Power and Conflict in Eighteenth Century India

This book is about the experiences of Solomon Earle who was a captain in the East India Company army. He left for India in 1768 and did not return to England for another eighteen years. 

Based on a brief account of Solomon’s experiences, published in the East India Military Calendar of 1824, he spent time in Bengal and Lucknow then took part in an epic march right across the peninsular of India to Surat. He then joined the siege of Ahmedabad and was appointed as Resident to the Maharaja of Baroda. On his return to England he became adjutant to the new army recruitment depot on the Isle of Wight. 

The latter part of the eighteenth century was a crucial time in the development of the fledgling British Empire. The situation could have gone either way and the future of a longer-term venture in India was in doubt. Solomon’s account is used to explore the history of the time including key political events in India and the UK. Dr Adams has travelled extensively in India and England to locations covered in this book. 

I finished reading the first chapters of your book this morning, and I must say I really enjoyed them. You wear your learning lightly – the research is there, but you present it in a most readable way. Very accessible. I also like the way you tie in Solomon Earle’s life to wider historical events. 

Ann Bligh, Historian, Ashburton, Devon