Munsey's Magazine, May 1920

Munsey's Magazine, May 1920

This issue features "The Story of India" by Frederic Austin Ogg, professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin. The article examines India as Britain's greatest colonial dependency, its races, religions, and historic monuments, and the contemporary political problem of Indian demands for self-governance.

Ogg traces India's history from Aryan invasions after 2000 B.C. through Hindu civilization, Mohammedan conquest around 1000 A.D., and European penetration beginning with Alexander the Great. He details the Portuguese trade monopoly following da Gama's 1498 arrival, Dutch competition, and the rise of the English East India Company (chartered 1600). The article divides British control into three periods: the company's trading era (1600-1773), joint company-government rule (1773-1858), and direct government administration following the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny. The piece concludes with Britain's 1858 reorganization of military and administrative systems under the viceroy title. Illustrated throughout with photographs of Indian monuments, architecture, and durbar processions.