Warfare, Trade, and the Indies in British Literature, 1652-1771

Warfare, Trade, and the Indies in British Literature, 1652–1771, argues that the distinction between Mughal and American "Indians" was widely recognized and shaped British peoples' tendency to view Mughal Indians as similar and superior to Europeans. It provides a more nuanced account of the origins and evolution of "Indian" stereotypes than scholars have to date and proposes a modification of Saidian postcolonial theory that better applies to texts of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 166 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2021
Publisher: Fairleigh Dickinson University Press

British literature from 1652 to 1771 explores the complex relationship between warfare, trade, and the Indies, shedding light on the distinctions between Mughal and American "Indians." By adopting a New Historical and postcolonial lens, this monograph argues that the distinction between East and West "Indians" was widely recognized and influenced the British perception of Mughal Indians as similar to, and in some respects, superior to Europeans. It further highlights the disdain towards native populations in the Americas. Through a comprehensive analysis of representations of "Indians" in Peter Heylyn's 1652 Cosmographie and the works of canonical literary authors such as John Dryden, Richard Steele, and Henry Mackenzie, this monograph offers a nuanced account of the origins and evolution of "Indian" stereotypes. Furthermore, it strives to expose and eradicate colonial rhetoric and violence, proposing a modification of Saidian postcolonial theory that is more applicable to texts of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

Introduction:
The eighteenth century witnessed a significant shift in British literature, marked by an increased interest in exploring the world beyond Europe. This period saw the rise of travel narratives, which provided a window into the lives and cultures of people in different parts of the globe. In particular, these narratives focused on the interactions between Britain and the Indian subcontinent, a region that was rich in cultural diversity and political complexity.

One of the key themes that emerged from these travel narratives was the distinction between Mughal and American "Indians." This distinction was not only based on geographical differences but also on cultural, social, and political factors. Mughal Indians, for example, were often portrayed as sophisticated and civilized, while American Indians were depicted as primitive and barbaric.

This monograph aims to examine the origins and evolution of this distinction in British literature from 1652 to 1771. It will explore how the British perception of Mughal and American Indians was shaped by a range of factors, including historical events, cultural exchange, and political ideologies. By examining these texts through a New Historical and postcolonial lens, we will gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which colonialism and imperialism shaped the British imagination and the construction of "Indian" stereotypes.

The Distinction between Mughal and American Indians:
The distinction between Mughal and American Indians was a central theme in British literature from 1652 to 1771. This distinction was not only based on geographical differences but also on cultural, social, and political factors.

Mughal Indians were often portrayed as sophisticated and civilized, while American Indians were depicted as primitive and barbaric. This portrayal was influenced by a range of factors, including historical events, cultural exchange, and political ideologies.

Historical Events:
One of the key historical events that shaped the British perception of Mughal and American Indians was the Battle of Plassey in 1757. This battle marked the beginning of British rule in India, and it was a significant victory for the British over the Mughal Empire. The victory was seen as a symbol of British superiority and a testament to the power of British arms.

The Battle of Plassey also led to the establishment of a colonial empire in India, which lasted for over two hundred years. During this period, the British colonized India and established a system of governance that was based on the principles of imperialism and colonialism. The British colonizers viewed the Indian subcontinent as a source of raw materials, a market for British goods, and a place for the expansion of British power.

Cultural Exchange:
Another factor that influenced the British perception of Mughal and American Indians was cultural exchange. The British colonizers interacted with Mughal Indians and American Indians on a regular basis, and this interaction led to the exchange of ideas, beliefs, and practices.

Mughal Indians, for example, were influenced by the British culture, and they adopted many aspects of British society, including the English language, the British legal system, and the British education system. American Indians, on the other hand, were exposed to European culture through trade and colonization, and they adopted many aspects of European society, including the Christian religion, the European legal system, and the European education system.

Political Ideologies:
Political ideologies also played a role in shaping the British perception of Mughal and American Indians. The British colonizers viewed the Indian subcontinent as a place for the expansion of British power and the establishment of a colonial empire. They believed that the Indian subcontinent was a backward and undeveloped region that needed to be brought under the control of the British Empire.

The British colonizers also believed that the Indian subcontinent was a place for the exploitation of natural resources and the extraction of labor. They viewed the Indian people as a source of cheap labor and a market for British goods.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, British literature from 1652 to 1771 explores the complex relationship between warfare, trade, and the Indies, shedding light on the distinctions between Mughal and American "Indians." Through a New Historical and postcolonial lens, this monograph argues that the distinction between East and West "Indians" was widely recognized and influenced the British perception of Mughal Indians as similar to, and in some respects, superior to Europeans. It further highlights the disdain towards native populations in the Americas. By examining these texts through a comprehensive analysis of representations of "Indians" in Peter Heylyn's 1652 Cosmographie and the works of canonical literary authors such as John Dryden, Richard Steele, and Henry Mackenzie, this monograph offers a nuanced account of the origins and evolution of "Indian" stereotypes. Furthermore, it strives to expose and eradicate colonial rhetoric and violence, proposing a modification of Saidian postcolonial theory that is more applicable to texts of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

Weight: 176g
Dimension: 228 x 161 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781683933083