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The Miniaturist
Set in the court of the Emperor Akbar in 16th-century India, this is a richly detailed and sensuous tale of art, sex, and political intrigue. Bihzad is the son of the emperor's chief artist and as such, he is groomed to follow in his father's footsteps. A child prodigy, Bihzad is shielded from life as he grows up in the stunning fortress town of Agra. But soon word of his his wild, imaginative drawings free from the normal restrictions of court painting spreads. In his spare time he paints a series of richly erotic scenes, but as his fame increases, he begins to make enemies who are jealous of his success and will use his hidden drawings to destroy him. Kunal Basu’s first novel, The Opium Clerk, was published to critical acclaim. Born in Calcutta, Basu now lives in Oxford, England.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
20 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Kunal Basu
21 books57 followersKunal basu was born in Calcutta. Raised by unorthodox parents, both litterateurs and political activists, he developed an early love for the arts: painting, acting and writing.
Since 2001, he has published four novels, a collection of short stories, written a few screen plays and (mostly unpublished) poetry.
Since 2001, he has published four novels, a collection of short stories, written a few screen plays and (mostly unpublished) poetry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 12, 2013
There is only one way to read this book... with an aspirin in your other hand. Honestly, this book was a tough one to digest. I could feel my brain going all wonky throughout the book. Yet I plodded on. Why?
Two things. First, the backdrop of the story belonged to the Mughal times (if you have checked my book reviews, you'd know by now that I am a history buff, so blame me for this addiction). The story intrigued me because so far, I had only read about the powerful Mughal rulers and their own turbulent dynasty. I was already curious to know how the common man felt being ruled by Mughals at that time. This book provided enough fodder to keep my thoughts churning...
Second, the author has an interesting writing style. I had watched the movie, The Japanese Wife, based on the novel written by this author and I knew that there was something special about his writing quality. But let me tell you one special thing about Kunal Basu: He is not a storyteller; he is an artist who paints with his pen. Every sentence is a masterpiece, the language, the philosophy, the romantic, lyrical prose he writes... everything. He creates a visual tapestry, vivid enough to engage you, but subtle enough to let your imagination wander. How does he do that?
If you were to ask me, what's the story, I'd say in one line: "Oh, well! It is the ranting of a Majnu." (The Majnu here, being the miniaturist, who is devoted to Akbar). The entire story seems to be heading nowhere. You wonder why should one suffer this book? However, Basu taught me one thing that I have to humbly acknowledge. My senses were jaded, largely due to reading books that spell it out for you in large letters.
Reading the book made me delve deep into my dormant self. The one, that is uncomfortable answering questions? Yeah, that one. This book reads like Rumi's poetry, or Khalil Gibran's philosophy. Like I said earlier, it is heavy, heady, stuff. That's why the aspirin... :)
My verdict: Read it if you are on the path to inner quest. Read it if you want to impress a group of book lovers. Read it if you are a die-hard romantic, and I am not talking about the Mills and Boon variety. Read it if you love abstract paintings. But if you are not any of the above, don't come near this book. It can be a health hazard.
Two things. First, the backdrop of the story belonged to the Mughal times (if you have checked my book reviews, you'd know by now that I am a history buff, so blame me for this addiction). The story intrigued me because so far, I had only read about the powerful Mughal rulers and their own turbulent dynasty. I was already curious to know how the common man felt being ruled by Mughals at that time. This book provided enough fodder to keep my thoughts churning...
Second, the author has an interesting writing style. I had watched the movie, The Japanese Wife, based on the novel written by this author and I knew that there was something special about his writing quality. But let me tell you one special thing about Kunal Basu: He is not a storyteller; he is an artist who paints with his pen. Every sentence is a masterpiece, the language, the philosophy, the romantic, lyrical prose he writes... everything. He creates a visual tapestry, vivid enough to engage you, but subtle enough to let your imagination wander. How does he do that?
If you were to ask me, what's the story, I'd say in one line: "Oh, well! It is the ranting of a Majnu." (The Majnu here, being the miniaturist, who is devoted to Akbar). The entire story seems to be heading nowhere. You wonder why should one suffer this book? However, Basu taught me one thing that I have to humbly acknowledge. My senses were jaded, largely due to reading books that spell it out for you in large letters.
