A BOOK REVIEWED

Hello readers, this is my first blog so kindly be considerate and give your feedback in the comment section below. So today I’ll be talking about a book that has intrigued me intensely. It’s ‘THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE NAWABS OF LUCKNOW’. A piece of general knowledge for those who don’t know (mainly readers who are not Indian) Lucknow is the capital city of the state of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.) in India and has played a pivotal role in the Indian history as well as is connected to Iran. This book is written by eminent writer and columnist, Ravi Bhatt, who has specialized in the history, culture and politics of Lucknow. The information contained in this blog will surely be a treat for those who are history lovers and those who love to know about different cultures, religions and ethinicities.

We know about the Mughals. You can always google it if you need information about the Mughal Race. Though the mughal culture originated with the Mughal dynasty which ruled from Delhi, the capital of modern India, now known as New Delhi, this culture was patronized and taken to its zenith by the rulers of Awadh, better known as the Nawabs of Lucknow. The old kingdom of Awadh comprised the U.P. of today and some parts of adjacent states. Lucknow was the place from where the Nawab used to rule.

‘Nawab’ is the plural of the Arabic word ‘naib’ meaning assistant. This term was given to the governors appointed by the Mughal emperor all over India to assist him in managing the Empire.These nawabs were initially administrative cogs in the Mughal Empire but in the year 1819, the 7th Nawab, Ghaziuddin Haidar snapped ties with Delhi and the Nawabs became independent rulers.

The book exquisitly describes the palace politics, eminent begums (queens), lifestyle and practices of the people of that era and monuments which can be seen today. It also describes how Shia traditions took ground as the ancestors of many nawabs were Iranian Shias. The book also speaks about the Kabab which is a famous dish peculiar to Middle East culture was also introduced in Lucknow and today stands as its signature, Chikan embroidery, etc.

The book is a really cheap buy but worth reading, though it does not maintain the chronological order it still gives you the essence of the gravity of  the worldwide famous culture of Lucknow.

A must read for people who professionally or by hobby are inquisitive to know more about Indian culture. If you want to buy this book you can get it from http://www.amazon.in/Life-Times-Nawabs-Lucknow/dp/8129109891

I hope you like my blog and will continue reading the ones to come.