South Asian history: an introduction -- Modernity and antiquity: interpretations of ancient India -- Pre-modern accommodation of difference: the making of Indo-Islamic cultures -- The Mughal Empire: state, economy and society -- India between empires: decline or decentralization? -- The transition to colonialism: resistance and collaboration -- The first century of British rule, 1757 to 1857: state and economy -- Company Raj and Indian society, 1757 to 1857: reinvention and reform of tradition -- 1857: rebellion, collaboration and the transition to Crown Raj -- High noon of colonialism, 1858 to 1914: state and political economy -- A nation