Routledge - Pondicherry and South India under French Rule

Explore the complex history of French colonization in Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, and South India. This Routledge publication examines the period from 1674 to 1754, covering the era from Francois Martin to Dupleix. The text looks at how French presence shaped the political, economic, social, and religious landscapes of the region. Rather than focusing on grand imperial plans, this study highlights how French Governors operated without a strategy for outright conquest. It provides a detailed look at the interactions between French settlers and local Indian populations. You will learn how various Indian rulers navigated relationships with both the French and the English to serve their own regional interests. This book is a valuable resource for anyone studying eighteenth-century colonial history and the specific dynamics of French influence in South India.