Privatised Imperialism

With many sessions of the JLF Colorado to choose from, wading through the history of our country through William Dalrymple’s brilliant Company Quartet was an obvious choice to me. For far too long, the narrative of British imperialism was dominated by the grandeur of the British Empire, with its majestic tales of global conquest and influence. However, hidden beneath the layers of this expansive narrative was the remarkable story of the East India Company, a story that had largely been overlooked until recent years.

Dalrymple's Company Quartet has played a pivotal role in bringing this often-neglected narrative to the forefront of historical discourse. Through meticulous research and immersive storytelling, Dalrymple unveils the intricate web of events that transpired during the heyday of the East India Company, painting a vivid picture of a corporate entity that transformed into a powerful colonial force.

But Dalrymple’s incredible abilities go far beyond just meticulous research. He brought to life a world peopled with epic characters: romantic lovers, tragic heroes, beautiful princesses and diabolical villains. These characters play out the saga against the vast backdrop of modern-day Afghanistan to the southern tips of India.

The Company Quartet begins its journey in the twilight years of the Mughal Empire. This period in Indian history was marked by political turmoil, cultural richness, and economic prosperity. However, it was also during this time that the East India Company, initially established as a trading enterprise, began to consolidate its power and influence in the Indian subcontinent. Dalrymple's narrative skilfully captures the clash of civilizations, as the Mughal Empire's decline coincided with the East India Company's ascension. The company's strategic manoeuvres, including alliances with local rulers, economic exploitation, and territorial acquisitions, gradually transformed it from a trading enterprise into a de-facto ruler of vast swathes of India.

The East India Company, often regarded as the pioneer of modern multinational corporations, stands as a seminal figure in the annals of history. With astute foresight, they recognized the potential to reshape destinies, topple monarchs, unseat rajas, and even execute nawabs, all while commanding formidable armies that instilled fear in those who dared stand against them. Dalrymple's remarkable quartet of books, the first of which was penned over two decades ago, delves deep into over two centuries of Indian history. Despite the passage of time, these books continue to captivate the reader’s eyes and minds with their gripping narrative style and exhaustive research, shedding light on subjects that have assumed pivotal roles in the global re-evaluation of this historical epoch.

Let us journey back to the inception of this saga to a solitary corporation hailing from a moderately influential European nation at the time. Ingeniously according to some, while cunningly to many others, the company tapped into local resources, borrowing funds to raise indigenous soldiers who would eventually serve as their mercenary forces, pawns in a grand chessboard of ambition.

As India remained fragmented through these turbulent centuries, the East India Company seized upon this division, meticulously expanding its dominion, one kingdom at a time. Their relentless conquests, piece by calculated piece, resulted in their ascendancy over much of India by 1803, when they held sway over the vast expanse south of the Sutlej River. This transformation of a single corporation into a colonial behemoth would leave an indelible mark on the history of India and the world at large.

One of the most compelling aspects of the Company Quartet is its unflinching portrayal of the dark underbelly of colonialism. While the British Empire often presented itself as a civilizing force, the East India Company's actions tell a starkly different story. Dalrymple's meticulous research exposes the exploitation, violence, and human suffering that accompanied the company's quest for wealth and power.

Contrary to his own British allegiance and nationality, he gives an unabashed and unbiased version of the story, something which I can’t wait to hear more about at his session of JLF Colorado 2023! Book yourself a spot now!