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This authoritative 2 volume work, by one of the most respected names in Indian historical research, is a history of the early contacts and interactions of the British nation with India. The first volume is till the over throw of the British by the Dutch in the Spice Archipelago (south-east Asian nations). The narrative starts with the mentions of India in biblical times, and proceeds till 1628 the chapters in this volume notice : struggle between Islam and Christendom for control of the Indian seas (1500 -1600 AD); England's attempts to reach India (1497 -1599); struggle with the Portuguese; struggle with the Dutch, that culminated with the massacre at Ambonia (1623). The 2nd volume ends in 1708, when the old and new East India Companies were merged into in under the earl of Godolphin's Award. The chapters in this volume notice : the Company and the king (1623 -1649); the first settlements in Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta; the Company and the commonwealth, under the restoration, parliament, etc. there are 4 m