British Imperial Vision of the Indian Ocean with reference to the works of Sir Halford John Mackinder

By : Krishnendra Meena

Page No: 119-130

Abstract:
India, from an economic perspective was the most important colony for British Empire. Geopolitically, on the other hand, the imperial vision accorded immense significance to the Indian Ocean. Sir Halford J. Mackinder, considered to be a land power theorist, advocated and highlighted the significance of the Indian Ocean repeatedly in his prolific career. The paper will highlight that his work intended to preserve British Sea power by focusing upon the ‘Geographical Pivot of History’, the impregnable landmass later termed as the ‘Heartland’. Mackinder’s works Britain and British Seas (1902), Eight Lectures on India (1910), Democratic Ideals and Reality (1919) and Round World, the Winning of Peace (1943) reveal his understanding of the Indian Ocean space as a strategic linkage with both the Mediterranean and East Asia. He argues that the defence of Mediterranean is vital for its access to the Indian Ocean and similarly the connectivity offered by the ports in the Indian Oceanic space to the east is economically vital. The Bombay and Colombo ports were coveted locations on the high street which begins at London and emphasized that “Colombo is one of the chief centres of communication in the world” (Mackinder 1910). The aim of the paper therefore is to clarify that Mackinder valued British Sea Power and it was to create a defensive framework for the same that he highlighted threats emanating from the ‘Heartland’. In this schema, the heavy British presence in the Indian Oceanic space served two purposes, the defence towards the east from other European powers and the economic function of exploitation of the Indian riches.

Author:
Dr. Krishnendra Meena is an Associate Professor in the Centre for International Politics, Organisation & Disarmament (CIPOD) in the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. He is also the Secretary General of the Society for Indian Ocean Studies. He has been regularly contributing to various periodicals with his articles on International Affairs. 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/JIOS.2022.30.03.2