Paper short abstract:

What was the strategic importance of the Tribal Areas and what strategy was framed by the British Raj in India to protect its imperial Interest in the region during the course of the First World War.

Paper long abstract:

This research paper discusses one of the most complex and complicated frontier quandary that was faced by the British Empire in India during the First World War. Tribal Belt in the North-West Frontier of British India due to its geography and culture was one of the most hazardous, dangerous and ungovernable, place in the midst of the British Empire's many frontiers spread across the globe. Tribal Belt was defined topographically a strategic zone. The region was one of the most sensitive parts of British administration in India. Peace, stability and effective control of the area was vital and essential for the protection of India.

During the First World War, the British were faced with multifaceted problems and challenges in the Tribal Belt i:e, the activities and propaganda of the Central Powers, the influence of Amir of Afghanistan and the rise of Pan-Islamism in the region were some serious and worrying factors which could create disastrous situation for the British not only in the North West Frontier but throughout India. This paper would critically evaluate and argue, why were the British so sensitive about the Tribal Areas? How important was the role of Afghanistan in this critical period? How the British counter Central Powers activities and propaganda in the area? And what strategy was devised by the British to maintain peace and stability in the Tribal Areas?

Paper Download (660 KB)