Social change. Social and attitudinal change in medieval India -- State and society in medieval India : seen from above and below -- State and composite culture in a pluralistic society -- The concept of secularism and its evolution under the congress and Nehru -- The Mughals. Akbar in modern Indian history -- Rana Pratap and Akbar -- Jodha Bai, who was she? -- Hukumat-ri-Bahi and the Rathor War -- Shivaji and the Maratha landed elements -- The Jagirdari crisis : a fresh look -- Reassessing Aurangzeb -- Agrarian system of the Mughals and the eighteenth century -- Cultural traditions. Portrait of a liberal--conservative : Dr (Sir) Sita Ram -- Rajasthan Varta Sahitya : a historical tradition -- Niti Shataks as a source of study for mentalities -- Index.
Summary:
"This book explores the complex linkages between state, society, and culture in medieval and modern India. It discusses issues like secularism, composite culture, pluralism, historiography, and the use of sources. Written over the past decade, this collection of essays explores the complex linkages between state, society, and culture in medieval and modern India. It discusses various ideas under the wider rubric of historiography, history writing, and the use of sources. The author examines secularism, composite culture, and pluralism in both medieval and modern India, linking them to politics, society, and the economy. The Mughal policy of subjugation and assimilation, Rathor War, rise of the Marathas, jagirdari crisis, and the Mughal agrarian system have been discussed in detail. The book sheds light on unknown aspects of many historical figures-like Akbar, Jodha Bai, and Rana Pratap-as well as makers of modern India-like Jawaharlal Nehru and Sir Sita Ram. This book will be of considerable interest to scholars and students of medieval and modern Indian history, and cultural studies."--Publisher's website.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.