Few topics in South Asian history are as contentious as that of the Turkic conquest of the Indian subcontinent that began in the twelfth century and led to a long period of Muslim rule. How is a historian supposed to write honestly about the bloody history of the conquest without falling into communitarian traps? Conquest and Community is Shahid Amin's answer. Covering more than eight hundred years of history; the book centers on the enduringly popular saint Ghazi Miyan; a youthful soldier of Islam whose shrines are found all over India. Amin details the warrior saint’s legendary exploits; then tracks the many ways he has been commemorated in the centuries since. The intriguing stories; ballads; and proverbs that grew up around Ghazi Miyan were; Amin shows; a way of domesticating the conquest—recognizing past conflicts and differences but nevertheless bringing diverse groups together into a community of devotees. What seems at first glance to be the story of one mythical figure becomes an allegory for the history of Hindu-Muslim relations over an astonishingly long period of time; and a timely contribution to current political and historical debates.
#273391 in Books Deirdre N McCloskey 2016-04-21Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 2.20 x 6.00l; .0 #File Name: 022633399X768 pagesBourgeois Equality How Ideas Not Capital or Institutions Enriched the World
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Brilliant analysis of the great enrichment that has expanded human ...By Henry OlinerBrilliant analysis of the great enrichment that has expanded human wealth 70 fold in less than 2 centuries. This is more amazing when we note it occurred in the face of devastating wars and economic crisis. Opens up the field of cultural economics; which can be very useful in examining the potential and weaknesses of current policy. McCloskey examines literature; history; religion; and government institutions to trace this overlooked power of the unleashing of the economic and innovative power of the common man. once he was afforded the dignity and respect previously reserved for the ruling class. It sheds light on the current global rejection of elites who either forgot or never learned the lesson enshrined in her book.12 of 13 people found the following review helpful. Beautiful. compelling; informative feastBy David AltschulThe first book; in my 59 years as a reader; that I've found intellectually beautiful. McCloskey is lucid; clear; focused; and funny; ranging from history going back tens of thousands of years to; if you wait for it; a slur at the Cubs outfield in the book's closing pages. She persuades not only that ideas and ethics have given the world 200 years of widespread prosperity; but also that relative income (income inequality) counts for far less than how much better-off today's poor are than the poor of 60; or even 40 years ago.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Bravo!By PhilMy many thanks to Ms McCloskey for this book. It reinforces my Libertarian mindset; and my distrust of left leaning intellectuals. As an unapologetic member of the Bourgeoisie; and a proud participant in the creation of things that make life better for everyone. I can't understand why anyone would want to have time stand still. What time would they choose? The Great Enrichment; based on trade tested betterment is an astonishing feat of our species. Why would anyone sneer at it? It is a shame that so many people; educated at the most prestigious institutions don't seem to get it; and that we are still faced with a predisposition; on the part of some; to repeat the mistakes of the past; such as the impoverishment of Socialism; or Fascism.
