1-3: Mughal and Rajput Painting | Milo Cleveland Beach (1992) – A Visual Journey Through India's Royal Art | Volume I: The Mughals and their contemporaries | The New Cambridge History of India

Mughal and Rajput Painting | Milo Cleveland Beach (1992)

Published in 1992 as part of The New Cambridge History of India, Milo Cleveland Beach's Mughal and Rajput Painting is a significant exploration that delves into the colorful realm of Indian miniature artwork. Departing from standard political or military accounts, this book emphasizes royal art as an embodiment of imperial philosophies, individual preferences, spiritual beliefs, and cultural interactions.
This volume presents an in-depth examination of the development of painting practices within the Mughal and Rajput courts spanning from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Beach, a leading authority in the realm of Indian art history, merges visual critique with historical insights, rendering this text vital for both art aficionados and history buffs.

What the Book Covers

Overview of Indian Court Painting
An introduction to the legacy of manuscript illustration and miniature artistry during pre-modern India.
The use of painting by imperial and local courts as a method of political and cultural representation.

Mughal Painting (c. 1550–1800)

• The narrative begins with Emperor Akbar, who invited Persian artists to his court, consequently launching a new amalgamated style.
• Under Jahangir, painting advanced significantly, marked by heightened naturalism, intricate brushwork, and the incorporation of European techniques.
• During Shah Jahan’s reign, the focus shifted towards elegance and grandeur, whereas Aurangzeb's period witnessed a downturn in state-sponsored artistic endeavors.
• Common motifs included courtly scenes, studies of animals, portraits, and depictions drawn from literature (such as the Akbarnama or Hamzanama).
• The influence of Persian, Central Asian, and subsequently European elements was notable.

Rajput Painting (16th–19th Century)

• Independent traditions flourished in Rajasthan and the Pahari hills, distinct from Mughal influences.
• Notable centers: Mewar, Marwar, Bundi, Bikaner, Kota, Kishangarh, along with Pahari schools like Kangra and Basohli.
• A stronger focus on Hindu devotional imagery, narratives from epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, tales of Krishna and Radha, and seasonal ragas.
• Employing vibrant colors, symbolism, and emotional depth over strict realism.

Cultural Exchange and Artistic Innovation

• Collaboration between Mughal and Rajput artists and their techniques.
• The rise of regional hybrids merging Islamic and Hindu visual traditions.
• The significance of artists’ workshops (karkhanas) and the support from local rulers in nurturing artistic output.

Why This Book Is Important

• It provides a thorough visual narrative that is seldom included in typical political discourses.
• It acquaints readers with art as a historical resource—demonstrating how paintings can reveal insights about power, faith, and society.
• It emphasizes the variety present within Indian painting styles, challenging the notion of a singular, uniform approach.
• It includes quality reproductions along with expert visual interpretation from a prominent art historian.

About the Author: Milo Cleveland Beach

Milo Cleveland Beach is an internationally acclaimed authority on Indian and Islamic art, having previously served as the Director of the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery at the Smithsonian Institution. His work effectively merges scholarly art history with engaging storytelling, establishing him as a crucial figure in the global appreciation of Indian court art.

Who Should Read This Book?

• Art historians and students engaged with South Asian art
• Individuals intrigued by Mughal and Rajput heritage
• Museum staff and curators
• Civil service candidates preparing for art and culture examinations
• Travelers exploring Rajasthan, Delhi, or Himachal Pradesh seeking cultural context
• Enthusiasts of miniature paintings and traditional Indian art
  

1-2: Vijayanagara | Burton Stein (1989) – A Deep Dive into a Forgotten Empire | Volume I: The Mughals and their contemporaries | The New Cambridge History of India

Vijayanagara | Burton Stein (1989)

Vijayanagara by Burton Stein, released in 1989, is a significant addition to The New Cambridge History of India series. Featured in Volume I: The Mughals and Their Contemporaries, this work uniquely emphasizes a powerful Hindu empire that flourished in South India during the late medieval era, rather than focusing on Islamic or European influences in India.
At its zenith, Vijayanagara, which translates to "City of Victory," emerged as a formidable political, cultural, and economic entity that resisted Islamic encroachment in the Deccan, significantly influencing South Indian identity. Stein's work offers a well-articulated, authoritative, and insightful overview of this fascinating empire.

Overview of the Book

This text chronicles the history of the Vijayanagara Empire, beginning with its establishment in 1336 CE by Harihara and Bukka, culminating in its ultimate defeat at the Battle of Talikota in 1565, while also discussing its symbolic persistence thereafter.

Key Themes and Chapters:

The Origins of Vijayanagara

• Arising in response to the expansion of the Delhi Sultanate into South India,
• the founders were former military leaders under the Kakatiya and Hoysala kingdoms.
• Their intent was to uphold Hindu dharma against Islamic invasions.

