Local States in an Imperial World: Identity, Society and Politics in India's Deccan, 1486-1687

Local States in an Imperial World explores the Deccan Sultanates of 16th- and 17th-century central India, challenging the universalist and hierarchical vision of empire and presenting a non-imperial state with a focus on negotiation, flexibility, and plurality. Roy Fischel examines the components that shaped state and society, shedding light on the region and the imperial world surrounding it.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2020
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Local States in an Imperial World: Exploring the Deccan Sultanates of 16th- and 17th-century central India
Local States in an Imperial World is a groundbreaking book that challenges the conventional notion that all polities in the 16th and 17th centuries were driven by a universalist and hierarchical vision of empire. Instead, it presents a different perspective, highlighting the negotiation, flexibility, and plurality of languages, religions, and cultures that characterized the Deccan Sultanates.

Drawing on theories of early modernity, empire, cosmopolitanism, and vernaculars, Roy Fischel explores the components that shaped state and society in the Deccan Sultanates. He argues that the sultanates were a rare case of the early modern non-imperial state, offering valuable insights into both the region and the imperial world surrounding it.

Fischel's book begins by examining the historical context of the Deccan Sultanates, which were located in central India and ruled by a series of powerful dynasties. He highlights the political, economic, and cultural factors that contributed to the rise of these states and their interactions with the surrounding empires.

One of the key themes of Local States in an Imperial World is the idea of negotiation and flexibility. The sultanates were not interested in expanding their territories or imposing their will on other states. Instead, they sought to maintain their independence and negotiate favorable terms with their neighbors. This approach was facilitated by the diverse and complex nature of the region, which included a wide range of languages, religions, and cultures.

Fischel also explores the role of vernacular languages in the Deccan Sultanates. He argues that the use of local languages was essential for the sultanates to maintain their legitimacy and connect with their people. This was particularly important in the context of the Mughal Empire, which was dominated by Persian and Arabic. By using local languages, the sultanates were able to assert their cultural identity and resist the imposition of foreign languages and cultures.

Another important aspect of Local States in an Imperial World is the role of religion. The Deccan Sultanates were home to a wide range of religious traditions, including Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. Fischel argues that the sultanates were tolerant of different religious beliefs and practices, and that this tolerance contributed to the region's cultural diversity.

However, Fischel also acknowledges that the Deccan Sultanates were not without their challenges. The region was plagued by political instability, economic inequality, and social unrest. These problems were exacerbated by the presence of the Mughal Empire, which sought to control the region and impose its own religious and cultural values.

Despite these challenges, the Deccan Sultanates remained a significant force in the Indian subcontinent. They played a key role in the political and economic development of the region, and their influence extended beyond the borders of India. For example, the Deccan Sultanates were a major source of spices, textiles, and other commodities that were traded throughout the world.

In conclusion, Local States in an Imperial World is a fascinating book that challenges the conventional notion that all polities in the 16th and 17th centuries were driven by a universalist and hierarchical vision of empire. Instead, it presents a different perspective, highlighting the negotiation, flexibility, and plurality of languages, religions, and cultures that characterized the Deccan Sultanates. Roy Fischel's book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of the Indian subcontinent and the imperial world surrounding it.

Weight: 602g
Dimension: 161 x 242 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474436076