Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 324 The Quiet Indian Plan
After Iran annexed Kokand, Russia's activities in Central Asia noticeably decreased. This may be because Russia felt its own strength was insufficient, and therefore redeployed troops from other regions. The border conflict with Iran naturally subsided, not only to maintain internal stability, but also largely due to considerations for the large number of Diocese Christians within Russia.

One-eighth of the Russian population are Muslims, concentrated in the southern steppe regions. This is a ticking time bomb for Russia. These Muslims also closely monitor international affairs, and their ambitions naturally intensified when Iran defeated the Ottomans and annexed Central Asia.

A strange phenomenon has emerged: a large-scale conversion among believers. Furthermore, some clergy have changed their prayers; aside from the Prophet, let's all wish the Shah of Iran good health!
Out of fear, Alexander II began to gradually restrict the freedom of believers. The previously relatively tolerant religious policies were abolished and replaced by a policy of forcibly promoting Orthodox Christianity and the Russian language.

"Alexander's emancipation of the serfs had some effect, but they adopted even harsher policies toward our fellow countrymen."

Naser al-Din had already anticipated this situation, especially when the local population began to convert to Shia Islam and speak Persian; everyone knew this was dangerous.

"Russia is just a bloated man, and he is currently only taking medicine to recuperate. As long as he has not given up on continuing to annex territory, his illness will never be cured."

Abdullah handed Nasser al-Din a report that he had discussed with several of his brothers and ministers.

"India's final plan? If the British saw that, your head would be in the street."

"That's fine, as long as India really does that at the time. Besides, it would also relieve Shah's burden."

Taking India back from the British was virtually impossible. To maintain firm control over India, Britain exerted deep influence in all aspects, including politics, economics, military, and society.

Politically, Britain exploited religious, caste, and regional differences in Indian society to sow discord between Hindus and other religious groups, weakening their ability to resist. At the same time, it exercised indirect rule through local princes and states, reducing the costs of direct administration.

London, through treaties and agreements, allowed the princely states to maintain internal autonomy, but foreign affairs and defense remained under British control. This indirect rule reduced the costs of direct British administration.

Not only the princely states, but Britain also courted the Zamindars, the most basic administrative class in local India. As local elites, they helped Britain maintain social order and suppress peasant rebellions. In 1793, Britain passed the Permanent Settlement Act, establishing the Zamindars as landowners, responsible for collecting land taxes from peasants and remitting them to Britain.

Through cooperation between the princely states and the Zamindarans, Britain consolidated its colonial rule over India. These two entities became important pillars of British rule.

Economically and culturally, Britain adopted a policy of colonial exploitation and cultural suppression, measures that ensured its absolute control. However, this also worried Britain, as India was too important to them; a buffer zone was necessary. Therefore, to the west, they set their sights on Afghanistan; to the east, they continuously attacked Myanmar. A small section of their border also bordered Iran. This was the location of the British vassal state of Qarat Khanate, and according to reports from Zahedan, Indian troops had repeatedly gathered there, their intentions unknown.

“Shah, Britain owes its current status to India. Without India, we wouldn’t need to fear Britain.”

Naserdin opened the document to the first page and asked, "Thirty years, that's too long."

"Although it takes a long time, this is the shortest time we've ever spent discussing it, and even then, success isn't guaranteed."

This plan not only requires time, but also substantial funding and personnel. Furthermore, it's crucial to be wary of British espionage networks and avoid letting them detect it.

Most importantly, the Crescent Moon Christians are the only ones India can rely on. Other religions have already been subjugated by the British; they are inherently destined to be ruled. These people cannot be used as support; they must be eliminated as much as possible. "I don't know if it's appropriate to say this, but it is indeed a pretty good solution."

Nasser al-Din had to admit that what Abdullah offered was indeed a perfect solution to ensure Iranian control over India, although the probability was less than one percent.

Within this framework, Iran aims to control the vast Indus River basin, a vital agricultural region that can supply it with food and various raw materials. Simultaneously, the ports of the Makran region are also essential for Iran, further boosting its economy.

As for other places, let's just divide them into a few countries. The most important thing is to bring the Mughal Empire back to this continent.

Naserdin lit his pipe again; he would light it whenever he felt stressed to relieve it.

"Wasn't the Mughal emperor exiled? Can he still be found now?"

"It's still possible. He and his whole family were exiled to Myanmar. We can still find them."

The last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah II, and his entire family were exiled to Burma by the British. Several of his children also joined the Indian Rebellion. If we could find them, things would be much easier.

In conclusion, this plan would require an unimaginable amount of time, money, and manpower. However, the royal family was willing to take on some of the burden, simply by making them princes in the Indian region.

"That's fine, but there's one thing I need to make clear upfront. We can't let this get involved with the government."

"Yes, Shah."

Isn't the royal family doing this simply to gain some political power? As long as they can control the Indian people, they can do whatever they want. It's just that there are too many Indians; it would be better if a hundred million died. That would make rule much easier.

Such ambition is a huge risk for Nasser al-Din. Britain has gone to great lengths to recruit troops from India, and can readily deploy millions, even tens of millions, of cannon fodder. This will deplete Iran's strength, so for now, it must focus on building up its power.

Naser al-Din knew that the road ahead was full of thorns and challenges, but as long as he persevered, one day the light of Persia would shine on the whole land again.

In fact, he has already achieved the first step. Everyone in the Middle East knows that Iran has a ruler even more powerful than Abbas the Great, leading Iran to prosperity. His prowess is unmatched even by Suleiman the Magnificent of the Ottoman Empire.

The British are starting to realize they've nurtured a behemoth in the Middle East. Its rise is so rapid that even Ali would have to submit on the spot. But if Iran is gone, Russia will definitely move south. It's like a system vulnerability; you can't eliminate it, and eliminating it only creates a bigger vulnerability. You can only watch helplessly, seething with anger.

(End of this chapter)