The principal aim
of this thesis is to assess the performance of Imam Salim b. Rashid and the
Imamate revival in Oman during the second decade of the 20th century. It
presents biographical information about Imam Salim, with special reference to
the military and political policies by which he established and consolidated
his Imamate in the Interior Province, and his relations with the Sultan and the
latter's British supporters. An attempt is also made to explore the
relationship between the Imam and the Omani tribes and to evaluate his
administrative success. This thesis comprises eight chapters, and the
introduction and conclusion. The introduction reviews the relevant literature
on the topic. The first chapter describes the geographical setting and provides
a historical background, relating to three principal matters: the rise of the
Ibadiyyah and the development of the Imamate in Oman; the events in Oman after
Sd. Sa'id's death up to 1913; and the effects of the First World War. The
second chapter seeks to give an account of the career of Imam Salim's life and
the Imamate revival. The third chapter discusses the manner in which the Imam
was elected, private and public allegiance (bay'ah) and the Imam's aims
and policy programme. Chapter Four deals with the Imam's military operations
and the spread of his authority over Oman. Chapter Five examines the attempts
at negotiation between the Imam and the Sultan, and the role of the British Government
and the local figures in this regard. Chapter Six is devoted to a discussion of
the role of the tribes in support of Imam Salim, and the extent of the Imam's
influence over these tribes. Chapter Seven assesses the Imam's administrative
machinery, including the political system, the bureaucracy, education policy,
and financial apparatus. Chapter Eight examines the causes behind the
assassination of Imam Salim and the signing of the Treaty of al-Sib. In the
conclusion, we present the findings of the research as they have emerged from
the assessment of the course of events in Oman. We have said that the Omanis
succeeded in reviving the Imamate and elected Imam Salim al-Kharusi who devoted
his efforts to establish the foundations of the state, and peace prevailed in
the country after the treaty of al-Sib in 1920.
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