Continuation of the Thousand-Year War, the Muslim-Western Conflict in Bharat(India)

Introduction:

In his thought-provoking book, "Crusade and Jihad: The Thousand-Year War Between the Muslim World and the Global North," William R. Polk delves into the complex and often contentious relationship between the Muslim world and Western powers. Published in 2018 as part of The Henry L. Stimson Lectures Series by Yale University Press, Polk's work offers a comprehensive analysis of the historical interactions and conflicts that have shaped this relationship over the centuries.

• The book explores the historical roots of the conflict, including the Crusades, the Mongol invasions, and the Ottoman Empire's expansion into Eastern Europe.
• Polk examines the ideological and cultural differences between Christianity and Islam, including their distinct views on war, peace, and the role of religion in society.
• The author also discusses the impact of colonialism, nationalism, and modernization on the conflict, including the legacy of European colonialism in the Middle East and the rise of Islamist movements.

A Thousand Years of Conflict?

The title of Polk's book suggests a broad historical scope, implying a continuous conflict spanning over a thousand years. While the book does touch on the early history of Muslim-Western interactions, its primary focus lies in the 19th and 20th centuries. This period saw the rise of European colonialism, the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, and the emergence of modern nation-states in the Middle East.

Polk argues that this era witnessed a significant shift in the balance of power between the Muslim world and Western powers. European colonialism brought about the subjugation of many Muslim-majority territories, leading to a sense of humiliation and resentment that continues to simmer to this day.

Historical Context: The Early Years

To understand the complexities of the Muslim-Western conflict, it is essential to examine the early history of interactions between these two civilizations. The Islamic Golden Age, which spanned from the 8th to the 13th century, saw significant cultural, scientific, and philosophical exchanges between Muslims and Europeans.

However, the Crusades (1095-1291) marked a turning point, as Christian armies clashed with Muslim forces in the Levant. This period of conflict created a deep-seated mistrust and hostility between the two sides, which would continue to simmer over the centuries.

The Rise of European Colonialism

The 19th century saw the rise of European colonialism, as Western powers sought to expand their empires and exploit the resources of the Middle East and North Africa. This period was marked by the subjugation of many Muslim-majority territories, including the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Polk argues that this era of colonialism created a sense of humiliation and resentment among Muslims, who felt their lands, resources, and cultures were being exploited and disrespected. The legacy of colonialism continues to shape the Muslim-Western conflict to this day.

The Collapse of the Ottoman Empire

The collapse of the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century marked another significant turning point in the Muslim-Western conflict. The Ottoman Empire, which had long been the dominant power in the Middle East, was carved up by European powers, leading to the creation of modern nation-states in the region.

This period saw the emergence of nationalist movements across the Middle East, as Muslims sought to assert their independence and self-determination. However, these movements were often met with resistance from Western powers, which sought to maintain their influence and control over the region.

The Modern Era

In the modern era, the Muslim-Western conflict has taken on new forms. The Iranian Revolution of 1979, the Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989), and the Gulf Wars (1990-1991 and 2003-2011) have all contributed to ongoing tensions and conflicts.

Polk argues that the War on Terror, launched by the United States in response to the 9/11 attacks, has further exacerbated tensions between the Muslim world and Western powers. The invasion of Iraq in 2003, in particular, has had far-reaching consequences, including the rise of extremist groups like ISIS.

Impact on Bharat

The Muslim-Western conflict is a complex and multifaceted issue, spanning centuries and continents. The battleground moved from violent frontier to Bharat where there are 1.2 Billion souls to be 'converted'. You can see sometimes co-operation and sometimes competition for the remaining 'unconverted' souls in Bharat.

Islamic conquests, colonialism, and partition:

Islamic Conquests (8th-16th centuries)

• Introduction of Islam to India, leading to the establishment of Muslim dynasties like the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire
• Cultural exchange, blending Indian and Islamic traditions
• Conflict and coexistence between Hindu and Muslim populations

Colonialism (18th-20th centuries)

• European powers, particularly Britain, exploited India's resources and fueled Hindu-Muslim tensions
• Divide and rule policies, creating separate electorates and fueling communalism
• Economic exploitation, leading to poverty and underdevelopment

Partition (1947)

• The British Indian Empire was divided into India and Pakistan, based on religious lines
• Mass migrations, violence, and displacement, resulting in significant human suffering
• Ongoing tensions and conflicts between India and Pakistan, including Kashmir disputes

Legacy of the 1000-year war in India

• Continued Hindu-Muslim and Hindu-Christian and Christian-Muslim tensions and communalism
• Regional conflicts, such as Kashmir and Indo-Pakistani tensions
• Economic and social challenges, including poverty and underdevelopment
• Rich cultural heritage, with blending of Islamic and Indian traditions

Conclusion

In "Crusade and Jihad," William R. Polk offers a nuanced and comprehensive analysis of the Muslim-Western conflict. While the book's title suggests a broader historical scope, its focus on the 19th and 20th centuries provides a detailed understanding of the complex factors that have shaped this relationship.

• India's relations with Muslim-majority countries, including the Middle East
• Domestic politics, with debates around secularism, nationalism, and minority rights
• Economic development, with ongoing efforts to address poverty and inequality

The "1000-year war" has left a lasting impact on India, shaping its history, culture, and politics. Understanding this complex legacy is crucial for addressing ongoing challenges and building a more harmonious future.