Imperial Structure and Governance

• A centralized monarchy reinforced by nayakas (military leaders) through a quasi-feudal system.
• Key to stability were land revenue collection and temple support.
• Hampi emerged as a vital political and religious center.

Religion, Society, and Culture

• Despite being a Hindu empire, Vijayanagara embraced a pluralistic culture open to external influences.
• Major temple construction projects, especially in Dravidian architectural style, were notable.
• There was an elevation of Sanskrit alongside regional languages like Kannada and Telugu.
• While supporting Brahmanical Hinduism, the empire also showed tolerance toward Jains and Muslims.

Military Expansion and Conflict

• Ongoing conflicts with the Bahmani Sultanate and later the Deccan Sultanates.
• At its height, it controlled much of peninsular India.
• The renowned Battle of Talikota (1565) resulted in the destruction of Hampi and marked the symbolic decline of the empire.

Economic Power and Trade

• Vast trade networks connected with Persia, Arabia, and Southeast Asia.
• Hampi flourished as an urban center bustling with markets, travelers, and international traders.
• Significant investments in irrigation, agriculture, and a temple-centered economy were evident.

The Legacy of Vijayanagara

• Although the empire became politically diminished post-1565, its influence persisted in regional powers such as the Nayakas of Madurai and Tanjore.
• It sustained South Indian identity and Hindu cultural traditions amid centuries of political and religious upheaval.
• Currently, Hampi is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting the architectural splendor of this empire.

Why Burton Stein’s Work Is So Important

• It offers a cohesive synthesis instead of a mere chronological account—emphasizing governance, cultural, and religious patterns.
• Stein integrates epigraphic, archaeological, and literary evidence.
• His work contests colonial and nationalist narratives by providing a thorough, scholarly perspective on South Indian history.

About the Author: Burton Stein

Burton Stein (1926–1996) was a distinguished American historian focused on South Asia, particularly the political framework of pre-modern South India in Tamil and Kannada-speaking regions. His academic contributions are lauded for their clarity and multidisciplinary approach, which integrates anthropology, history, and political theory.

Who Should Read This Book?

• Individuals studying Indian medieval history
• Researchers focused on South Indian political structures
• Individuals keen on the interactions between Hindus and Muslims in pre-modern India
• Cultural heritage aficionados exploring Hampi or studying South Indian art and architecture
• Candidates preparing for civil service and university examinations concentrating on regional Indian empires.
  

1-1: The Portuguese in India | M.N. Pearson (1987) – A Landmark Work in Colonial Indian History | Volume I: The Mughals and their contemporaries | The New Cambridge History of India

The Portuguese in India | M.N. Pearson (1987)

The Portuguese in India, written by M. N. Pearson and released in 1987 as part of The New Cambridge History of India series, is a groundbreaking scholarly text that investigates the influence of the Portuguese in India from 1498 to the 20th century. It forms an essential segment of Volume I in the series, titled The Mughals and Their Contemporaries.
While a significant portion of Indian colonial narratives emphasizes the British Empire, this volume highlights the frequently ignored impact of the Portuguese, who were the initial European colonizers in India, establishing their foothold years prior to the British, Dutch, or French.

Book Overview: What Is The Portuguese in India About?

This publication delves into over four hundred years of Portuguese involvement in India, starting with Vasco da Gama's landing in Calicut in 1498, and culminating in the eventual incorporation of Goa into independent India in 1961.

Key Themes Covered:

Early Exploration and Conquest

• The arrival of Vasco da Gama and early naval missions.
• Creation of trading ports and the conquest of Goa in 1510.
• The importance of naval strength and the strategic Estado da Índia (State of India).

Colonial Administration

• The framework and difficulties faced by Portuguese governance in India.
• Strains between the Crown and the Church.
• Corruption, limited resources, and the diminishing of effective authority.

Religious and Cultural Impact

• Christian missionary efforts, particularly those of Jesuits like St. Francis Xavier.
• Forced conversions, the Inquisition in Goa, and the emergence of Indo-Portuguese Catholic communities.
• Effects on language, food, architecture, and cultural practices.

Economic Exchange and Trade

• The spice trade and rivalry with Muslim, Hindu, and other European merchants.
• Monopolistic strategies and local resistance.
• Trade routes linking India to Portugal, Africa, and the Far East.

Decline and Legacy

• The gradual decline of Portuguese power in India due to pressure from rival European powers.
• The decline of Portuguese territories by the 18th century.
• The final exit in 1961 when India annexed Goa, Daman, and Diu.

Why This Book Matters

• Addresses a gap in the historiography of colonial India by shifting the focus from the British viewpoint.
• Offers a balanced and academic account utilizing both Portuguese and Indian perspectives.
• Enables readers to comprehend the lasting cultural and religious influences of Portugal in areas such as Goa, Daman, and Diu.
• Illustrates how early European colonization influenced Indian politics, trade, and society long before the British East India Company rose to power.

