Global Trade and Indian Politics: The German Dye Business in India before 1947. Issue 3 (2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lubinski, Christina
• Is Part Of: Business history review. Volume 89:Issue 3(2015)
• Page Start: 503
• Page End: 530
• Publication Date: 2015
• Subjects: Business -- Periodicals; Business -- History -- Periodicals; 330.09
• DOI: 10.1017/S0007680515000707
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-6805

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="normal"> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>This article analyzes the German dye business in India before 1947 as an example of expanding German-Indian commercial relationships. German dye manufacturers showed great interest in India's economic potential in the absence of discriminatory tariffs, while Indian elites were interested in non-British Western partners, which could support their struggle for industrial self-reliance. This particular alignment of interests facilitated cooperation and shows that the so-called European experience is more diverse than research has shown so far. The analysis highlights global trading networks beyond the political boundaries of formal empire and offers an alternative perspective on Indian business history, which reveals more competition between multinationals of different origins and more strategic choices available to Indians.</p> </abstract>