India's Free Lances: European Mercenary Commanders in Hindustan 1770-1820

This book chronicles the careers and wars of the European and mixed-race mercenary adventurers who carved reputations and empires for themselves and their Indian lords in the violent days of 18th and early 19th centuries. These were men of ruthless daring, often of uncertain temper or morals, but also capable of great feats of courage and fidelity. They came from France, England and the minor Germanic states to make their fortunes in a turbulent and exotic land. Here the reader will discover De Boigne, Perron, Skinner, Gardner and a host of supporting characters-both friend and foe. Here are the wars of the Marathas, the Ghurkhas, the Rohillas, the Pindaris and the new great power of the emerging and dominating British Empire with its own heroes-including the future Duke of Wellington. This is an excellent foundation for those who are fascinated by the part played by Europeans in the creation of India as a nation.