Rajesh Prasad is Assistant Professor of History at Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi. Trained at Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, he specializes in modern history, caste violence, political movements, and oral history. His research and teaching bridge archives, lived experience, and critical historical inquiry.

• List of Figures 9 Foreword 11 Preface 15 Introduction 25 PART I: KEY CONCEPTS AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND 1. Classical and Medieval Roots of Modern Europe 43 2. Feudalism to Capitalism: A Transition Debate 60 3. The Idea of Early Modern Europe 110 4. The European Cultures: Art, Science and Society 135 5. Threads of Cultural Change: Architecture, Fashion, Food and Festivals 157 PART II: THE RENAISSANCE 6. Society, Politics and Economy in Italian City-States 187 7. Renaissance Revisited 213 8. Humanism in Art and Literature 240 9. Developments in Scientific Spirit and Philosophy 266 10. Renaissance Beyond Italy 286 PART III: UPHEAVAL IN RELIGION 11. The European Reformation: Papacy and its Critics 301 12. Reformation, Women and Changes in Cultural Values 327 13. The Spread of Protestant Sects 353 14. Counter-Reformation and Religious Strife 367 15. The Economic and Cultural Impact of the Reformations 390 16. Economic Development of the Sixteenth Century 412 PART IV: THE CONQUEST OF THE NEW WORLD: MATERIAL, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ASPECTS 17. European State Systems: Absolutism 427 18. Western Europe’s Overseas Expansion 443 19. Early Colonial Expansion 466 20. The Conquistadors and their Impact 490 21. The New World: Cultural Exchanges and Conflicts 508 PART V: CRISIS, REVOLUTION AND THE RISING MODERNITY 22. The Seventeenth Century Crisis: Political andSocial Transformation 539 23. The English Civil War: Revolution and Radical Politics 560 24. The Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment in Europe 577 25. The Industrial Revolution: Origins andGlobal Divergence Debate 612 Conclusion 645 Index 653