Book excerpt: This Book Is A Study Of The Pre-Colonial And Transitional Phase Of India'S Monetary And Commerical History, With Special Reference To Bengal, And Brings Into Focus The Changes That Were Brought About By The Colonial Rule. It Emphasises That There Were Considerable Elements Of Conflict In The Process Of Transition, The Author Argues, Is The Disappearance Of The Humble Currency Media And The Eclipse Of The Autonomy Of The Rural Economy, Reasons For Which Need To Be Carefully Examined.