English Subba Rao (1775-1848) was tutor and Prime Minister to the Maharajas of Tanjore and Travancore. A celebrated literary scholar, his oeuvre included translations, letters, musical compositions, and plays.

Rahul Sagar is Global Network Associate Professor of Political Science at New York University, Abu Dhabi. His most recent books are The Progressive Maharaja: Sir Madhava Rao's Hints on the Art and Science of Government and To Raise A Fallen People: How Nineteenth Century Indians Saw Their World and Shaped Ours.