Podcast Summary: Empire Club Episode 279 – "How Dubai Almost Became Part of India (Part 2)"

Released on August 6, 2025, Episode 279 of the Empire podcast hosted by Goalhanger delves into the fascinating and often overlooked history of the Arabian Peninsula's ties to British India. William Dalrymple and Anita Anand, alongside guest Ryan Reynolds, unravel the intricate narratives of how modern Gulf states like Dubai, Oman, and Qatar were once princely states under the Bombay Presidency. This comprehensive summary captures the episode's key discussions, insights, and conclusions.

1. Rediscovering Forgotten Histories

[02:25] Anita Anand:
"Why is this forgotten? How come that none of us knew it?"

The episode opens with William Dalrymple and Anita Anand highlighting the astonishing revelation that many Gulf states were, in fact, princely states under British India's influence. This paradigm-shifting information was unearthed thanks to James Onley and the Qatar Digital Library, an extensive archive now accessible to researchers worldwide.

[02:54] William Dalrymple:
"I got lost for weeks in that archive. It is extraordinary."

Dalrymple emphasizes the richness of the Qatar Digital Library, describing it as a treasure trove of previously inaccessible documents that shed light on the region's obscure historical figures and events.

2. The Princely States and British Colonial Strategy

[03:16] Ryan Reynolds:
"He discovers that most of the archives on Qatar are not sitting in Qatar and they're not sitting in the Arabian Peninsula, they're not sitting in London, they're sitting in Bombay."

Reynolds explains that the British meticulously managed these princely states as semi-autonomous regions, integrating them into the Bombay Presidency. These states, while internally independent, ceded foreign policy and defense to the British, similar to the arrangement in India.

[05:38] Anita Anand:
"Sam, none of us realize this, but you say that there's a reason that we're ignorant, that the British actually went out of their way not to emphasize these states were part of India."

The hosts discuss the British strategy of keeping these princely states under the radar to avoid diplomatic tensions with the Ottoman Empire, effectively erasing them from common historical narratives.

3. Cultural and Political Impacts

[07:16] Ryan Reynolds:
"The sons of these Arabian princes attended boarding schools like Mayo College in Rajasthan, mingling closely with the Indian elite."

Reynolds highlights the deep cultural intertwinement between British India and the Gulf states, illustrating how Arab elites were educated and influenced by Indian traditions and languages, notably Urdu.

[10:36] William Dalrymple:
"George Nathaniel Curzon is a most superior person."

Dalrymple critiques Lord Curzon's pompous demeanor and his dual strategy of integrating the Gulf states into the Indian Empire while simultaneously underscoring British supremacy, as evidenced by ceremonial humiliations.

4. The Shift Towards Independence

[15:31] Ryan Reynolds:
"...Arab nationalism is growing, and there's a sense that these regions should be aligning more with Cairo and Beirut than Bombay."

As the British Empire's grip begins to loosen post-World War I, Arab nationalism surges, leading to increasing demands for independence from British rule. This culminates in the separation of regions like Aden from India in 1937 to better align with emerging Arab national identities.

[16:29] William Dalrymple:
"It is mind blowingly interesting, that separation. And you liken it to Brexit..."

Dalrymple draws parallels between the historical separation of the Gulf states from India and modern secession movements, pondering the significant geopolitical ramifications had these regions remained part of India or Pakistan.

5. The Role of Indians in the Gulf

[30:46] Ryan Reynolds:
"Ambani Dirabayambani... organizing one of the biggest refueling stations."

Reynolds introduces the influential role of Indian entrepreneurs like the Ambani family in the Gulf's economic development. Their ventures laid the groundwork for the modern prosperity seen in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi today.

[32:22] Anita Anand:
"...when they arrive in Aden, they bump into relatives who are still tied to India, not needing to speak Arabic."

Anand underscores the insular nature of the Indian communities in the Gulf, which fostered economic success but also fueled Arab nationalist sentiments due to perceived lack of cultural integration.

6. The Emergence of Modern Gulf States

[36:27] William Dalrymple:
"...all the territories around the Gulf will be at liberty to seek their own salvation without the threat of British intervention..."

Dalrymple narrates the final phase of British withdrawal, leading to the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. This marks the end of British influence and the birth of independent, oil-rich nations.

[40:11] Ryan Reynolds:
"In episode four of this miniseries, we'll discuss exactly that possibility."

Reynolds tantalizes listeners with upcoming discussions on alternative historical scenarios, such as a federated Indian-UAE.

7. Hypothetical Reflections and Conclusions

[39:50] Anita Anand:
"Imagine Pakistan as an oil state or India as an oil state. Just extraordinary."

The hosts reflect on the critical decisions made during decolonization, contemplating how accepting Gulf states' integration could have transformed India's economic and geopolitical landscape, thrusting it into the global oil arena.

[40:20] William Dalrymple:
"...referencing Sam Dalrymple's book, 'Shattered Lands: Five Partitions in the Making of Modern Asia.'"

Dalrymple promotes further reading and engagement through Sam Dalrymple's work, inviting listeners to explore more nuanced histories of Asian partitions.

Notable Quotes

• Anita Anand [05:38]:
  "Sam, none of us realize this, but you say that there's a reason that we're ignorant, that the British actually went out of their way not to emphasize these states were part of India."

• Ryan Reynolds [16:29]:
  "There is very, very almost a world in which the entire united oil wealth of the Gulf is handed over to either India or Pakistan."

• William Dalrymple [36:35]:
  "Isn't it reminiscent of when the Russians sold back the West Coast of the United States before the gold was found?"

Conclusion

Episode 279 of the Empire podcast offers a riveting exploration of a hidden chapter in colonial history, revealing how the Arabian Peninsula was intricately linked to British India. Through meticulous archival research and engaging discussions, William Dalrymple, Anita Anand, and Ryan Reynolds illuminate the complex interplay of politics, culture, and economics that could have dramatically altered the modern Middle East and South Asia. This episode not only sheds light on forgotten histories but also invites listeners to ponder the profound "what ifs" that shape our contemporary world.

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