This volume brings together, for the first time, several of Professor Habib’s essays, representing three decades of scholarship and providing an insightful interpretation of the main currents in Indian history from the standpoint of Marxist historiography. The collection examines the role played by the peasantry and caste in Indian history; explores the forms of class struggle and the stage of Indian economic development in Mughal India; analyses the impact of colonialism on the Indian economy; and chronicles the changes in Marx’s perception of India. These painstakingly researched and erudite essays form a volume that is indispensable for scholars and students of Indian history.

Dr. Irfan Habib is a professor at the Aligarh Muslim University in Uttar Pradesh and a former chairman of the Indian Council for Historical Research. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2005.