The Anarchy Hardcover – 10 September 2019

It’s a book I wanted to read

one of best book I have read...

liked this book immensely even though there is a lot to read(500+ pages). Well-written, with absorbing pics.Highly recommended.

I went into this book a little bit leery because of the title; I was not looking for an anti-capitalist rant, but the title suggested that it might be one. In fact I was pleasantly surprised at how even-handed he put every party's failings and successes equally on the page. For every atrocity committed by the British, plenty were committed by Indians against each other. There were peaceful and cultured Mughal rulers and ocasionally British Reagents, and there were also horrible and bloody minded tyrants on both sides. There is also great beauty in the descriptions of the better parts of Mughal culture, and the solid morality of the British when it came to honoring their vanquished foes, hat in hand. Neither side comes out particularly clean, but both are fighting for what they believe in.This is a fascinating, wide sweeping story of epic proportions - battles of empires, armies, merchants together with palace intrigue, defections and betrayal. Alliances continually forming, falling apart and switching sides as pragmatic rulers shift to adapt the ever changing situations. It's no spoiler to say that the British eventually conquered over all, and remained in charge of India until 1947. This is the story about how a commercial trading empire laid the foundation for the coming of the British Raj, and the final sunset of the once great Mughal empire, which had already started to crumble from within upon the arrival of European traders in the mid-1700s.In this book one comes to realize just how fragile any country really is, and it does not take a lot for the dominos to topple. There are many parallels to today's geo-political climate, and indeed to just about any time period in human history. The sands are ever shifting, and we have been very lucky to live in a time of relative peace and prosperity compared to most of human history. This books shows just how little it takes for that to change.I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in world history, the history of the British Empire and the history of India. Come with an open mind.

Cultura general

The Anarchy: The East India Company, Corporate Violence, and the Pillage of an Empire by William Dalrymple is a meticulously researched and compellingly written historical account that delves into the rise and fall of the East India Company (EIC). Here are the key aspects of the book:Historical InsightDalrymple provides a vivid and detailed narrative of the EIC, from its inception as a modest trading entity in the early 17th century to its transformation into a powerful corporate juggernaut that controlled vast swathes of India. The book chronicles the period from 1599, when the EIC was established, to 1803, when it conquered Delhi, marking the beginning of British colonial rule in India.Corporate Exploitation and ViolenceThe title "The Anarchy" reflects the chaotic and violent period in Indian history during which the EIC exploited local rivalries and leveraged its growing military power to establish dominance. Dalrymple highlights the corporate greed and ruthless tactics employed by the EIC, emphasizing how it operated more like a predatory private enterprise than a traditional colonial power. The book underscores the devastating impact of the EIC's policies on Indian society, economy, and polity.Personalities and PoliticsDalrymple brings to life a range of historical figures, from EIC officials like Robert Clive and Warren Hastings to Indian rulers such as Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II and Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula. He examines their motivations, strategies, and the interplay of personalities and politics that shaped this tumultuous era. The narrative is enriched by Dalrymple's use of primary sources, including letters, diaries, and contemporary accounts, which provide authenticity and depth.Literary StyleDalrymple's writing is both scholarly and accessible, making "The Anarchy" suitable for both academic audiences and general readers interested in history. His storytelling prowess keeps the reader engaged, and his ability to contextualize historical events within broader social and economic trends adds layers of understanding.Critical Reception"The Anarchy" has been praised for its thorough research, balanced perspective, and engaging prose. Critics have lauded Dalrymple for shedding light on a critical but often overlooked aspect of colonial history and for his ability to convey the complexities of this period in a nuanced manner. The book has also sparked discussions about the legacy of colonialism and the role of corporate power in shaping world history.William Dalrymple's "The Anarchy" is a masterful account of the East India Company's rise to power and its profound impact on India. It offers valuable insights into the mechanisms of corporate exploitation and the historical consequences of unchecked corporate power. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of India, colonialism, and the dynamics of corporate imperialism.

Dieses Buch erzählt die Geschichte der Ostindischen Kompanie von ihren Anfängen bis zum Jahr 1803 als Delhi erobert wurde. Schwerpunktmäßig geht es um die Zeit seit der Eroberung von Kalkutta durch den Nawab von Bengalen 1757. Die Entwicklung der Gesellschaft von einem Handelsimperium zum größten Landbesitzer Indiens und die letzten Jahre der Mogul-Dynastie.Muss man lesen.