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<p>The book contains the record of the events concerning the emergence of the French in south India from 1736 to 1760 compiled by Ananda Ranga Pillai. Ananda Ranga Pillai was a merchant by profession who also served as a dubashi of the French East India Company. He belonged to a welltodo merchant family in Madras. He became a close confidant to Joseph François Dupleix the GovernorGeneral of the French East India Company. He served Dupleix till his removal on account of ill health and deteriorating performance. His accounts reflect the eighteenthcentury political scenario in the Madras province and more specifically the AngloFrench Carnatic wars. The author of this book referred to Pillai as the ‘Samuel Pepys of French India’ who was an English diarist and navy administrator from whom the title of this book is given. The volume is part of article series ‘The Historical Material in the Private Diary of Ananda Ranga Pillai (17361761)’ which was committed into a form of a book in 1940. Its English translation was published by the Madras Government. This book discusses the activities of the French in Madras province and in particular gave special reference to Dupleix’s political activities. It also contains the history of Pondicherry which he recorded in his diaries. This book is from one of few Indian writers who gave a closer look at the European activities in India. This volume also covers the conflicts between the Nawab of Carnatic and the subject of the Mughal Empire Chanda Sahib and the commandant of the English East Company’s army Yusuf Khan. Besides the chapter covers the description of noted political figures like La Bourdonnais Leyrit Godeheu and De Bussy and covers the annexation of Madras military operations conducted at Cuddalore and Pondicherry and the fall of Pondicherry. About the Author ‘Rao Saheb’ C.S. Srinivasachari (18901951) was a historian and former Professor of History and Politics at Annamalai University. He authored books such as History of the City of Madras Fort WilliamIndia House Correspondence – Vol. IV: 17641766 A History of Gingee and its Rulers etc.</p>
