Europeans in India Part 9 The French Arrive in India Section IV: Governor-General Joseph Francois Dupleix

Canberra, 3 May 2023 Francis Dupleix’s tenure as Director in Chandannagar was a great success. Nominally functioning under the Governor–General of Pondicherry, he was practically independent, acting on his own responsibility. His promptness in action was such that at times they were construed as rash and precipitate by his superiors in India and France. Dupleix […]

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The Marathas Part 4 Shahji Bhonsle Section II: Later Career

Canberra, 6 June 2021 [The later career of Shahji Bhonsle and the early development of his son Shivaji overlap in several areas and took place in parallel. This chapter only examines the aspects of Shivaji’s early activities that had a direct bearing on Shahji’s actions and the progress of his career. Shivaji’s actions will be […]

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Indian History Part 77 The Aravidu Dynasty Section VII Sri Ranga Deva Raya III: The Curtain Falls

Canberra, 2 February 2020  Venkata Deva III left no male heirs although he had an illegitimate son who was debarred from succeeding him to the throne by the laws of the land. The senior chiefs, the Nayakas, of the kingdom disputed and debated the claim of possible successors and finally chose Sri Ranga, Venkata’s nephew, […]

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Indian History Part 77 The Aravidu Dynasty Section VI Venkata Deva Raya III:Racing Towards Oblivion

Canberra, 18 January 2020 Rama Deva’s death was immediately followed by open rebellion in Karnataka and for a period of time no one could be identified as being in control. Only Pedda Venkata was able to muster some support, mostly from nobles and minor chiefs who were related to him. In what could only be […]

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Indian History Part 77 The Aravidu Dynasty Section IV: Rebellions and Declining Fortunes

Canberra, 1 January 2020 In the period 1596-99, two important events took place in the Deccan that lead one to believe, indirectly, that the fortunes of Vijayanagara was once again on the rise. The first was the annexation of the Nizam Shahi kingdom of Ahmadnagar by the Mughals under the instruction of Emperor Akbar. The […]

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Indian History Part 76 Collapse of an Empire Section IV Recouping the Kingdom after the Defeat

Canberra, 30 November 2019 Robert Sewell, the celebrated historian, states categorically that the history of Vijayanagara finishes with the defeat at the Battle of Rakshasa-Tangadi [Talikota] since the Empire disintegrated, rapidly decayed and became extinct soon after the battle. This assessment is based completely on the reports of Ferishta, written around 1612-14. Ferishta, one of […]

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Indian History Part 75 The Tuluva Dynasty Section III: Krishna Deva Raya – On the War Path

Amsterdam, 18 August 2019 Krishna Deva Raya ensured that the chances of external interference in Vijayanagara affairs were minimised through initially undertaking minor military actions and forming alliances. Then he prepared for war that would result in an extensive military campaign. He left Timmaraya, his trusted Prime Minister at the capital, in charge of the […]

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