Tirthankar Roy

Tirthankar Roy, a Professor at the London School of Economics and author of 'The Origins of Colonialism', delves into the intricate relationship between climate and colonialism. He argues that European powers initially focused on trade over governance, with local environmental factors playing crucial roles. Discussing British dominance in India, Roy highlights the strategic importance of coastal regions and how access to water shaped agriculture and state stability. He connects these insights to broader colonial dynamics, revealing the complexities of imperialism across Asia and Africa.

Tirthankar Roy, a Professor of Economic History at the London School of Economics, dives into Kerala's remarkable transformation from one of India's poorest states to one of its richest. He discusses how migration to West Asia and remittances bolstered economic growth, alongside education and healthcare investments stemming from high literacy rates. Roy also explores the political shifts that fostered a supportive environment for private enterprise, revealing a unique model of development that contrasts state intervention with market dynamics.