52. The Slave who Ruled

In this episode of Empire, Anita Arnon and William Durham interview Manu Pillai, a historian of India, about the story of Malik Ambar, an Ethiopian slave who rose to become a powerful ruler in India. The discussion covers the history of slavery in India, including sex slavery in the Chola dynasty and the slave kings of Delhi. Manu shares personal stories about his family's history with slavery and provides insights into the social and political context of slavery in India. The conversation explores Malik Ambar's origins, his rise to power, his military strategies, and his legacy in Indian history, highlighting his impact on the Mughal Empire and his influence on the Maratha hero Shivaji.