ARMIES AND WARS OF THE FRENCH EAST INDIA COMPANIES 1664-1770: European, Asian and African Soldiers in India, Africa, the Far East and Louisiana

Discusses the origins of the French East India Company and the need to maintain their own private armies and navies that were independent from those of the King of France, leading to the formation of the Compagnie des Indes in 1719. Details how the French company expanded, and when they became involved in the politics of the crumbling Mughal Empire in India, the number of European soldiers was expanded by enlisting thousands of Indian soldiers who were given European training, weapons, and sometimes uniforms. Also discusses locations such as different training centers, the various roles soldiers took such as marines on company ships, as well as the creation of different units with distinct uniforms. Contains 189 black and white illustrations, photos, and maps, 12 color plates, and 35 color illustrations.