Report on the territories

Report on the territories, conquered from the Paishwa by Elphinstone, Mountstuart Publication date 1838 Elphinstone, Mountstuart's 1838 publication titled "Report on the Territories Conquered from the Paishwa" sheds light on the British Empire's activities in India. Elphinstone, a colonial official with extensive experience in the region, including his governorship of Bombay, provides a comprehensive account of the western Indian territory acquired by the British by 1818.

Written in 1821, this report serves as a political document rather than a cultural exploration, although Elphinstone's fluency in Persian and interest in the local culture are worth noting. The report begins with a geographical overview of the area and its inhabitants, followed by a concise overview of Maratha history. However, the main focus of the report lies in the administration of the territory, with a particular emphasis on generating more revenue. By examining this report, readers gain valuable insights into the workings of the British Empire in India from a firsthand perspective.