"[The book] traces the rich range of historical connections between ... [South Africa and India] and explores unconventional comparisons that offer new ground on which to build areas of study. By highlighting varied and similar experiences, the book offers new approaches for researching transnational histories; innovative methods for undertaking comparative research in the global South; an understanding of the significance of the Indian Ocean as a strategic and analytical arena; and interesting and uncommon areas of research such as lascars (black sailors), print culture, civic virtue, political citizenship and labour migrancy."--Back cover.