Lord William Bentinck 1774-1839: The Making of a Liberal Imperialist delves into the career of a transformative figure in British and Indian history. Far from a conventional biography or a straightforward history of his Indian administration, the book explores Bentinck’s life as part of the broader historical, social, and political currents of his time. It examines his tenure as Governor-General of India (1828-1835), while equally emphasizing his early governorship in Madras, his involvement in British and Italian affairs, and his role within the British landed aristocracy—a class navigating its relationships with emerging industrial and professional elites. Through thematic essays rather than strict chronology, the book offers a nuanced view of how Bentinck's career reflected and influenced the interplay of global imperial dynamics, administrative reform, and personal ambition.

The narrative is enriched by extensive use of Bentinck's private papers, supplemented by scholarly research and official documents, particularly regarding his contributions to judicial and social reforms in India and his diplomatic activities in Europe. The text considers his administrative philosophies, his struggles with the complexities of imperial governance, and his impact on broader historical debates, such as the evolving nature of liberal imperialism. By connecting the disparate threads of Bentinck’s career—from Sicilian politics to Indian land revenue systems—the book illuminates his unique role as a representative of an adaptable ruling class during a time of profound global and local transformation.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1974.