Published on the occasion of Monacophil 2022
272 pp. - colour and b/w ill. - cloth-bound with gold inscriptions and colour cover - printed 2022
English and French text

A new book for the first time sheds light on the history and postal history of the Indian subcontinent in the years of conquest and struggle for dominance among European powers up to the establishment of British rule.
It focuses on the pre-philatelic history of India while comprising a comprehensive view on historical developments of all the European nations and the interacion among them. It closely ties history with postal history.

Starting with the battle of Plassey in 1757 and settling with the end of the Napoleonic Wars and the subsequent peace negotiations until around 1819, India transitioned from a multipower country to one British Rule.
The British very early realized that putting up a reliable postal system was a significant means of consolidating power; they were successful in establishing post offices and postal services even in the settlements of other European nations.
The year 1819 marks the end of this period of struggle and sees Britain as the leading power in India as well as the sole provider of domestic postal services even on the territory of the remaining European powers, which were left with no political or economic importance.

Many significant philatelic objects were gathered from collectors all around the world. Among them there are several items from archives which have never been shown before. A strong focus was given to describe them correctly and in their historical context.