Table of Contents

Introduction; The many meanings of the Black Hole of Calcutta; Orientalism or capitalism? Warren Hastings & the rhetoric of empire; Piety & power: a preliminary analysis of Tipu Sultan's dreams; From novice to hero: Arthur Wellesley at Assaye, September 1803; Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839): a diamond in the rough; True crime: William Sleeman & the thugs; 'Plunderers' & 'rebels': Rajput violence & insurgency during the Indian Revolt of 1857-58; Hybrid nationalist or Hindu nationalist? The life of Madan Mohan Malaviya (1861-1946); Bibliography.