of French motives. Das' monograph provides both an excellent, detailed survey of the historiography of imperialism in India and a strong critique of the many, more casual historians of French activities in India during this period." (Terrance L. Lewis, Southern University at New Orleans)
"The prose moves briskly, and the book is a good read,...this monograph is an illuminating reinforcement from the Indian perspective." (Bruce P. Lenman, The Internationl History Review)