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Indian railroading: floating railway companies in the late nineteenth century

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  • STUART SWEENEY

Abstract

This article provides a case study of four late nineteenth‐century share flotations of Indian railway companies. It highlights an important gap in the historiography of Indian railway finance, which has focused on the period up to 1875. The role of N. M. Rothschild as lead underwriter and its relationship with the India Office, managing agents, and investors is analysed. This gives an evolving picture of mutual dependence between the City and Whitehall in the financing of the British Empire's largest investment programme. Gentlemanly capitalists are shown to combine the self‐reinforcing roles of arranger, investor, and informal government advisor.

Suggested Citation

  • Stuart Sweeney, 2009. "Indian railroading: floating railway companies in the late nineteenth century," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 62(s1), pages 57-79, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ehsrev:v:62:y:2009:i:s1:p:57-79
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-0289.2009.00470.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Burk, Kathleen, 1989. "Morgan Grenfell 1838-1988: The Biography of a Merchant Bank," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198283065.
    2. D. C. Coleman, 1973. "Gentlemen and Players," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 26(1), pages 92-98, February.
    3. W. J. Macpherson, 1955. "Investment In Indian Railways, 1845–1875," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 8(2), pages 177-186, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Bowbrick, Peter, 2020. "Toxic famine research and how it suppresses its critics," MPRA Paper 101970, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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