Recreating the struggle for survival

This book takes stock of the socio-economic conditions of the artisans in 18th-century eastern India

THE ARTISANS IN 18TH CENTURY EASTERN INDIA
A History of Survival
By Vipul Singh
Concept Publishing Company
Pages: 118
Price: Rs 250/-
ISBN: 81-8069-235-3

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This book takes stock of the socio-economic conditions of the artisans in eighteenth-century India, with special reference to the eastern region.

Tracing the history of survival of the artisans in the wake of colonial onslaught, it discusses in detail the colonial policy of monopolisation of production, the gradual demise of artisans’ economic status and their resistance to formidable European companies. It also explores the East India Company’s relations with their European counterparts.

Based mainly on Francis Buchanan’s account, Fort William-India House Correspondence and two vernacular literatures Naqsh-e-Paidar and ­Yadgar-e-Rozgar, the book challenges many cherished notions of prosperity in the second half of the eighteenth century.

This book will be of great use to the researchers, policy makers and development workers.