ID | 121980 |
Title Proper | Mr Upjohn's debts |
Other Title Information | money and friendship in early colonial Calcutta |
Language | ENG |
Author | Robb, Peter |
Publication | 2013. |
Summary / Abstract (Note) | The paper discusses the effective operation of money and credit among Europeans in Calcutta around 1800, arguing for the importance of informal processes and ties of friendship that facilitated, regulated, and enforced agreements, helping both to tide over individuals in times of economic stress and to underwrite the provision and transfer of capital. The argument is advanced by a detailed case-study of debts owed by one resident-Aaron Upjohn-to another, the diarist, Richard Blechynden, amid a web of acquaintance, officialdom, and law that variously ensured that the debts were honoured. It is defined as a support system among acquaintances, necessitated in part by shortage of money and abundance of risk. |
`In' analytical Note | Modern Asian Studies Vol. 47, No.4; Jul 2013: p.1185-1217 |
Journal Source | Modern Asian Studies Vol. 47, No.4; Jul 2013: p.1185-1217 |
Key Words | Calcutta ; Informal Processes ; Enforced Agreements ; Economic Stress ; Upjohn |