EP056 INDIA SERIES 03 THE AFGHAN FRONTIER
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)