John Richards (scholar)

John Richards is a historian specializing in South Asian history, particularly the Mughal Empire and its relationship with the environment. He is known for his work on the environmental and economic transformations that occurred in India under Mughal rule.

Richards' scholarship explores the intricate connections between Mughal statecraft, land management, and ecological change. His work often analyzes how Mughal policies impacted agricultural production, resource extraction, and the livelihoods of local populations. He investigates the long-term environmental consequences of Mughal economic and political decisions.

His key publications include "The Mughal Empire" (The New Cambridge History of India) which provides a comprehensive overview of the Mughal period, and “Unending Frontier: Environmental History of the Early Modern World”. He has also published numerous articles and essays on various aspects of Mughal history, environmental history, and the history of South Asia.

Richards' contributions to the field have been influential in shaping our understanding of the Mughal Empire beyond simply a political or military history, and in highlighting the importance of environmental factors in shaping historical processes. He is recognized as a leading figure in the field of South Asian history and environmental history.