Prajakti Kalra is Affiliated Lecturer at the Centre of Development Studies, University of Cambridge and Research Officer with the Cambridge Central Asia Forum, Jesus College, University of Cambridge. She is a researcher, historian and political scientist. She received her MPhil from the University of Cambridge in Persian Studies, MA from the University of Chicago in International Relations and BA from Indiana University, Bloomington in History and Psychology. She is currently the Communications and Events Officer for the GCRF COMPASS project in Cambridge. Her book, ‘The Silk Road and the Political Economy of the Mongol Empire’ came out in 2018. Her work focuses on Uzbekistan, Eurasia, regional organisations like the Eurasian Economic Union, Customs Union and SCO. Her paper on ‘Uzbek Relations with the Countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council in modern and pre-modern times,’ was published by the Gulf Research Centre in a book entitled, ‘Russian and CIS Relations with the Gulf Region Current Trends in Political and Economic Dynamics’ in 2009. She has worked with MPhil and PhD students in the Centre of Development Studies since 2010. She has organized international conferences and presented her works in Uzbekistan.
This paper considers the concept of science diplomacy in the context of Eurasian history with a p... more This paper considers the concept of science diplomacy in the context of Eurasian history with a particular focus on the period of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. The Mongol Empire held sway over much of Eurasia and thus participated in diplomatic activity within and outside of Mongol domains. Scientists and intellectuals routinely headed diplomatic embassies sent and received by the Mongol Empire. Diplomats were valued for their knowledge and skills and served as interlocutors and translators for the Mongol Khans. These scientist-diplomats were key figures in the court and were essential in facilitating exchanges, building connections and fostering relations. As polyglots and polymaths they were able to operate in a multi-cultural environment. They were part of the complex framework of the Mongol Empire that brought to bear a kind of Eurasian development model that relied on expertise, knowledge and resources that could be utilised across the empire. Set within this context, ...
Beginning in 1206 large parts of Eurasia came under the sway of the Chinggissid Mongols. In 1260 ... more Beginning in 1206 large parts of Eurasia came under the sway of the Chinggissid Mongols. In 1260 the united Mongol Empire came to an end and divided into four khanates ruled by the progenies of Chinggis Khan. The four khanates were the Yuan (centered at China), the Ilkhanate (Middle East), the Golden Horde (Russia and the Caucasus), and the Chaghadaids (Central Asia). These political entities remained connected under the broad umbrella of the institutions and worldview that originated in the steppe and one that was informed by Chinggis Khan’s rule. Essentially the periods of the united Mongol Empire (1206–1260) and of the four khanates (1260–1350) can be termed as the period of Mongol rule. The abiding allegiance to the Chinggissid legacy continued to find resonance for the far-flung imperial family well in to the mid-14th century and even later in certain parts of Eurasia. Under this united system of rule, trade came to occupy a special place and led to hitherto unprecedented excha...
The article aims to introduce the underlying motivation and conceptual underpinning to the specia... more The article aims to introduce the underlying motivation and conceptual underpinning to the special issue entitled “Globalizing Local Understanding of Fragility in Eurasia.” The main purpose of this article is to problematize the popular opinion and portrayal of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) and more generally the countries of Eurasia and the Caucasus as inherently fragile states which are politically unstable and thus on the brink of collapse. This article also seeks to question narratives of modernity that are singular and constantly out of reach for large swathes of the world’s populations because of the narrowness and hegemonic nature of the architecture of global governance. By carefully considering the ways and means through which international institutions categorize countries as fragile and/or failed, the article aims to provide the theoretical foreground for the special issue which focuses on locating inherent community ...
“Pax Mongolica: Trade and Traders in the Mongol Empire.” In Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Asian History. Oxford University Press, 2020
Beginning in 1206 large parts of Eurasia came under the sway of the Chinggissid Mongols. In 1260 ... more Beginning in 1206 large parts of Eurasia came under the sway of the Chinggissid Mongols. In 1260 the united Mongol Empire came to an end and divided into four khanates ruled by the progenies of Chinggis Khan. The four khanates were the Yuan (centered at China), the Ilkhanate (Middle East), the Golden Horde (Russia and the Caucasus), and the Chaghadaids (Central Asia). These political entities remained connected under the broad umbrella of the institutions and worldview that originated in the steppe and was informed by Chinggis Khan's rule. Essentially the periods of the united Mongol Empire (1206-1260) and of the four khanates (1260-1350) can be termed Printed from Oxford Research Encyclopedias, Asian History. Under the terms of the licence agreement, an individual user may print out a single article for personal use (for details see Privacy Policy and Legal Notice).
