The Last Mughal: William Dalrymple

I would like to rate this book first: 10/10.

What an excellent account on Indian history by William Dalrymple. I think he gave tough competition to Indian historians with his research and thoroughness of day-to-day, month-on-month and year-to-year account of Mughal reign.

The book also gives detailed account of enmity amongst renowned poets in Mughal Durbar like Mir, Mirza and Ghalib.
An interesting statement by a one of the unknown poet about Ghalib:

“Kalaam-i-Mir samjhey aur zubaan-i-Mirja samjhey
Magar inka kaha yeh khud hi samjhein ya khuda samjhey”


--- we  follow poetry of Mir, and the language of Mira, But of him (Ghalib)- only he can follw his verses, or may be God alone can.

I read this book on 22nd November, 2009. One cannot ignore this book, if you are really interested in understanding The Mughal Durbar.

Manish Tully

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

I am another You- Priya Kumar (Book Review)

Image
This is a self help book written by Priya Kumar, a motivational speaker. Apparently, this is true story of author who tried to escape from the materialistic world. This book is written in the backdrop of Netherlands and Priya’s journey with shamams, ancient tribesman known for their mystic world of communicating with the spirit world. Priya takes its reader through her tough journey of learning, unlearning, and coming face to face with obstacles which made her think of running away from the world of shamams as well. But, yes, she was determined to awaken her sub-conscious mind and to understand the ways to fight with her troublesome past life. The lessons in the books are worth implementing, though they are bit difficult in real life, but atleast if we can start with say atleast ten percentile of the same, it’s worth. I must say this is indeed a great book and I strongly recommend reading the same. 
Read more

A Hermit in the Himalayas: by Paul Brunton

Image
A Hermit in the Himalayas: by Paul Brunton Yesterday, I concluded reading this book. Paul in this book is simply describing his experience of staying in Himalayan region of Tehri and other nearby places. Through this book author is trying to explain you yogi’s principle of staying alone in the state of meditation, rejuvenating oneself and then go back to the world and face it with all new strength and vigour. He is also trying to explain the that one in his lifetime need some time to explore oneself and talk to the inner soul and nature and seek guidance.  The author, takes you to his Himalayan journey in simple manner and explains you what majestic Himalayas can offer you. There are certain important teachings in the book, my favourite being:  “ Nature is the mother of every man aspiring towards truth, peace, and happiness, yes, and will help him….but the child which wants to stay for ever in the safety of its mother’s lap will never become a real adult- Paul Brunt
Read more

Women Against War: Personal Account of Forty Japanese Women

Image
Women Against War: Personal Account of Forty Japanese Women This book is compiled by the Women’s Division of Soka Gakkai, Japan. This is a compilation of personal account of sufferings of forty women of Japan who witnessed blood bath of the World War II. These women came out to share their personal account of horrors of war, and wish this never ever happen again. After reading these forty stories, I now really know what “war” means and what it delivers….  We all must have read about war/military conflicts in newspapers or books but never ever have had a chance to read or listen personal account of people who had to face it day and night.   All these forty stories will definitely bring tears and a feeling of sadness. These are only forty selected stories of sufferings, but I am sure that there are so many similar stories around the world that never get reported or reach our ears.  I am sure lot many souls must be dying to share their stories of sufferings during p
Read more