15 Minute History Episode 154: The Nature of Empire: Power, Ecology and Knowledge
Apr 1, 2025
Sumit Guha, a professor of history at UT and author of 'Ecologies of Empire in South Asia,' discusses the intricate ties between empires, ecology, and knowledge. He delves into how the Mughal and British empires reshaped landscapes while centralizing local practices into bureaucratic power. Guha also explores the role of horse culture in establishing the Mughal Empire and contrasts the different ecological strategies employed by these empires. Furthermore, he examines the evolution of land mapping and agricultural practices, showcasing resistance to imperial governance.
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Empires Transform Environmental Knowledge
- Empires centralized local knowledge into bureaucratic and military systems to harness and fund power.
- This systemic organization transformed environments and environmental knowledge over centuries.
Globalization Roots in 1492
- Globalization began in 1492 with permanent trans-oceanic connections.
- This led to worldwide transfer of people, plants, animals, pests, and diseases, unlike the earlier Silk Road.
Silk Road vs Globalization
- Silk Road traded high-value but intermittent goods like silk and gold.
- Unlike permanent globalization, it was an unstable route and crops and animals were already spread across Eurasia.
