SHOWNOTES:
EP056 INDIA SERIES 03 THE AFGHAN FRONTIER
Introduction
- I discuss enjoying Easter treats like nut-free eggs and binge-watching Shogun.
- Shout out to Two Broads Cider on the west coast of the U.S.
- Note about using some AI voice clips in the previous episode
- Welcome to new Patreon supporter Sean Spada
Main Topic: The Borders of Victorian India and Afghanistan
- Victorian Views on Borders/Imperialism
- Importance of defined borders to nation-states vs. historical blended territories
- Empires tended to use geographic features like rivers/mountains as borders
- Motivations for expanding empire borders: security, resources, preventing rival expansion
- Debate around British motivations – security concern vs. aggression
Geography of Afghanistan
- Overview of Afghanistan’s mountainous terrain and extreme climate variations
- Significance of the Hindu Kush mountain range and Khyber Pass
- Historical importance as a crossroads along Silk Road trade routes
- Challenges the terrain posed for military movement/supply lines
Main topic: Afghan culture
- Predominantly Muslim, but rich cultural diversity beyond Taliban stereotypes
- Alignment between conservative Victorian and Muslim values in some areas
- Debate around female dress codes and varying interpretations
- Primacy of tribal/kinship affiliations over national identity
- Ethnic groups like Pushtuns and history of conflicts with groups like Sikhs
- Afghan Border Security Concerns for Britain
Main topic: Preventing Russian expansion from Central Asia into India
- Recent history of Afghan rulers invading India (Mughals)
- Unease over Russian/French intrigues to court Afghan allies against Britain
Main topic: The Adventures of Sir Alexander Burnes
- Early life and join the East India Company’s military
- Daring diplomatic missions mapping rivers and intelligence gathering
- Writing bestseller “Travels into Bokhara” about his experiences
Main topic: Burnes’ Afghan Mission (1836-1838)
- Dispatched to Kabul to monitor Russian influence
- Built relationships with Afghan leaders like Dost Mohammad Khan
- Recommended installing Shah Shuja as British-friendly ruler
- Laid groundwork for the disastrous First Anglo-Afghan War
- Views dismissed by Sir William Macnaghten in favor of war hawks
Main topic: British Decision to Invade Afghanistan
- Fears over Dost Mohammad allying with Russia/Persia against Britain
- Failure to reach terms protecting British interests
- Plan to depose Dost and reinstate former ruler Shah Shuja
- Overconfident manifesto expecting quick regime change
- Inability to concede to Dost’s demands over Peshawar and Sikh rivalry
- Declaration of War!
If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected], follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.
The post EP056 INDIA SERIES 03 THE AFGHAN FRONTIER appeared first on AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST.
