Published in 1913, Indian Currency and Finance is one of the earliest major works of the renowned British economist John Maynard Keynes. In this book, Keynes examines the complex financial and monetary systems of colonial India under British rule, offering a detailed and analytical perspective on issues such as the Indian currency system, exchange rates, monetary policy, and the functioning of the Reserve Bank of India.
The book is divided into several chapters that explore the history and structure of India’s currency system, the mechanics of the gold exchange standard, and the role of government policy in managing India’s financial system. Keynes critically evaluates the challenges and consequences of British financial policies on the Indian economy and suggests reforms to improve the efficiency and stability of India’s monetary system.
Indian Currency and Finance is a landmark work not only because of its economic insights but also because it reflects Keynes’ early intellectual development before he became famous for revolutionizing macroeconomics with The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money.
This book remains significant for students of economic history, monetary theory, and colonial studies, offering a foundational look into the monetary challenges faced by colonial economies and the thought process of one of history’s most influential economists.
