Eurasian Crossroads: A Review by James A. Millward

James A. Millward, the American historian and professor at Georgetown University, has dedicated his career to unraveling the complex tapestry of Central Asia's past. Born in 1961, Millward earned his PhD from Columbia University and has authored several works on the Qing dynasty and ethnic relations in China. His expertise stems from years of archival research in Beijing and Urumqi, blending rigorous scholarship with a storyteller's touch. His 2007 book, Eurasian Crossroads: A History of Xinjiang, published by Columbia University Press and revised in 2021, is a landmark study of the region's 2,000-year history.

Praised as "the definitive history of Xinjiang" by The New York Review of Books (2007) and "a masterful synthesis" by The Guardian (2007), it has influenced policymakers and scholars alike, offering a balanced view amid contemporary tensions.

The book’s thesis is that Xinjiang, as a vital Eurasian crossroads, has been shaped by successive waves of migration, trade, and conquest, fostering a multi-ethnic mosaic that challenges simplistic narratives of Chinese dominance and highlights the region's enduring role in global connectivity. It is a wake-up call to the ground reality that historical complexity underpins modern conflicts, making it a must-read for its comprehensive, nuanced portrayal of cultural interplay. For Indian youngsters, it is like a friend over chai, sharing how borders and histories shape us, amid family stories of migration and societal pushes for "one nation." This history invites everyone to see Xinjiang beyond headlines, a gentle reminder in a world playing catch-up with its shared past.

Let us be honest, in a time when news cycles reduce places like Xinjiang to soundbites, Millward’s book feels like a long, thoughtful conversation under a village banyan tree. It’s not a dry textbook; it’s a journey through time that makes you see how trade routes and empires built the world we live in, the kind of story that makes you nod and think, "Our grandparents' tales of border crossings weren’t just stories—they were history in motion." For someone like me, growing up with tales of Partition and family moves from village to city, this book bridges those gaps, showing how Xinjiang’s crossroads mirror India’s own tangled paths of culture and conflict.

Eurasian Crossroads spans from prehistoric times to the 21st century, structured chronologically to trace Xinjiang's evolution as a cultural and commercial hub. Millward argues that its geography—bridging East and West—has made it a melting pot, with evidence from archaeology and texts showing waves of influence. “Xinjiang has been a crossroads of civilizations for millennia, where East met West in a dance of trade and conquest” (Millward, 2007, p. 1). The book opens with prehistory: “The Tarim mummies, with their Caucasian features and Indo-European textiles, attest to early migrations” (p. 5).

Ancient kingdoms: “The oasis states like Khotan and Turfan were nodes in the Silk Road, blending Persian, Indian, and Chinese influences” (p. 15). “Buddhism arrived via the Kushan empire, leaving stupas and manuscripts in the sands” (p. 20). Han dynasty expansion: “The Chinese first entered the Tarim Basin in the second century BCE, seeking tribute and allies against the Xiongnu” (p. 25). “The Western Regions were a buffer, but also a treasure trove of horses and jade” (p. 30).

Tang and Tibetan periods: “The Tang dynasty's control was nominal, with Uighur khagans holding real power” (p. 40). “Islam spread in the 10th century, carried by Kara-Khanid Turks” (p. 45). Mongol era: “Genghis Khan's conquest brought Pax Mongolica, uniting the steppes” (p. 50). “The Ilkhanate and Chagatai Khanate divided the region, fostering trade” (p. 55).

Qing conquest: “The Qianlong emperor's campaigns in the 1750s incorporated Zungharia and Altishahr” (p. 65). “Xinjiang became 'new frontier,' a colonial project of settlement and control” (p. 70). 20th century: “The East Turkestan Republics of 1933 and 1944 sought independence” (p. 80). “The People's Republic integrated Xinjiang in 1949, suppressing dissent” (p. 85).

Contemporary issues: “The 21st century sees economic development alongside cultural erasure” (Millward, 2021, p. 95). “Uyghur identity persists despite policies of assimilation” (Millward, 2021, p. 100). Millward uses maps and timelines to illustrate Xinjiang's crossroads role.

Eurasian Crossroads excels in its comprehensive scope and balanced narrative, making Xinjiang's history accessible yet scholarly. Millward’s writing is clear and engaging: “Xinjiang has been a crossroads of civilizations for millennia, where East met West in a dance of trade and conquest” (p. 1) evokes the region's vibrancy. The book’s strength is its multi-ethnic lens: “The Tarim mummies, with their Caucasian features and Indo-European textiles, attest to early migrations” (p. 5) challenges Han-centric views, as The New York Review of Books (2007) calls it “definitive.” The Silk Road chapters, “Buddhism arrived via the Kushan empire, leaving stupas and manuscripts in the sands” (p. 20), are vivid.

The Qing analysis, “Xinjiang became 'new frontier,' a colonial project of settlement and control” (p. 70), is incisive. The warmth in cultural exchange, “The oasis states like Khotan and Turfan were nodes in the Silk Road” (p. 15), feels inclusive. Its appeal lies in connectivity’s timelessness.

Weaknesses include a pre-2021 cutoff: “The People's Republic integrated Xinjiang in 1949, suppressing dissent” (p. 85) misses recent events, as The Guardian (2021) notes the revision’s limits. Intersectional analysis is strong on ethnicity but lighter on gender: “The Ilkhanate and Chagatai Khanate divided the region” (p. 55), women's roles are underexplored. The density, “The Qianlong emperor's campaigns in the 1750s incorporated Zungharia” (p. 65), can overwhelm. Compared to The Silk Roads, it is more focused but less sweeping.

Overall, Eurasian Crossroads is a scholarly essential, recommended for history buffs. It is less suited for casual readers but excels in depth and balance.

Why Indian Youth Readers Must Read This Book

For Indian youth in the pressure cooker of board exams, JEE coaching, and family expectations, Eurasian Crossroads is like a friend over chai, saying history’s crossroads teach us to see beyond borders. The race for top marks feels like ancient migrations: “The Tarim mummies... attest to early migrations” (p. 5). Rote learning is like ignoring cultural blends: “Buddhism arrived via the Kushan empire” (p. 20). This book’s a wake-up call to connect histories.

The job market, with competition, mirrors trade routes: “The oasis states... were nodes in the Silk Road” (p. 15). For youth from lower castes, “Xinjiang became 'new frontier,' a colonial project” (p. 70) resonates with marginalization. The book’s balance, “The East Turkestan Republics... sought independence” (p. 80), inspires advocacy.

For girls, facing marriage pressures, “Islam spread in the 10th century, carried by Kara-Khanid Turks” (p. 45) highlights cultural shifts. The ground reality is rote systems value facts overflow, leaving kids playing catch-up with context. “Pax Mongolica, uniting the steppes” (p. 50) says unity in diversity.

The book's wisdom, “The Han dynasty's control was nominal” (p. 40), connects to questioning narratives. Eurasian Crossroads teaches Indian youth historical nuance, a guide for a high-pressure world.

Eurasian Crossroads is a masterful history of Xinjiang's crossroads. For Indian youth, it is a mirror to cultural complexities, urging balance. This book’s a call to see connections, perfect for curious minds.