The Making of the Coromandel Coast: Economy and Polity in the 17th and 18th Centuries

Summary

The Coromandel Coast in the 17th and 18th centuries was a dynamic economic and political region, shaped by its lucrative trade networks, diverse economies, and complex polities. Known historically as "Cholamandalam," the coast thrived on textiles, dyes, and other goods, establishing extensive trade ties with Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Indian Ocean world. The region's prosperity was supported by its fertile hinterland, rich river systems like the Cauvery, Godavari, and Krishna, and advanced infrastructure developed during the Vijayanagar period. Despite political instability following the fall of Vijayanagar and interventions by Mughal and Maratha forces, the coast remained a key trading hub, attracting European merchants like the Dutch and British East India Companies. European accounts, such as those by William Methwold, Antony Schorer, and Peter Floris, provide insights into the region's trade dynamics, including the role of ports like Pulicat, Tegenapattanam, and Masulipatnam. These accounts highlight the political and administrative structures of the time, including tax negotiations and the influence of local rulers like the Golconda Sultanate and Vijayanagar remnants. The study explores how the coast's economy persisted despite political upheavals, focusing on trade networks, European mercantile ambitions, and the region's socio-economic resilience.