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White Mughals
544 pages, 2004
In 1798, British Resident at Hyderabad James Achilles Kirkpatrick glimpsed Kahir un-Nissa -- 'Most excellent among Women' -- the great-niece of the Nizam's Prime Minister and a descendant of the Prophet. He had gone out to India as an ambitious soldier in the army of the East India Company, eager to make his name in conquest and subjection of the subcontinent; instead he fell in love with Khair and overcame many obstacles to marry her -- not least of which was that she was locked away in purdah by her family.
Eventually, while remaining Resident, Kirkpatrick converted to Islam and became a double agent working for Hyderabad against the Company.
White Mughals by William Dalrymple takes you on a journey to explore the unseen side of colonial India. It's not just about the British ruling over India, but also about the cultural exchange and relationships that formed during this period. You'll find it fascinating to see how the British and Indians influenced each other's lives.
The book tells the story of a British officer, James Kirkpatrick, who falls in love with a local Indian princess, Khair-un-Nissa. It's a beautiful tale of love that transcends cultural and racial boundaries. This story will make you believe in the power of love and its ability to unite people from different backgrounds.
Dalrymple's research shows how the British, during their rule in India, adopted many aspects of Indian culture. From clothing to language, food to architecture, the British embraced the Indian way of life. This cultural fusion is a key theme in White Mughals.
William Dalrymple has done extensive research to ensure the historical accuracy of White Mughals. He has used a variety of sources, including letters, diaries, and official documents, to paint a vivid picture of life in colonial India. This book is a great resource for anyone interested in history.
White Mughals helps us understand the impact of colonialism on both the colonizer and the colonized. It shows how the British and Indians influenced each other in ways that still resonate today. By reading this book, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the complex history of colonialism.
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Dalrymple's work is a mesmerizing tale of love and betrayal, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing India. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the subcontinent.
Kirkus Reviews - Book Review MagazineDalrymple's 'White Mughals' is a captivating exploration of the cultural and political complexities of 18th century India. It's a book that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the country's rich history.
The Guardian - British Daily NewspaperIn 'White Mughals', Dalrymple masterfully weaves a tale of love, power, and cultural clash in 18th century India. It's a book that will captivate you from start to finish.
The New York Times - American Newspaper'White Mughals' is a fascinating exploration of a time when East met West in India, and the resulting cultural fusion. Dalrymple's writing is both engaging and enlightening.
The Telegraph - Indian Daily NewspaperDalrymple's 'White Mughals' is a riveting account of a time when love transcended cultural boundaries in India. It's a book that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the country's complex history.
The Times of India - Indian English Newspaper