There is a growing need to spread the idea of Islam as a peaceful religion and Muslim countries a... more There is a growing need to spread the idea of Islam as a peaceful religion and Muslim countries as partners for global peace. The Russian worldview which encompasses its multi-ethnic character and diversity best showcases the essential role that Russia has played and continues to play with and for the Islamic world globally. Geography and demography have given Russia a uniquely Eurasian character that lends itself to a particular understanding of the world and its various elements. Russia's geography makes it part of " …different continents and neighbour to several civilizational zones. " 1 In popular imagination today the world is divided between the East and West and Muslims against the rest of the world. In this increasingly divisive environment which is causing dangerous splits and ruptures around the globe, the partnership between Islam and Russia is both necessary and integral for peace and stability in the world. Russia's historical place in Asia and closeness with the Muslim world along with its own multicultural character allows for an approach beyond othering and appeals to the greater good. As part of the fabric of the Asian and Muslim world, Russia is heir to a social and cultural milieu which is accommodating and inclusive. This gives rise to partnerships not divisions and creates proximity not distance with Muslim communities around the world. With talks of World War III, either inevitable or already taking place, Russia's myriad relationships with Muslims around the world can help finding solutions and mitigating differences. Globalisation and multiculturalism are under threat today because of policies of exclusiveness, isolationism and protectionism especially with regard to Muslim populations around the world. These have to be addressed quickly and with alacrity in order to ensure world peace. This paper provides the background and historicity of Russia's interactions with the Islamic world both within and without and takes a long term view of history to showcase the consistent role that Russia has played and continues to play in mitigating conflicts with the Islamic world. It specifically considers political and economic relationships with a cross-section of Muslim societies around the world, majority or otherwise. It offers instances where Russia has played the role of mediator in conflicts in the post-Soviet space and particularly in the Middle East, and gives further examples where Russia's track record and nuanced approach through time can provide solutions and resolutions in the future.
doi: 10.1057/9781137472960 This paper analyses Eurasianism from the standpoint of Asia and specif... more doi: 10.1057/9781137472960 This paper analyses Eurasianism from the standpoint of Asia and specifically Kazakhstan. The Mongol Empire first consolidated Central Asia, the Steppe and Russia with the rest of Europe in the thirteenth century. Eurasia was connected via the Silk Road for centuries, a kind of proto-Eurasian Union, which had its basis in trade. The region has remained inter-connected ever since, negotiating and re-negotiating as rulers have changed. Even as part of the Soviet Union, borders in this region remained permeable. President Nazarbayev’s speech in 1994 layed out his vision of Eurasianism, with its centre in Astana and differs significantly from that of President Putin. The authors consider the drivers of the Eurasian Union as economic, particularly the industrial development and modernisation of the post-Soviet space. It is shown that the Customs Union formed in 2010 has been beneficial and can be considered as a forerunner for the Eurasian Union.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Prospects of Development in the Eurasia Region'. Turki... more Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Prospects of Development in the Eurasia Region'. Turkish Policy Quarterly. by Siddharth (montu) Saxena. Login or signup to follow this paper. Followers (3). ...
Stephen Dale has undertaken a remarkable endeavour in writing this book on Zahir al-Din Muhammad ... more Stephen Dale has undertaken a remarkable endeavour in writing this book on Zahir al-Din Muhammad Babur. In his own words Babur was the last great ‘Timurid-Chinggizid’, the man who initiated the ‘Timurid Renaissance’ and carried forward Timur’s legacy from Samarkand to Kabul and more importantly to Agra in North India thus creating the ‘Timurid-Mughal’ epoch. He presents in his book, ‘The Garden of the Eight Paradises,’ a thorough reading and analysis of the Baburnama substantiated with a chronicle of Islamic prose and poetry of the period (15th-16th centuries), and cross-referenced with historical sources ranging from Al-Baruni’s travelogue of Hindustan (11th century) to Abu Fazl’s 17th century Persian translation of Babur’s memoirs under Emperor Akbar (Babur’s grandson). Given the massive scope of the project there is on occasion a slide into erring to the side of too much detail making the material too dense and thus unreadable. For example, when Dale talks about various autobiographies written by other Muslim rulers or when he talks about Alisher Navoi’s (acclaimed Turki poet) life or even that of Amir Khusrau (court-writer under Ala-u-Din Khalji) of Hindustan.
