The Bombay country ships 1790-1833

"In this book, for the first time, the privately owned merchant ships of Bombay are described in detail. Owned by Indians and English, often in partnership, officered, in the first part of the period, by Europeans with Asian crews and licensed to trade east of the Cape of Good Hope, they were of vital importance to the financial stability of the East India Company's operations in China. The story has been salvaged from references in the Company's records, private papers and newspapers, with frequent quotations to give colour to the period. Ships and their tonnage are listed and their trade assessed. Where possible it shows the degree of Indian and European participation; it not only makes an interesting contribution to maritime studies but fills a gap in the economic and social history of both countries."--Provided by the publisher.