'The Anarchy' is required reading for the interested Westerner looking for a gloss on the fall of the Moghul Empire and the rise of the British East India Company.

In the book, historian William Dalrymple argues that Britain didn't so much colonize India as did a British megacorporation, the aforementioned East India Company. Beginning with the founding of the company, then moving on to its first footholds on the Subcontinent, the narrative kicks into gear with the reign of Mughal Emperor Alamgir Aurangzeb. A Muslim fanatic, this Emperor shattered the Muslim-Hindu accommodation that undergirded a Mughal empire which had delivered peace and prosperity for generations. During this collapse and subsequent anarchy, leaders of the British East India Company saw first an opportunity to expand their access and markets, then to monopolize, then to rule.

This is riveting stuff, well researched and written. Dalrymple populates his history with colorful characters and fascinating stories, bringing his subject to life while educating his reader. As someone with limited knowledge of Indian history, I'm unqualified to speak to the veracity of Dalrymple's narrative. As a general reader, however, I found the book fascinating.

Indian friends who have read this book: what do you think of it? Is Dalrymple on the money? I'm interested to read your perspective.