Empire 52. The Slave who Ruled
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May 23, 2023 
In this riveting conversation, historian Manu Pillai sheds light on Malik Ambar, an Ethiopian slave who ascended to power in India during the 16th century. They explore the dynamics of slavery in India, revealing Malik's rise from a young slave to a formidable military leader against the Mughal Empire. The discussion also unveils innovative guerrilla tactics employed by Malik and highlights the complex legacy of African influences within India's history. Pillai's insights challenge perceptions of slavery and identity, making for a captivating listen.
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Family History of Slavery
- Manu Pillai's family owned slaves until the mid-19th century, even meeting descendants of them.
- Rituals and practices of this pre-abolition system continued, highlighting a complex history.
Varied Abolition Dates
- Legal abolition dates varied across India, with some areas resisting change.
- Travancore in South Kerala, for example, didn't abolish slavery until 1855.
Ancient Indian Slavery
- The claim that slavery didn't exist in ancient India is incorrect. Emperor Ashoka's rock edicts mention slavery, as do ancient Sanskrit texts.
