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Marx visits Calcutta - or he would have if Engel's father had his way - ordering his son about

What is it about?

the significance of India (and slavery) as a go-to example for Marx throughout Capital Vol 1. A habitual thought for him, examples multiply, India is good to think with, and Lord Clive - the robber baron - is deservedly castigated. The tribute mode of production is not the main story, rather the originary accumulation of capital, plundered from the then wealthiest quarter of the world, is the foundation.

Why is it important?

The origins of Capital in plunder, the booty repatriated to England fuels the industrial revolution, but would this have been more often noted if Marx had followed Engels to Calcutta, as Engels father had suggested.

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John Hutnyk
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