In this original study British rule in Burma is examined through quotidian acts of corruption. Saha outlines a novel way to study the colonial state as it was experienced in everyday life, revealing a complex world of state practices where legality and illegality were inseparable: the informal world upon which formal colonial power rested.

"Saha's volume is interlaced with references to comparative works on the historical sociology of empire. It is well documented and clearly an interesting contribution to our understanding of colonial Burma during a brief but important period." - Robert H. Taylor, Institute of South-east Asian Studies, Singapore.

Autorentext
Jonathan Saha completed his PhD in history at the School of Oriental and African Studies and is now Lecturer in Modern History at the University of Bristol, UK. His research focuses on colonial Burma and he has published several articles on the topics of law, corruption, madness, and gender.

Inhalt
Preface Introduction 1. Making Misconduct 2. The Career of Inspector Pakiri 3. Whiter than White 4. The Male State Conclusion Notes Index