Reading the book made me delve deep into my dormant self. The one, that is uncomfortable answering questions? Yeah, that one. This book reads like Rumi's poetry, or Khalil Gibran's philosophy. Like I said earlier, it is heavy, heady, stuff. That's why the aspirin... :)
My verdict: Read it if you are on the path to inner quest. Read it if you want to impress a group of book lovers. Read it if you are a die-hard romantic, and I am not talking about the Mills and Boon variety. Read it if you love abstract paintings. But if you are not any of the above, don't come near this book. It can be a health hazard.
March 30, 2021
A bird called, flew across, reflecting the world on its tiny wings – the lapis sky, the turquoise river, the crimson fort and the golden sun. “Look!” The Khwaja whispered into Bizhad’s ear, tracing its flight with his raised finger. “The finest artist in all Agra!”
And so on Saturday the twenty-seventh of Rabi, year 975 of the Hegira, 1568 of the Christian era, the sun lit imperial Agra, blessing every moment and delighting every one of its subjects. It rose for the ten thousandth time since that dawn when Babur, the Mughal invader, had woken after a restful night to find himself the conqueror of Hindustan. Under the western wall of the fort, his grandson, the emperor, was about to rise. Rise and begin his favorite sport – racing elephants when they are in their frightening best. In heat.
The Miniaturist is about Bizhad, a Persian child prodigy artist living in India during the rule of Emperor Akbar. He rises in the ranks of the emperor's court and is commissioned to immortalize the events of the emperor's life in a collection of miniature paintings, the Akbarnama. However, things do not go according to plan.
Bizhad is a deeply human character, one of my favourites across all the books I have read. He is unique and full of surprises. Both his own actions and the actions of others intertwine to create his circumstances, and Bizhad is forced to contend with figuring out the difference over and over, only sometimes finding the right answer. I love the juxtaposition of art and sexuality, two maligned and creative forces, as they play out in Bizhad’s life. It transcends mere metaphor and explores what it means to have a passion in life.
The character of Hilal Khan is also very compelling. Hilal Khan is expelled from Akbar's harem over the allegation that he is not the chaste eunuch he appears to be and in fact has sexual desires. While different in several crucial ways, Bizhad and Hilal Khan have something in common - they have desired beyond their station. The interactions between Hilal Khan and Bizhad are reminescent of a mentor and his student, and characterized by compassion and brutal honesty.
Kunal Basu is a fantastic writer. I love how the way he writes mirrors the way Bizhad paints - with lots of color and detail. My main quibble with this book is the pacing towards the end, which suddenly becomes faster than the first three quarters or so. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction.
And so on Saturday the twenty-seventh of Rabi, year 975 of the Hegira, 1568 of the Christian era, the sun lit imperial Agra, blessing every moment and delighting every one of its subjects. It rose for the ten thousandth time since that dawn when Babur, the Mughal invader, had woken after a restful night to find himself the conqueror of Hindustan. Under the western wall of the fort, his grandson, the emperor, was about to rise. Rise and begin his favorite sport – racing elephants when they are in their frightening best. In heat.
The Miniaturist is about Bizhad, a Persian child prodigy artist living in India during the rule of Emperor Akbar. He rises in the ranks of the emperor's court and is commissioned to immortalize the events of the emperor's life in a collection of miniature paintings, the Akbarnama. However, things do not go according to plan.
Bizhad is a deeply human character, one of my favourites across all the books I have read. He is unique and full of surprises. Both his own actions and the actions of others intertwine to create his circumstances, and Bizhad is forced to contend with figuring out the difference over and over, only sometimes finding the right answer. I love the juxtaposition of art and sexuality, two maligned and creative forces, as they play out in Bizhad’s life. It transcends mere metaphor and explores what it means to have a passion in life.
The character of Hilal Khan is also very compelling. Hilal Khan is expelled from Akbar's harem over the allegation that he is not the chaste eunuch he appears to be and in fact has sexual desires. While different in several crucial ways, Bizhad and Hilal Khan have something in common - they have desired beyond their station. The interactions between Hilal Khan and Bizhad are reminescent of a mentor and his student, and characterized by compassion and brutal honesty.
