The Portuguese, Indian Ocean and European Bridgeheads, 1500-1800

Prof. Dr. K.S. Mathew's colleagues, friends, students, and admirers have contributed scholarly articles to this volume, making it a rich collection of research papers on Indo-European history. The volume focuses on the Portuguese, Indian Ocean, and European expansion, which have been the major thematic areas of his academic researches for over three decades.

Format: Hardback
Length: 676 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Manohar Publishers and Distributors

Prof. Dr. K.S. Mathew, a renowned historian, has been honored with a volume that showcases his outstanding contributions to historiographical tradition. His colleagues, friends, students, and admirers from around the world have contributed scholarly articles to this tribute, making it a rich collection of research papers on Indo-European history. Prof. Mathew's life-long dedication to this field is evident in the wide thematic frame of the volume, which includes the Portuguese, Indian Ocean, and European expansion.

The volume begins with an introduction by Prof. Mathew, which provides a brief overview of his academic career and his contributions to the field. It highlights his expertise in various aspects of Indo-European history, including the study of ancient civilizations, the development of trade networks, and the impact of colonialism.

The first section of the volume focuses on the Portuguese. Prof. Mathew's research on the Portuguese has been groundbreaking, and he has contributed significantly to our understanding of their history, culture, and influence. He has explored the origins of the Portuguese empire, the colonization of Africa, Asia, and the Americas, and the impact of Portuguese rule on local societies.

The second section of the volume focuses on the Indian Ocean. Prof. Mathew has been a leading scholar in the study of the Indian Ocean, and his research has shed light on the complex networks of trade, religion, and culture that existed in the region. He has explored the origins of the Indian Ocean trade, the development of maritime technology, and the impact of European colonialism on the region.

The third section of the volume focuses on European expansion. Prof. Mathew has been a leading scholar in the study of European expansion, and his research has explored the various factors that contributed to the expansion of European empires in the 16th and 17th centuries. He has examined the political, economic, and cultural factors that led to the colonization of the Americas, Africa, and Asia, and the impact of these colonies on the indigenous populations.

In addition to the scholarly articles, the volume also includes a number of essays that provide a broader perspective on the themes of the volume. These essays explore the historical and cultural connections between different regions of the world, and they highlight the importance of interdisciplinary research in understanding the past.

One of the key strengths of the volume is its interdisciplinary approach. Prof. Mathew has brought together scholars from a wide range of disciplines, including history, anthropology, sociology, and economics, to explore the various aspects of Indo-European history. This has resulted in a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the past, and it has helped to bridge the gap between different fields of study.

Another strength of the volume is its attention to detail. Prof. Mathew has meticulously researched his topics, and he has provided a wealth of information and insights that are not readily available elsewhere. His writing style is clear and concise, and he has a knack for making complex topics accessible to a wide audience.

Despite its many strengths, the volume also has some limitations. One of the main limitations is its focus on the Portuguese, Indian Ocean, and European expansion. While these are important themes in the history of Indo-European history, there are many other important aspects of the field that have not been explored in depth. This could be addressed in future volumes.

Another limitation is the lack of diversity in the contributors to the volume. While there are a number of scholars from different countries and backgrounds, there is a lack of representation from women and other marginalized groups. This could be addressed in future volumes by encouraging more diverse contributions.

Despite these limitations, the volume is a valuable contribution to the field of Indo-European history. It provides a wealth of information and insights that are not readily available elsewhere, and it has helped to bridge the gap between different fields of study. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the world.

In conclusion, Prof. Dr. K.S. Mathew's volume is a tribute to his outstanding contributions to historiographical tradition. His colleagues, friends, students, and admirers from around the world have contributed scholarly articles to this tribute, making it a rich collection of research papers on Indo-European history. The volume's interdisciplinary approach, attention to detail, and wealth of information and insights make it a valuable contribution to the field. While there are some limitations, these can be addressed in future volumes.

Dimension: 240 x 160 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789390729609