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!

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