The French in India 1763-1816

The present work based principally on unpublished records, French and English, is the first attempt to write a comprehensive history of the French in India, 1763-1816. The period was less thrilling in dramatic interest than the time of Dupleix, Bussy and Lally, but nevertheless of great historical importance, since it was during these years that the political destiny of India was talking a new shape. The principal object of the present work is to carry on the story of Anglo-French rivalry in India from the point where it is generally supposed to have ended to the time when it really came to a final close. But while putting emphasis on the political projects, intrigues and actual military efforts of the French to retrieve their fortunes in India, sufficient attention has also been given to the internal history of the French settlements, including administration, economic condition and trade and commerce. The work is thus a comprehensive history of the French in India for the period under review, and not merely an account of the later phase of Anglo-French hostilities.