Modern India

This course will be an introduction to modern Indian history. We will examine political events and social conditions since the decline of the Mughal Empire and the rise of the British Empire in the eighteenth century. We will also focus on three questions: Why did the British have an Indian Empire? How did India gain its independence in 1947? And what is India's postcolonial predicament? As an aid to answering these questions, the class will read a variety of texts, including primary sources, novels and histories. 2 hrs. lect., 1 hr. disc.