ABSTRACT

The book concludes that the European adventurers had a multi-faceted presence in the second half of the 18th century. They were not only instrumental in modernising and militarising armies of various states but they were also extensively involved in commercial activities and intellectual pursuits. The alacrity shown by various native states to reform their forces indicate that they were not aloof from changes happening across the globe and did attempt to synchronise themselves to the emerging military culture. Commercial dynamism testifies that 18th-century India was economically vibrant and offered trade possibilities even to foreigners. Intellectual engagements of these men led to the propagation of Indian culture and civilisation in Europe, leading to the Europeans’ widespread acquaintance with what was ‘distant’. Many of them lived their lives Indian way which separated them from the English company officials. Thus, to see these men merely as money-minded military adventurers will tantamount to becoming myopic and selective in the approach.