This work by an eminent scholar and diplomat turned famous historian is an attempt at understanding European activities in Asia from Vasco Da Gama to 1945. During this period Europe represented a civilization on the march. It challenged the basis of Asian societies. It imposed its will upon them and brought about social and political changes in Asia based upon control of the seas and maritime power. Hence this book is indispensable for understanding European adventurism, their maritime supremacy, modern history, society and polity of the Asia particularly of India, China and Japan.