Land and Local Kingship in Eighteenth-Century Bengal

Delve into the intricate world of 18th-century Bengal with Land and Local Kingship in Eighteenth-Century Bengal by John R. McLane. Published by Cambridge University Press in 2002, this comprehensive study spans 372 pages, offering a deep exploration of the zamindari system and its dual roles during a transformative period marked by the decline of the Mughal Empire and the emergence of British dominance.

McLane meticulously examines the complex dynamics of zamindari rent extraction, the methods of coercion employed by landed chiefs, and the cultural significance of gift-giving in this historical context. This book is essential for anyone interested in the social history of India, the intricacies of local governance, and the broader implications of colonialism in South Asia. Enhance your understanding of this pivotal era with McLane's insightful analysis.