Hindol Sengupta and M.J. Akbar discussed Akbar's new book, "After Me, Chaos: Astrology in the Mughal Empire," which explores the Mughal emperors' fascination with astrology as a metaphor for their engagement with and loss of India. Akbar emphasized that the Mughals did not confuse their culture with their religion, maintaining a strong commitment to their cultural heritage. They discussed specific examples of the Mughals' belief in astrology, including Humayun's prediction of his own death and Akbar's birth, highlighting the deep integration of astrology into Mughal life and traditions. He discussed the influence of astrology on the Mughal Empire, particularly during Akbar's reign. He highlighted how astrologers played a significant role in determining auspicious times for events like coronations and military campaigns. M.J. Akbar also mentioned that Aurangzeb's return to bigotry and fundamentalist views led to the decline of the empire, contrasting with Akbar's inclusive policies. He concluded by noting the widespread belief in astrology among the Mughal princes, which was an integral part of their daily routines and governance. He also highlighted how Pakistan's creation was driven by a desire to distance itself from Hindus rather than achieve independence from British rule, which led to the establishment of a nation based on religion rather than shared history or culture. M.J. Akbar also touched on the importance of understanding true Islam, as exemplified by Shivaji's letter, which emphasizes the universal nature of the Quran and the futility of using religion to divide people. Hindol Sengputa inquired about the current state of Pakistan, noting its internal strife and the broader implications for South Asia, to which M.J. Akbar suggested that the chaos in Pakistan is a result of its artificial foundation and ongoing struggles to define a national identity. The conversation also touched upon Pakistan's internal instability and reflected how India's neighborhood policy under Prime Minister Modi, has redefined "neighbor" based on reach rather than proximity, particularly in relation to the Gulf and Pakistan. M.J. Akbar also commented on the Middle East, noting that India, not the Gulf, should be considered the "middle" of the East, and expressed optimism about the region's future, particularly regarding economic development and religious tolerance. After Me, Chaos: Astrology in the Mughal Empire by M.J. Akbar - https://www.amazon.in/After-Me-Chaos-Astrology-Mughal/dp/9361316265 Chapters 00:00 - 01:49 - Opening 01:50 - 14:58 - Astrology in the Mughal Age 14:59 - 23:10 - How Aurangzeb ruined the Mughal Empire 23:11 - 29:57 - Historical deficiencies passed to Pakistan 29:58 - 35:07 - Instability in Pakistan and its regional implications 35:08 - 40:54 - What does it mean for India? 40:55 - 45:12 - Developments in West Asia and implications for India 45:13 - 45:42 - Closing #mughals #history #mughalhistory #aurangzeb #book #astrology #pakistan #globalaffairs #globalnews #foreignpolicy #india #globalorder

Dinkar Srivastava points out that unlike global powers that separate nuclear deterrence from territorial disputes, Pakistan dangerously links its nuclear policy to Kashmir — calling it both a “nuclear flashpoint” and an “unfinished agenda of partition.” Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJoKR7K0IEk

Dinkar Srivastava explains that Pakistan’s “strategic depth” theory, proposed by former ISI chief Hamid Gul, was flawed from the start as even Pakistani officials later admitted it lacked any real military logic. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJoKR7K0IEk

Dinkar Srivastava reveals that despite Jinnah’s August 11, 1947, speech promising a secular Pakistan, he later assured the Muslim Brotherhood that Pakistan would be based on Sharia, exposing the speech as a tactical move rather than a genuine vision. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJoKR7K0IEk

Dinkar Srivastava highlights that despite nuclear asymmetry, China has successfully deterred both the US and Russia, contrasting this with Pakistan’s historical obsession with parity, rooted in pre-partition ideological claims. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJoKR7K0IEk

Dinkar Srivastava explains that the renewed US-Pakistan engagement is driven by strategic interests related to Iran, not South Asia or Kashmir, as often portrayed in Indian media. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJoKR7K0IEk

In this conversation, Hindol Sengupta engages with Ambassador Dinkar P. Srivastava, former diplomat, author, and an expert on Pakistan and Iran, delving into the complexities of Pakistan's ideologies, strategies, and interests. They explore recent developments in Pakistan's foreign relations, particularly with Saudi Arabia, and the implications of these relationships on regional stability. The discussion also covers the historical context of Pakistan's national unity, the misguided belief in strategic depth concerning Afghanistan, and the ideological foundations laid by its founding leaders. The conversation culminates in an analysis of Pakistan's nuclear strategy and its evolving relationship with the United States, highlighting the intricate interplay of ideology and geopolitics. You can read Ambassador Srivastava's book here - https://www.amazon.in/Pakistan-Ideologies-Dinkar-Prakash-Srivastava/dp/9361316745 Chapters - 0:00-0:45 Opening 0:59-5:26 Recent developments in Saudi Arabia-Pakistan relations 6:33-9:17 The misguided belief behind Pakistan’s Afghan strategy 10:19-15:17 The fragile state: Pakistan’s union and its troubled regions 16:10-17:53 Jinnah, Ideology and the Muslim Brotherhood 18:42-23:47 The role of religion in shaping Pakistan’s identity and politics 24:36-27:10 Pakistan, nuclear deterrence and the mirage of parity 27:45-30:59 Renewed US-Pakistan engagement: history repeats itself? 31:00-31:44 Closing #india #pakistan #imrankhan #interview #explorepage #foreignaffairs #globalorder #hindolsengupta

Danny Orbach highlights Hamas’s use of civilians as human shields hiding in hospitals, schools, and tunnels, and disguising fighters in civilian clothes which explains why Israel targets certain locations and civilians within the context of this strategy. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz0Gp-Y_Koo&t=417s