EP056 INDIA SERIES 03 THE AFGHAN FRONTIER AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST

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)