In line with the growing interest in the area-specific social and economic history, the book attempts to explore the nature of changes in the Kota region of Rajasthan (erstwhile Rajputana) during the 18th century -- against the backdrop of the establishment and expansion of the Hada principality and its ties with the Mughal system. The author examines, in particular, structure and stratification of the village society, the system of agricultural production, and the overall agrarian economy in the 18th century. Sethia also looks at the non-agricultural production and the role of the state, merchants and markets.

Madhu Tandon Sethia, PhD from the Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, teaches history at Kanoria Mahila P G Mahavidyalaya, Jaipur.