About the Author: M. N. Pearson

Michael Naylor Pearson is a well-respected historian with a focus on maritime history, Islamic trade, and European expansion in Asia. His scholarly contributions are acknowledged for their clarity, depth, and application of global historical views.

Who Should Read This Book?

• Students and academics interested in colonial and maritime history.
• Civil service candidates preparing for history or international relations examinations.
• Individuals fascinated by Goan history, Christianity in India, or Portuguese architectural influences.
• Readers seeking a perspective on European colonialism in India beyond the British narrative.
  

The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy | Pietra Rivoli – A Journey Through Globalization

Book Title: The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy: An Economist Examines the Markets, Power, and Politics of World Trade Author: Pietra Rivoli
First Published: 2005 (updated editions available)
Genre: Economics, Globalization, Business Studies
Pages: Approx. 350
Subject: The real-life journey of a simple T-shirt through the global economy and what it teaches us about trade, politics, and globalization.

Introduction

When we wear a plain cotton T-shirt, we don't usually think about the long and complex journey it took to get to our closet. In The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy, Pietra Rivoli, a professor at Georgetown University, tells the amazing story of a T-shirt that was bought for only $5.99 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and shows how it traveled across different countries, economies, and industries.
This book is a smart look at globalization, capitalism, and the real-life stories behind international trade. Through the T-shirt's travels, Rivoli explains how markets, politics, and culture come together to influence how goods and workers move in today's connected world.

About the Author – Pietra Rivoli

Pietra Rivoli is an economist and teaches at the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. She focuses on international business, finance, and the importance of social responsibility in her teaching and research. She wrote this book after a student protest about sweatshops made her curious about where our everyday clothes actually come from.
Her writing blends serious research with storytelling, making tough economic ideas simple for everyone to grasp.

Overview of the Book

The book follows the life journey of a T-shirt, and each part shows an important aspect of the global economy:

• Cotton Farming in the U. S. – how government support and rules affect the cotton trade.
• Textile Production in China – the growth of manufacturing and the job situation.
• T-shirt Markets in America – shopping habits and retail methods.
• Secondhand Clothing in Africa – the unexpected journey of used clothing.
• Trade Rules and Politics – how globalization, protectionism, and free markets affect trade.
  

Key Themes and Lessons

1. Globalization and Interconnected Economies

Rivoli demonstrates that even a simple item like a T-shirt comes from a complicated network of global players—from American cotton farmers to Chinese factory workers, African sellers of secondhand clothes, and customers in the West.
The book shows how countries rely on each other and how globalization has created both benefits and challenges around the globe.

2. The Role of Politics and Policy

The cotton business in the U. S. gets a lot of financial support from the government, which helps American cotton become popular worldwide. Rivoli explains that trade isn't just about money; it also involves political power, lobbying, and government actions.

3. Labor and Human Stories

The workers who make globalization happen are a key focus of the book. Rivoli shares the stories of women in Chinese factories who work long hours but also gain financial independence and strength.
This part of the book discusses the difficult ethical questions regarding sweatshops—whether they are exploitative or provide opportunities.

4. Consumerism and Culture

The T-shirt's travels show how consumers in the West behave. Fast fashion, low costs, and trends create demand, while donations of used clothing eventually find their way to African markets, starting new cycles of trade and cultural change.

5. The Second Life of a T-Shirt

One of the most interesting parts of the book is what happens to the T-shirt in Africa. While Americans believe they are "donating" clothes, these items actually become part of a lively market, where used clothing is sold, redesigned, and reused.

6. Winners and Losers of Globalization

Globalization creates both chances and unfairness:

• Winners: Cotton farmers in the U. S., some workers in Chinese factories, shoppers.
• Losers: Farmers in poorer countries who compete, small textile makers in Africa, workers who don’t get paid enough.
  

Critical Reception

Strengths:

• The storytelling grabs your attention.
• It makes economics and trade easy to understand for everyone.
• It mixes serious research with real-life stories.
• It gives a fair look at the good and bad sides of globalization.

Criticisms:

• Some people think it seems to support globalization too much.
• It talks a lot about the U. S. viewpoint but less about other areas.

Why This Book Matters

This book is not just about a T-shirt; it's about how the global economy functions. It encourages readers to think hard about:

• Where items come from.
• Who gains advantages and who faces challenges in the process of getting goods.
• How the choices made by consumers influence economies around the world.
• It is especially important for students, business people, and anyone interested in globalization, fair trade, and responsible buying.

Notable Quotes from the Book

1. “Every T-shirt carries an unseen story of power, politics, and people. ”
2. “The free market isn’t truly free; it’s influenced by rules, organizations, and interests. ”
3. “Globalization doesn't move equally everywhere; it travels through paths that are easiest and where there is the most power. ”