This article provides a background to the newly formed Customs Union between the three former Sov... more This article provides a background to the newly formed Customs Union between the three former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus in 2010 and relates this form of economic and political cooperation to the times of the Mongol Empire when trade from Europe to China flourished under a single institutional framework. We provide details on the customs code accepted by the three member states, especially Kazakhstan, and highlight economic, political and social benefits that this form of cooperation could bring to the participating states and their close neighbors and trade partners.
This paper considers the concept of science diplomacy in the context of Eurasian history with a p... more This paper considers the concept of science diplomacy in the context of Eurasian history with a particular focus on the period of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. The Mongol Empire held sway over much of Eurasia and thus participated in diplomatic activity within and outside of Mongol domains. Scientists and intellectuals routinely headed diplomatic embassies sent and received by the Mongol Empire. Diplomats were valued for their knowledge and skills and served as interlocutors and translators for the Mongol Khans. These scientist-diplomats were key figures in the court and were essential in facilitating exchanges, building connections and fostering relations. As polyglots and polymaths they were able to operate in a multi-cultural environment. They were part of the complex framework of the Mongol Empire that brought to bear a kind of Eurasian development model that relied on expertise, knowledge and resources that could be utilised across the empire. Set within this context, ...
Beginning in 1206 large parts of Eurasia came under the sway of the Chinggissid Mongols. In 1260 ... more Beginning in 1206 large parts of Eurasia came under the sway of the Chinggissid Mongols. In 1260 the united Mongol Empire came to an end and divided into four khanates ruled by the progenies of Chinggis Khan. The four khanates were the Yuan (centered at China), the Ilkhanate (Middle East), the Golden Horde (Russia and the Caucasus), and the Chaghadaids (Central Asia). These political entities remained connected under the broad umbrella of the institutions and worldview that originated in the steppe and one that was informed by Chinggis Khan’s rule. Essentially the periods of the united Mongol Empire (1206–1260) and of the four khanates (1260–1350) can be termed as the period of Mongol rule. The abiding allegiance to the Chinggissid legacy continued to find resonance for the far-flung imperial family well in to the mid-14th century and even later in certain parts of Eurasia. Under this united system of rule, trade came to occupy a special place and led to hitherto unprecedented excha...
The article aims to introduce the underlying motivation and conceptual underpinning to the specia... more The article aims to introduce the underlying motivation and conceptual underpinning to the special issue entitled “Globalizing Local Understanding of Fragility in Eurasia.” The main purpose of this article is to problematize the popular opinion and portrayal of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) and more generally the countries of Eurasia and the Caucasus as inherently fragile states which are politically unstable and thus on the brink of collapse. This article also seeks to question narratives of modernity that are singular and constantly out of reach for large swathes of the world’s populations because of the narrowness and hegemonic nature of the architecture of global governance. By carefully considering the ways and means through which international institutions categorize countries as fragile and/or failed, the article aims to provide the theoretical foreground for the special issue which focuses on locating inherent community ...
“Pax Mongolica: Trade and Traders in the Mongol Empire.” In Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Asian History. Oxford University Press, 2020
Beginning in 1206 large parts of Eurasia came under the sway of the Chinggissid Mongols. In 1260 ... more Beginning in 1206 large parts of Eurasia came under the sway of the Chinggissid Mongols. In 1260 the united Mongol Empire came to an end and divided into four khanates ruled by the progenies of Chinggis Khan. The four khanates were the Yuan (centered at China), the Ilkhanate (Middle East), the Golden Horde (Russia and the Caucasus), and the Chaghadaids (Central Asia). These political entities remained connected under the broad umbrella of the institutions and worldview that originated in the steppe and was informed by Chinggis Khan's rule. Essentially the periods of the united Mongol Empire (1206-1260) and of the four khanates (1260-1350) can be termed Printed from Oxford Research Encyclopedias, Asian History. Under the terms of the licence agreement, an individual user may print out a single article for personal use (for details see Privacy Policy and Legal Notice).