Kunal Basu is a fantastic writer. I love how the way he writes mirrors the way Bizhad paints - with lots of color and detail. My main quibble with this book is the pacing towards the end, which suddenly becomes faster than the first three quarters or so. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction.
May 17, 2023
The writing was really really beautiful and poetic.
June 25, 2017
Basu has a amazing control over his prose and just like the miniaturist in the prose he masterfully crafts a tale of a ordinary artist in one of the extraordinary times of Indian history.
The tale set in Akbar's court and is 60 year old reign is conducted from the inside of a artist's mind. It portrays how a young artist in love with the emperor he has never met.
The anguish and pain associate with forbidden love that flows into paper through the brush forms the crux of the tale.
Just like his other books, this is well researched and displays a certain solemn tone about a mighty empire. Basu manages to capture the length and breath of the Mughal Emire instead of highlighting just the glories of Agra. Another interesting facet of this story is the new capital of Fateper Sikri and how it was inhabited and abandoned in half a century.
Basu lines his stories with minor characters like the Khawaja's life Zuleikha, the eunuch Halil Khan and Bihzad's wife Zubeida. These characters give life to a tale of the huble master.
Akbar is also a character, a minor character in this tale. It is his courtiers who, just like his court, liven this tale.
The tale set in Akbar's court and is 60 year old reign is conducted from the inside of a artist's mind. It portrays how a young artist in love with the emperor he has never met.
The anguish and pain associate with forbidden love that flows into paper through the brush forms the crux of the tale.
Just like his other books, this is well researched and displays a certain solemn tone about a mighty empire. Basu manages to capture the length and breath of the Mughal Emire instead of highlighting just the glories of Agra. Another interesting facet of this story is the new capital of Fateper Sikri and how it was inhabited and abandoned in half a century.
Basu lines his stories with minor characters like the Khawaja's life Zuleikha, the eunuch Halil Khan and Bihzad's wife Zubeida. These characters give life to a tale of the huble master.
Akbar is also a character, a minor character in this tale. It is his courtiers who, just like his court, liven this tale.
June 17, 2019
This is the first book I read written by Kunal Basi. Had a different expectation before I started reading but it surpassed my expectation after I read it. The book gives such beautiful account of arts and the artists during the Mutual era , especially Akbar's time , when artists acted as today's photographers capturing their stories and achievements. The author has beautifully kept the reader engaged and brought suprises as soon as you though the hero of the story is settled. It also beautifully gives us an understanding of true artists mind. To sum up, read a good book after long time..and will let it sink before deciding the next one to read..
January 1, 2018
"Once there were souls but no bodies. Then, the artists drew the soul."
- The Miniaturist, Kunal Basu.
First book of the year 2018. Began it last night, though. 😌 The book is a gem, with an unconventional plot like bisexuality of an artist, who fantasized about the emperor Akbar! The world of miniaturists, the harems and the role of eunuchs are bound to startle you. Kunal Basu's Japanese Wife made me read it.
- The Miniaturist, Kunal Basu.
First book of the year 2018. Began it last night, though. 😌 The book is a gem, with an unconventional plot like bisexuality of an artist, who fantasized about the emperor Akbar! The world of miniaturists, the harems and the role of eunuchs are bound to startle you. Kunal Basu's Japanese Wife made me read it.
February 26, 2022
I loved how the author brings Akbar's court to life and stirs in us the wish to behold the visual poetry of scenes and events he describes in the picture format. In Bihzad, Kunal Basu articulates the possibilities that could have materialized on the artists's paper, if he weren't tied to the royal court.
September 14, 2018
Not great!
March 17, 2020
Beautifully written! I loved it, the era is enchanting. A good follow on from reading "Tag " last year.
May 20, 2020
3.5 actually - I enjoyed this book a lot. But I wonder how easy it would be to follow for a reader without some prior knowledge of early modern court culture in South Asia...
November 3, 2020
Maybe I just didn't get this, or maybe something was lost in (cultural) translation. It was a very jumpy book.
August 25, 2021
Well reAlly 3.6, good description of artists in Mughal times. Now I will have to reread My Name is Red, one-off my all time favorites.
January 8, 2022
I really struggled with this and gave up about 50 pages from the end.
October 24, 2022
Beautiful descriptions of the scenery and places BUT too graphic in the punishments meted out to the slaves and eunuchs.
