Book Details:
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Author: K.M. Panikkar (1895-1963)
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Publisher: ADITYA PRAKASHAN Indological Publishers & Booksellers
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Language: English
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Edition: New Delhi, 2016
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ISBN-13: 9788185990439
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ISBN-10: 8185990433
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Subject(s): History
About the Book:
K.M. Panikkar, a distinguished administrator, diplomat, and historian, is best known for his significant contributions to the field of history. His renowned work Asia and Western Dominance, published in 1953, caused a stir in Christian missionary circles, especially in India, by shedding light on the role of Christian missions as accomplices to Western imperialism. Panikkar had first documented this connection as early as 1929, paving the way for the revolutionary ideas expressed in his later work.
In this book, Panikkar challenges the conventional view of the Portuguese Empire in India, arguing that it was never an empire in the true sense. Instead of a sprawling colonial empire, the Portuguese maintained only a few coastal towns with limited authority, which was strongly resisted by Indian rulers. The text critiques the Portuguese attempts to impose Christianity, their exploitation of resources, and the violence they inflicted upon the local population. The author delves into the historical dynamics between the Portuguese and Indian rulers, providing insight into the exploitative nature of Portuguese presence in India during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Panikkar’s account offers a scathing critique of Portuguese colonialism, highlighting the barbarity of their actions, the forced religious conversions, and the impact on India's indigenous trade. His analysis raises critical questions about whether the benefits of European trade were worth the heavy price India paid for centuries of exploitation.
This book is a crucial read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of India’s colonial past, particularly the impact of the Portuguese presence on Indian society and economy.
