Ali Anooshahr

Ali Anooshahr, a historian specializing in Mughal India, discusses the life of Jawhar Aftabachi, a slave who rose to prominence in the Mughal court. He explores how Jawhar's microhistory offers a fresh perspective on slavery in South Asia and the complexities of individual identity. Anooshahr delves into the transition from slavery to the concept of discipleship within the Mughal hierarchy, highlighting the literary achievements of enslaved individuals and the societal structures that shaped their lives. The conversation sheds light on the broader implications of state formation on personal identities and interconnected histories.