Economic Insights from Jesuit Missionary Letters: Unveiling South India's Agricultural, Taxation, and Trade Systems (17th–19th Century)

Abstract: This study explores the economic conditions of South Indian regions, particularly Senji, Vellore, Tanjore, and Tirunelveli, through the letters of Jesuit missionaries. These letters, written between the 17th and 19th centuries, provide valuable first-hand accounts of the prevailing economic, agricultural, and taxation systems. The research highlights the impact of political transitions on economic prosperity, the role of irrigation in sustaining fertile lands, and the socio-economic challenges faced by local communities. By analysing missionary epistolary correspondences, this study sheds light on taxation burdens, traditional savings practices, and the agricultural economy, contributing to the historical reconstruction of South India’s economic landscape. Keywords: Economic Prosperity, Irrigation, missionary epistolary correspondences. Title: Economic Insights from Jesuit Missionary Letters: Unveiling South India's Agricultural, Taxation, and Trade Systems (17th–19th Century) Author: Dr. F. Maria Jenifer Thaya International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online) Vol. 13, Issue 1, January 2025 - March 2025 Page No: 247-249 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 19-March-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15050880 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/economic-insights-from-jesuit-missionary-letters-unveiling-south-indias-agricultural-taxation-and-trade-systems-17th19th-century