Empires of the Monsoon: A History of the Indian Ocean and Its Invaders"Until Vasco da Gama discovered the sea-route to the East in 1497-9 almost nothing was known in the West of the exotic cultures and wealth of the Indian Ocean and its peoples. It is this civilisation and its destruction at the hands of the West that Richard Hall recreates in this book. Hall’s history of the exploration and exploitation – by Chinese and Arab travellers, and by the Portuguese, Dutch and British alike – is one of brutality, betrayal and colonial ambition. It is history told with the true gift of a storyteller and a keen eye for the exotic. It is a compelling and instructive epic."--Publishers description. |
Contents
Wonders of India Treasures of China | 3 |
Lure of the African Shore | 13 |
The Mystery of the Waqwaqs | 23 |
Copyright | |
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Empires of the Monsoon: A History of the Indian Ocean and Its Invaders Richard Hall No preview available - 1998 |
Common terms and phrases
already Arab arrived attack became become began Bombay Britain British brought Calicut called Cape captain carried century China Chinese Christian close coast colony command Company decided died earlier early East Africa empire English Ethiopia Europe European expedition fighting fire fleet followed force French Gama given gold hand harbour head History hope India Indian Ocean interior Islam island Italy John journey killed Kilwa king knew known Lake land later letter Lisbon living London looked mainland merchants miles Mombasa months Mozambique Muslim never officers once ordered Persian port Portugal Portuguese reached Red Sea round route Royal ruler sailed saying seemed sent ships side slaves soon sultan taken told took town trade travelled turned vessels voyage Zanzibar