Gloucester History Festival Special #7 - The Myth of Monolithic Empire: England's Fragile Foothold in Mughal India with Nandini Das

History Rage

Venture back to the dawn of empire in this riveting episode of History Rage, where host Paul Bavill is joined by the erudite and impassioned Professor Nandini Das. With her award-winning expertise in early modern English literature and culture, Professor Das delivers a masterclass on the misconceptions of the British Empire and its precarious beginnings in Mughal India.

The Rage Unveiled:

- Professor Das dismantles the myth of a predestined British Empire, revealing its early days as a scrambling startup amidst the opulence of the Mughal courts.

- The astonishing reality of 17th-century England, grappling with internal strife, financial woes, and a desperate search for new markets.

Empire's Uncertain Dawn:

- The East India Company's struggle for survival, navigating the treacherous waters of high-risk investment, Portuguese competition, and internal discord.

- How the company's uncertain future was shaped by the intricate power plays of Mughal emperors, savvy empresses, and the shrewd local rulers of India.

Cultural Clashes and Conquests:

- The overlooked influence of India's rich tapestry of kingdoms and cultures in shaping the trajectory of British expansion.

- The pivotal role of Indian agency in the face of colonial ambition, and the power dynamics that defied the colonial narrative.

Rethinking the Roots of Empire:

- Professor Das urges us to reconsider the origins of the British Empire, challenging the idea of its inevitable success and cultural superiority.

- A call to question the deep-seated assumptions about India that have persisted for centuries, rooted in the insecurities of early English adventurers.

Join us as Professor Das passionately unravels the tangled beginnings of the British presence in India, offering a fresh perspective on the complex interplay of culture, power, and empire. To delve deeper into this rich history, grab a copy of her illuminating book, "Courting India: England, Mughal India, and the Origins of Empire," available through the History Rage bookshop.

For more fascinating insights and to join the conversation, follow Professor Das on Twitter @rentravailer. And don't forget to support the rage that fuels our historical curiosity at patreon.com/historyrage for exclusive perks and the coveted History Rage mug.

Stay informed, stay passionate, and let the rage for truth in history rage on!

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