Title
Empire and Information: Intelligence Gathering and Social Communication in India, 17801870 (Cambridge Studies in Indian History,Used
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In a penetrating account of the evolution of British intelligence gathering in India, C. A. Bayly shows how networks of Indian spies, runners and political secretaries were recruited by the British to secure information about their subjects. He also examines the social and intellectual origins of these informants, and considers how the colonial authorities interpreted and often misinterpreted the information they supplied. As Professor Bayly demonstrates, it was such misunderstandings which ultimately contributed to the failure of the British to anticipate the mutinies of 1857. He argues, however, that, even before this, India's complex systems of communication were challenging the political and intellectual dominance of the European rulers.
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- Q: What is the main topic of 'Empire and Information'? A: The book focuses on the evolution of British intelligence gathering in India between 1780 and 1870, exploring how networks of Indian spies and informants were utilized by the British.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Empire and Information'? A: The author of the book is C. A. Bayly, a historian known for his work on Indian history.
- Q: What is the condition of the book being sold? A: The book is listed as a used book in good condition, meaning it has been previously owned but is still in acceptable shape for reading.
- Q: How many pages does 'Empire and Information' have? A: The book contains 428 pages, providing a comprehensive exploration of its subject matter.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is available in paperback binding, making it lightweight and easy to handle.
- Q: When was 'Empire and Information' published? A: The book was published on March 28, 2000.
- Q: What themes are explored in the book? A: The book examines themes of intelligence gathering, social communication, and the misunderstandings that affected British colonial governance in India.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, 'Empire and Information' is part of the Cambridge Studies in Indian History and Society series, making it suitable for academic reference and study.
- Q: Does the book include historical insights about the 1857 mutinies? A: Yes, C. A. Bayly discusses how the British misinterpretations of gathered information contributed to their failure to anticipate the mutinies of 1857.
- Q: What is the significance of the book in understanding colonial India? A: The book provides significant insights into the communication systems in colonial India and how they challenged European political dominance, offering a nuanced view of the period.