I have great pleasure in placing : the Seventeenth Edition of the book in the hands of the readers, in this edition, Chapter 1 on “Decline and Disintegration of the Mughal Empire” has been re-written. It. contains a lot of new material which did not exist in the last edition. Chapter II on “Rise of Autonomous States” is a new one. It discusses in detail the various States which came into existence or became stronger as a result of the deline and disintegration of the Mughal Empire Chapter XLI dealing with “Changes in Land Revenue Settlement” is a new one. I have no doubt that these additions have added to the utility of the book I avail of this opportunity to thank all those who have patronised the book in the past and it as hoped that they will continue to do so in the future All suggestions for its improvement wilt be gratefully acknowledged.

I want the readers of Modern Indian History to note chit what made India weak and a prey to foreign conquest, was the lack of unity among the people of this country. Every one quarreled with every one, Brothers fought against brothers killed brothers they were prepared to 1oe all and be destroyed but were not willing to compromise with their brothers and other countrymen, This, was particularly so during the. eighteenth century. I would like the Indians to learn a lesson. They should subordinate everything to the higher interests of their country No sacrifice should be considered high to make India strong. It should never be forgotten that it is only if India lives, that we also live and prosper and can claim respect in the world.