This book analyses the unexplored areas of both economic history as well as environmental history of late-eighteenth, nineteenth and the early-twentieth century's colonial rule in South India (1792-1947).

This book offers a bird's eye view of the economic and environmental history of the Indian peninsula during colonial era. It analyses the nature of colonial land revenue policy, commercialisation of forest resources, consequences of coffee plantations, intrusion into tribal private forests and tribal-controlled geographical regions, and disintegration of their socio-cultural, political, administrative and judicial systems during the British Raj. It explores the economic history of the region through regional and 'non-market' economies and addresses the issues concerning local communities. Comprehensive, systematic and rich in archival material, this book will be useful to scholars and researchers in history, especially those concerned with economic and environmental history.

'This important study brings together decades of assiduous research to provide key insights. It is essential reading for environmental and social historians of modern India, and should be useful to scholars of marginalized groups and environmental politics in other parts of Asia.' K. Sivaramakrishnan, Dinakar Singh Professor of India and South Asia, Yale University, USA 'Southern India has been inadequately researched in terms of work across the colonial period and into the present vis-à-vis forests and peoples reliant on or resident in or near them. Scheduled Tribes have had a rich and significant history of struggles in relation to land, labour and forests and Professor Saravanan has a complex, sophisticated approach drawing on archival work. A book that will evoke wide interest among scholars and informed citizens alike.' Mahesh Rangarajan, Professor of History and Environmental Studies, Ashoka University, Sonepat, India