This book deals with, the modern period of Indian history. Effort has been made in
this book to lay emphasis on forces, movements and institutions rather than on military
and diplomatic events and on individual administrators and political leaders. The 18th
century society, economy and political system have been discussed at length in order to
indicate the social situation which enabled a company of foreign merchants to conquer
this vast land. The nature and character of British imperialism, its impact on the social,
economic and administrative life of India, and the Indian response have also been dealt
with in detail. FinalJy,the strengthening of the idea of nationhood in the country and the
development of a countrywide struggle against foreign rule, culminating in the
attainment of independence, is studied. An attempt has also been made to place events
in their world setting