There is a growing need to spread the idea of Islam as a peaceful religion and Muslim countries a... more There is a growing need to spread the idea of Islam as a peaceful religion and Muslim countries as partners for global peace. The Russian worldview which encompasses its multi-ethnic character and diversity best showcases the essential role that Russia has played and continues to play with and for the Islamic world globally. Geography and demography have given Russia a uniquely Eurasian character that lends itself to a particular understanding of the world and its various elements. Russia's geography makes it part of " …different continents and neighbour to several civilizational zones. " 1 In popular imagination today the world is divided between the East and West and Muslims against the rest of the world. In this increasingly divisive environment which is causing dangerous splits and ruptures around the globe, the partnership between Islam and Russia is both necessary and integral for peace and stability in the world. Russia's historical place in Asia and closeness with the Muslim world along with its own multicultural character allows for an approach beyond othering and appeals to the greater good. As part of the fabric of the Asian and Muslim world, Russia is heir to a social and cultural milieu which is accommodating and inclusive. This gives rise to partnerships not divisions and creates proximity not distance with Muslim communities around the world. With talks of World War III, either inevitable or already taking place, Russia's myriad relationships with Muslims around the world can help finding solutions and mitigating differences. Globalisation and multiculturalism are under threat today because of policies of exclusiveness, isolationism and protectionism especially with regard to Muslim populations around the world. These have to be addressed quickly and with alacrity in order to ensure world peace. This paper provides the background and historicity of Russia's interactions with the Islamic world both within and without and takes a long term view of history to showcase the consistent role that Russia has played and continues to play in mitigating conflicts with the Islamic world. It specifically considers political and economic relationships with a cross-section of Muslim societies around the world, majority or otherwise. It offers instances where Russia has played the role of mediator in conflicts in the post-Soviet space and particularly in the Middle East, and gives further examples where Russia's track record and nuanced approach through time can provide solutions and resolutions in the future.
doi: 10.1057/9781137472960 This paper analyses Eurasianism from the standpoint of Asia and specif... more doi: 10.1057/9781137472960 This paper analyses Eurasianism from the standpoint of Asia and specifically Kazakhstan. The Mongol Empire first consolidated Central Asia, the Steppe and Russia with the rest of Europe in the thirteenth century. Eurasia was connected via the Silk Road for centuries, a kind of proto-Eurasian Union, which had its basis in trade. The region has remained inter-connected ever since, negotiating and re-negotiating as rulers have changed. Even as part of the Soviet Union, borders in this region remained permeable. President Nazarbayev’s speech in 1994 layed out his vision of Eurasianism, with its centre in Astana and differs significantly from that of President Putin. The authors consider the drivers of the Eurasian Union as economic, particularly the industrial development and modernisation of the post-Soviet space. It is shown that the Customs Union formed in 2010 has been beneficial and can be considered as a forerunner for the Eurasian Union.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Prospects of Development in the Eurasia Region'. Turki... more Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Prospects of Development in the Eurasia Region'. Turkish Policy Quarterly. by Siddharth (montu) Saxena. Login or signup to follow this paper. Followers (3). ...
Stephen Dale has undertaken a remarkable endeavour in writing this book on Zahir al-Din Muhammad ... more Stephen Dale has undertaken a remarkable endeavour in writing this book on Zahir al-Din Muhammad Babur. In his own words Babur was the last great ‘Timurid-Chinggizid’, the man who initiated the ‘Timurid Renaissance’ and carried forward Timur’s legacy from Samarkand to Kabul and more importantly to Agra in North India thus creating the ‘Timurid-Mughal’ epoch. He presents in his book, ‘The Garden of the Eight Paradises,’ a thorough reading and analysis of the Baburnama substantiated with a chronicle of Islamic prose and poetry of the period (15th-16th centuries), and cross-referenced with historical sources ranging from Al-Baruni’s travelogue of Hindustan (11th century) to Abu Fazl’s 17th century Persian translation of Babur’s memoirs under Emperor Akbar (Babur’s grandson). Given the massive scope of the project there is on occasion a slide into erring to the side of too much detail making the material too dense and thus unreadable. For example, when Dale talks about various autobiographies written by other Muslim rulers or when he talks about Alisher Navoi’s (acclaimed Turki poet) life or even that of Amir Khusrau (court-writer under Ala-u-Din Khalji) of Hindustan.
This article provides a background to the newly formed Customs Union between the three former Sov... more This article provides a background to the newly formed Customs Union between the three former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus in 2010 and relates this form of economic and political cooperation to the times of the Mongol Empire when trade from Europe to China flourished under a single institutional framework. We provide details on the customs code accepted by the three member states, especially Kazakhstan, and highlight economic, political and social benefits that this form of cooperation could bring to the participating states and their close neighbors and trade partners.
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