Brown History Podcast

Join historian William Dalrymple, acclaimed for his insights on Indian and Islamic history, as he illuminates ancient India's extraordinary legacy. He reveals how India was once a global powerhouse in mathematics, philosophy, and trade, drastically influencing cultures from Rome to Southeast Asia. Dalrymple also challenges misconceptions about maritime trade routes and discusses the impact of colonialism on India's rich maritime heritage. This engaging conversation highlights the need to recognize and celebrate India's profound contributions to the world.

When we hear the phrase 'homeland security,' we usually think of the United States. But long before 9/11, Israel was already building a model —one based on occupation, surveillance, and control. After the 2008 Mumbai attacks, India promised it would never be caught off guard again. But instead of rebuilding from within, it became one of Israel’s biggest customers. Not just for weapons, but for surveillance technology, police training, and an entire mindset shaped by Israel’s experience of occupation. In today’s episode, we sit with Rhys Machold, author of Fabricating Homeland Security, and unpack how homeland security became a global brand, how fear became a marketplace, and how Israel became India’s go-to model for policing, surveillance, and counterterrorism. Get the book here: https://amzn.to/449mEhf Visit our Shop: https://shopbrownhistory.com/ Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/brownhistory Books covered on the podcast so far: https://amzn.to/42TH768

On today's episode of the Brown History Podcast, we sit with Indo-Canadian filmmaker Deepa Mehta. Her work is fearless, powerful, and deeply human. Each of her films tells a different story, in a different way—but what ties them all together is her deep and unwavering love for her people. She captures their history, their joy, and their sorrow with honesty and grace. Her films are bold. They’re visually stunning. And they don’t shy away from the hard truths. This month, the Toronto International Film Festival is honouring Deepa Mehta’s remarkable 30-year career with a special retrospective—screening ten of her film from April 4th to 23rd at the TIFF Lightbox here in Toronto. This episode could not have happened without the support of the Toronto International Film Festival, specifically Nandita Dutta from TIFF, a special thanks to them all. Visit our Shop Become a patron Books covered on the podcast so far: https://amzn.to/42TH768 Book Recommendations by Deepa Mehta: The First Man by Albert Camus Nowhere, Exactly: On Identity and Belonging by M. G. Vassanji

When countries in the Global South gained independence from European colonial rule, they didn’t fully break away from the systems imposed by their former colonizers. While they became independent nations, they continued to follow the same ideas about borders, governance, and state power—ideas shaped by colonial rule. In other words, they removed foreign rulers but didn’t necessarily rethink the structures that defined nations and states. In today’s episode, we sit with Hafsa Kanjwal, author of the book ‘Colonizing Kashmir: State-building Under Indian Occupation.’ and explore how the Indian and Kashmiri governments used development and governance to tighten India’s control over Kashmir after Partition. In her book, she argues that India’s efforts to integrate and develop Kashmir after British rule were fundamentally colonial. She examines how India brought Kashmir under its control without the people's approval, using local leaders who followed India’s interests. Her work argues that India’s actions were not about freedom but instead shows them as part of a larger effort to strengthen the country after World War II. Get the book here: https://amzn.to/4eJg7fn Visit our Shop: https://shopbrownhistory.com/ Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/brownhistory Books covered on the podcast so far: https://amzn.to/42TH768 Book Recommendations by Guest: Resisting Disappearance: Military Occupation and Women's Activism in Kashmir by Ather Zia Indians on Indian Lands: Intersections of Race, Caste, and Indigeneity by Nishant Upadhyay

During colonial rule of India, relations between British men and Indian women became regular practice, and over generations a large and growing 'mixed race' community developed. They would come to be known as Anglo-Indians and have their own distinct identity. Anglo-Indians held a unique position at the crossroads of race, color, and class. They were never fully colonizers nor colonized, but something in-between, at times playing the roles of either, neither, or both. When the British left and India was granted its independence in 1947, Anglo-Indians would face an existential dilemma. In today's episode, we sit with Uther Charlton-Stevens, author of ‘Anglo-India and The End of Empire,’ and reexamine empire and decolonization through the eyes of Anglo-Indians. Get the book here: https://amzn.to/4eJg7fn Visit our Shop: https://shopbrownhistory.com/ Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/brownhistory Books covered on the podcast so far: https://amzn.to/42TH768 Book Recommendations: An Anglo-Indian Childhood by Shirley Pritchard Embers: An Anglo-Indian Memoir by Joy Chase Anglo-Indian Lives in Pakistan by Dorothy McMenamin Children of Colonialism: Anglo-Indians in a Postcolonial World by Lionel Caplan Anglo-Indian Identity: Past and Present, in India and the Diaspora by Robyn Andrews (Editor), Merin Simi Raj (Editor)

Our guest today is the acclaimed actress Kani Kusruti. Kani garnered widespread recognition when she won the Best Actress award at the Kerala State Film Awards in 2020. Her recent film, All We Imagine as Light, won the prestigious Grand Prix at Cannes. This film marks the first Indian entry in competition at Cannes in nearly three decades and is set to make its Canadian debut at the Toronto International Film Festival. Today, we’ll delve into Kani's journey, the making of this groundbreaking film, and what this moment means for Indian cinema. Visit our Shop: https://shopbrownhistory.com/ Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/brownhistory Books covered on the podcast so far: https://amzn.to/42TH768

Kerala was once one of the poorest states in India. However, in the 1970s, the oil boom in the Gulf sparked a surge in demand for labour which was largely filled by Keralites, thus transforming the fabric of Kerala society forever. When we talk about migrant labor, we often focus on the economic side. But we forget that cities are not just built from stone and bricks. They are also built on dreams, hopes, memories, and longing, passed down from one generation to the next. On today's episode, we sit with Mohamed Shafeeq Karinkurayil, author of 'The Gulf Migrant Archives in Kerala' —the first ever book that studies Gulf migrant archives in Malayalam through photographs, films, and literature. Together we delve into the impact of the Gulf in Kerala society and examine migrant labor beyond just the economic aspects. Get the book: https://amzn.to/3yKwKI4 Visit our Shop: https://shopbrownhistory.com/ Subscribe to our newsletter: https://brownhistory.substack.com/ Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/brownhistory Books covered on the podcast so far: https://amzn.to/42TH768

In this engaging discussion, acclaimed author Fatima Farheen Mirza, known for her bestselling novel 'A Place for Us', shares her insights on the nuances of Indian-American Muslim family life. She delves into her creative process, balancing parenthood with writing, and how her Shia upbringing influences her narratives. Fatima also discusses the evolution of cultural identity through character archetypes, the importance of genuine representation, and the challenges of maintaining creativity amidst distractions.

Explore the plight of Pakistani Hindus, the largest non-Muslim minority facing systemic discrimination in Sindh. Delve into the alarming reality of forced conversions, particularly affecting Hindu women, amidst a patriarchal society. Discover how cultural representation is being revitalized through the ISKCON community and social media. Unpack the complexities of identity amid religious nationalism and caste divisions while understanding the struggles of women seeking justice. This enlightening discussion reveals the challenges and perseverance of a marginalized community in a tumultuous environment.

The podcast dives into the tumultuous 1970s and 80s, highlighting how British South Asians unified against surging racism and violence. Protests and rallies mark their courageous fight for dignity amidst oppressive circumstances. It also reflects on the impact of Enoch Powell's divisive rhetoric and shares personal accounts of young British Asians grappling with identity amidst racial tensions. The rise of the Southall Youth Movement showcases the community's resilience and the ongoing journey against systemic discrimination.