Page:Indian Journal of Economics Volume 2.djvu/525

 MODERN MERCANTILISM IN INDIA PP. OFSSOR CHARLES D. THOMPSON, Ja., M.A. EWING CHRISTIAN COLLEGE, ALLAHABAD It is impossible to read the chapters in Haney's History of Economic Tlwght on Mercantilism and Cameralism without being repeatedly struck by the Sl tarroes between tae conditions and doctrines of Europe three and four hundred years ago, and those o India to-day. It occurs to one that this is the Mercantile period of India's history of economic thought. (Her Physiocrats and her Adam Smith are still in the future). It seems to be well worth while to compare the similarities the causes for same causes unclerlie and differences and examine briefly those differences, and whether the the similarities. then in Europe, As in India to. day, so. increased means of transportation and narrow borders both political. travel had broken down and economic. Wider markets gave rise to a money economy and wider military operations caused the fall of feudal principali- ties and the rise of modern nations. To establish national pre-eminence larger armies ad navie became necessary. paid regularly, whether taxes came and silver were permanent funds of purchasing power. Also he precious meals were needed more than ever standing These had to be in or not. Gold