Om Prakash (historian)

Om Prakash (born 1940s, details vary by source) is a prominent historian specializing in the economic and social history of pre-colonial and colonial India, particularly focusing on maritime trade in the early modern period (17th-18th centuries). He is known for his meticulous archival research and detailed analyses of the structures, dynamics, and participants in the Indian Ocean trade network.

Prakash’s scholarship has significantly contributed to understanding the complexities of the early modern Indian economy, challenging Eurocentric narratives that often depict the period as one of decline before the arrival of European powers. He has illuminated the sophistication and resilience of Indian merchant communities, their strategies for navigating political instability, and their interactions with both Asian and European traders.

His research has explored themes such as:

• The role of Indian merchants (especially Gujarati merchants) in inter-Asian trade.
• The impact of European trading companies (Dutch East India Company, English East India Company) on the Indian economy.
• The production and trade of commodities like textiles, indigo, and opium.
• The social and economic consequences of maritime trade for Indian society.

Prakash has held academic positions at institutions such as the Delhi School of Economics and has been a visiting scholar at various universities worldwide. He is the author of several influential books and articles, establishing him as a leading voice in the field of Indian economic history. His works are considered essential reading for scholars interested in global trade, the early modern world, and the economic history of South Asia. Key publications include works focusing on the Dutch East India Company and its relationship with the Indian economy. He has also contributed extensively to edited volumes and journals.