Early Capitalism and Local History in South India

"Tracing the roots of early capitalist development in South India, this book challenges the conventional view that subsistence, isolation, and immobility characterized village India before modern times. Exploring the agrarian history of the Tirunelveli region in Tamil Nadu, the author shows how local activity not only transformed social relations and rural society but also caused historical change. Local initiatives helped propel changes in South Indian economy, politics, and culture and peasants participated forcefully in making a modern world system of exchange and power relations." "In the second edition, Ludden argues that local history is fundamental for the advance of South Asian historical scholarship. For the kind of issues it raises, this edition will be useful for students and scholars interested in South Indian history and economy and also social scientists, policymakers, and development professionals."--BOOK JACKET.