Modern History of South Asia. A selection of recent publications

Abstract The review article points out the main trends of recent publications on the history of South Asia. Six categories provide a rough guide through the various aspects which have drawn the attention of a new generation of scholars on South Asian history. What becomes clear is the general approach of re-interpreting the region's history from the 18th century onwards. Themes like the question of continuity from pre-colonial to the colonial and even post colonial regimes are presented as well as recent publications on the environmental history of the subcontinent. State formation from the late 17th century onwards, including the British Raj and its 396 Summaries ideologies are discussed along with the latter's attempt at information gathering. The policy of liberalising independent India is critically examined. New fields of research have certainly been opened by these recent publications on South Asia's history which will provide the scholarly readership with a set of interesting interpretations.