Bankrolling Empire: Family Fortunes and Political Transformation in Mughal India (South Asia Edition) Paperback – 20 November 2023

Dives into details of two prominent business families in India, the Jhaveris of Ahmedabad and the Haribhaktis of Baroda, and their role in the rise and fall of political power in India from Mughal times into the period of the princely states and the British Empire. The book uses many unpublished primary sources of evidence, in many different languages. They are translated for readers to follow and analyse. The book has several original maps which also provide a unique way of seeing major shifts in political landscape. The writing is clear and easy to follow for even lay persons. Printing quality is also superb.

Dr. Sudev Sheth's "Bankrolling Empire" is a groundbreaking work that transcends conventional narratives of the Mughal Empire's rise and fall, offering a refreshing perspective that delves into the often-overlooked financial intricacies of political power. In this meticulously researched book, Sheth takes readers on an enlightening journey through the annals of history, examining the dynamic relationship between the Mughal state and the influential Jhaveri family of Gujarat.One of the book's standout features is its departure from traditional analyses that predominantly focus on the political facets of the Mughal Empire. Instead, Sheth shines a spotlight on the financial underpinnings, unveiling a narrative that intricately weaves together the fortunes of the empire and the Jhaveri family. This fresh perspective adds depth to our understanding of the Mughal era, showing how economic factors played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of this once-mighty empire.Sheth's work stands out for its commitment to exploring alternative explanations for the rise and fall of the Mughal Empire. By going back to original sources and manuscripts from the era, the author presents a nuanced and unbiased portrayal of historical events. This reliance on primary materials allows Sheth to construct a compelling narrative that challenges preconceived notions.Despite its academic nature, "Bankrolling Empire" is accessible to a broader audience, appealing to history enthusiasts and casual readers alike. The seamless integration of historical facts with captivating narratives ensures that the book is not just an informative tome but a captivating journey through the corridors of Mughal history.One of the strengths of Sheth's work lies in its structuring of the Mughal era into four distinct phases of the relationship between the Mughals and capital. This framework provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics that led to the dissolution of the Mughal Empire.In summary, "Bankrolling Empire" is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the evolution of the state-capital relationship in Mughal India. Dr. Sheth's meticulous research and engaging storytelling elevate this work to a prominent position in Mughal history scholarship.

Bankrolling Empire is easy to read and provides a wealth of new data and information about how business and politics became interlinked during the Mughal era and in the centuries after. The author provides translations of many sources for the reader in the Appendix, and there is even a glossary of all non-English language terms used at the end. Highly recommended!

We've heard a lot of theories on why the Mughal empire eventually collapsed - whether it was individual decisions of a couple rulers, the superior military competence of the British, or the eventual decay that all empires inevitably face. While all those may be true, one key thing we often overlook - is the money.The book argues that all the way back during Aurangzeb's rule itself, the Mughal vault had begun to drain, increasing its dependence on private financing, going from voluntary support to blatant coercion, and hence it's eventual unavailability. The book choses to take a zoomed in approach on one dynasty of rich businessmen - The Jhaveris. For better or worse, we get to see the inevitable role huge businessmen play in not just shaping a country's economic direction, but also it's historic direction. As they say, behind every successful empire there is also a small group of Gujarati business elites!All in all, I highly recommend the read. It sheds a fresh perspective on the Mughal period, which is saying something because it's an age that has been studied and analyzed from every angle thus. It has certainly enriched my lens of looking at the rise and fall of empires, as my eyes will always try to follow the money along with any other factors now.

A really well-written book! "Bankrolling Empire" is a thought-provoking account of the Jhaveri family set against the backdrop of the Mughal Empire. The author’s ability to weave historical facts with the family's story creates a narrative that is both informative and engaging. This book not only educates but also encourages readers to ponder the broader implications of financial power in shaping history. A highly recommended read for those who appreciate well-researched historical narratives with a personal touch. Says lots about our own times too!

"Bankrolling Empire" brilliantly sheds light on the lesser-known facets of Mughal history through the Jhaveri family's saga. It’s a captivating blend of history, economics, and politics, offering a fresh perspective on the dynamics of empire-building. An engaging read that keeps you hooked with its rich narrative and enlightening insights into the era's socio-economic landscape.

Students and academics of modern Indian history, both Indian and global will gain important perspectives from this book. It looks at new concepts of analyzing state power and the role of wealthy merchants in society. The unique approach to looking at language sources which have not been explored so far in Indian history. The author has used a wide range of vernacular sources from Gujarati, Sanskrit and Persian sources to map a history of the nexus between capital and political power. Highly recommended for scholars and general readership both.