In 'The Anarchy', William Dalrymple unveils the tumultuous rise and fall of the East India Company, revealing how a trading company transformed into a powerful empire. The narrative paints a vivid picture of 18th-century India, where culture, politics, and ambition collide in a mesmerizing tapestry of events. Dalrymple introduces us to remarkable characters who navigate this chaotic landscape, each with their own stories of intrigue and conflict. As the Company’s greed leads to an unprecedented transformation of the subcontinent, historical truths are laid bare, igniting questions of power and morality. This compelling account pulls readers into a forgotten era that shaped modern India, leaving them eager to unravel the complexities of colonialism.
By William Dalrymple
Published: 2019
"In the chaos of the past, we find the threads that weave the future's tapestry."
Finalist for the Cundill History Prize ONE OF PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S FAVORITE BOOKS OF THE YEAR NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY The Wall Street Journal and NPR “Superb ... A vivid and richly detailed story ... worth reading by everyone.” —The New York Times Book Review From the bestselling author of Return of a King, the story of how the East India Company took over large swaths of Asia, and the devastating results of the corporation running a country. In August 1765, the East India Company defeated the young Mughal emperor and set up, in his place, a government run by English traders who collected taxes through means of a private army. The creation of this new government marked the moment that the East India Company ceased to be a conventional company and became something much more unusual: an international corporation transformed into an aggressive colonial power. Over the course of the next 47 years, the company’s reach grew until almost all of India south of Delhi was effectively ruled from a boardroom in the city of London. The Anarchy tells one of history’s most remarkable stories: how the Mughal Empire—which dominated world trade and manufacturing and possessed almost unlimited resources—fell apart and was replaced by a multinational corporation based thousands of miles overseas, and answerable to shareholders, most of whom had never even seen India and no idea about the country whose wealth was providing their dividends. Using previously untapped sources, Dalrymple tells the story of the East India Company as it has never been told before and provides a portrait of the devastating results from the abuse of corporate power. Bronze Medal in the 2020 Arthur Ross Book Award
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“In the chaos of the past, we find the threads that weave the future's tapestry.”
The Anarchy
By William Dalrymple
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William Dalrymple is a renowned British historian, travel writer, and author, celebrated for his deep explorations of India's past and present. Born in 1965, he is known for his vivid storytelling and acute observations that blend history with travel narrative. His notable works include 'The Age of Kali', 'City of Djinns', 'The Last Mughal', and 'Return of a King', which reflect his passion for Indian culture and history. Dalrymple's writing style is marked by rich descriptions, engaging prose, and a thirst for historical accuracy, making his works accessible to both scholars and general readers. He has received numerous awards, including the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award and the Sir B. S. S. C. R. Award for his contributions to literature.
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