Sovereigns Of The Sea by Seema Alavi (Hardcover)

“Sovereigns of the Sea: Omani Ambition in the Age of Empire” by Seema Alavi offers a fresh perspective on the history of the 19th-century Indian Ocean world. Moving beyond Eurocentric narratives, the book centers on the Omani Sultans, particularly Sayyid Said and his successors, and their dynamic role in shaping the region’s political landscape. Alavi explores how these rulers navigated the complex web of imperial ambitions and local power structures, establishing their own maritime empire and influencing trade, diplomacy, and conflict across the western Indian Ocean.

Through a detailed examination of the Sultans’ lives and actions, the book illuminates the intricate dynamics of power and influence in this crucial maritime space, offering a nuanced understanding of the era that challenges conventional historical interpretations and highlights the agency of non-European actors in the age of empire. It is a significant contribution to the fields of Indian Ocean history, Middle Eastern studies, and the history of empire, providing valuable insights for scholars and general readers alike.