“The role of religion in the rise of the Mahdist state in Sudan has been greatly exaggerated.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the importance of the role of religion in the rise of the Mahdist state. They may choose to focus on the argument that the role of religion has not been exaggerated and note that many Sudanese Muslims were inspired by the piety of the Mahdi and the purity of his vision. He promised to revitalize Islam, introduced Sharia law and launched a jihad against infidel occupation. Candidates may also stress the role of other factors, including initial British disinterest in the Sudan as well popular resentment towards Egyptian and, later, British rule. The merchant class in Khartoum suffered due to foreign control of trade and the banning of slavery. Military conscription was also deeply unpopular. Candidates may conclude by reflecting on the extent to which religion was key to the rise of the Mahdist state.