Read
April 7, 2024Did I read this? Not exactly sure.
December 25, 2011
Set in 16th c. Mughal Hindustan, it is the story about the love between the artist and his master. Bihzad is as perfect in his art as his namesake. He is expected to be the next Khwaja in Akber's court(his father being the predecessor)but there's a rival, an Afghan who through his subterfuge manages to get Bihzad exiled. The punishment sends Bihzad from the secure walls of Agra to the fickle sands of a desert. Torn away from his master, Akber, Bihzad tries to adjust to the new contours of his journey and goes through a mix of happiness and pain but more of the latter.
During his journey he experiences various phases of his artist self. He abandons art initially but lifts his pen and draws portraits of his patrons, becomes the Khawaja of a Hazari Prince and draws animals of menagerie to please him, but events bring him to a point where he attempts suicide but is saved. Later he dicides to go blind and stop drawing again. However, after surviving yet another storm of his life he goes back to Agra. Akber is in his deathbed and Bihzad will draw again for the master.
Through this story, Kunal Basu opens some windows to the culture of Mughal empire during Akber's reign; life in the court, practice of religion, the culture of slave girls and eunuchs, trade and art of the time etc. Perhaps it would be wise to read the novel without getting judgemental unless one has substantial knoweledge of the history and culture of the Mughal empire.
I personally found the book interesting because of its references to some cultural and folk symbols. Brief references to Simurgh, the Persian mythical bird; Safawi personalities, Shireen and Farhad, folktale characeters; and the use of Persian words made me interested in the history of the Mughals and the Persians.
My favourite lines from the book: "The world can live without a great artist, but it can't live without hate." -Salim Amiri
During his journey he experiences various phases of his artist self. He abandons art initially but lifts his pen and draws portraits of his patrons, becomes the Khawaja of a Hazari Prince and draws animals of menagerie to please him, but events bring him to a point where he attempts suicide but is saved. Later he dicides to go blind and stop drawing again. However, after surviving yet another storm of his life he goes back to Agra. Akber is in his deathbed and Bihzad will draw again for the master.
Through this story, Kunal Basu opens some windows to the culture of Mughal empire during Akber's reign; life in the court, practice of religion, the culture of slave girls and eunuchs, trade and art of the time etc. Perhaps it would be wise to read the novel without getting judgemental unless one has substantial knoweledge of the history and culture of the Mughal empire.
I personally found the book interesting because of its references to some cultural and folk symbols. Brief references to Simurgh, the Persian mythical bird; Safawi personalities, Shireen and Farhad, folktale characeters; and the use of Persian words made me interested in the history of the Mughals and the Persians.
My favourite lines from the book: "The world can live without a great artist, but it can't live without hate." -Salim Amiri
February 12, 2013
Brilliant subject but didn’t enjoy the treatment. Half way through the book, it was difficult to keep going on though I somehow forced myself to do so. It was that uninteresting for me.
For the most part, nothing much happens in the story to intrigue you. The drama in the hero’s life, which one can imagine how the author must have visualised, doesn’t really get through to you. It’s supposed to be a tragic life story of a brilliant master artist. However, the story fails to move you.
I would have loved to read more about the art of painting in the 16th century India, but the subject is not really covered in depth. All in all, the book didn’t meet my expectation.
For the most part, nothing much happens in the story to intrigue you. The drama in the hero’s life, which one can imagine how the author must have visualised, doesn’t really get through to you. It’s supposed to be a tragic life story of a brilliant master artist. However, the story fails to move you.
I would have loved to read more about the art of painting in the 16th century India, but the subject is not really covered in depth. All in all, the book didn’t meet my expectation.
December 4, 2012
It's impossible not to compare this book with Orhan Pamuk's My Name is Red. And compared to that great book, this one is only average, at best. Set in 16th century Hindustan (roughly Afghanistan and Northern India), the story is about the life of a miniaturist under the ruling king and his struggle with his gift.
June 23, 2008
This book is a journey into the mind of an eccentric and incredibly talented artist set in the 15th century Mughal courts of North India. It's a story about self discovery, truth, art, enlightenment, coming of age and what really matters in life. In an uncanny way, it reminded me of Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha.
May 8, 2014
Very imaginatively written. It almost takes you into the being of the artist, and makes the yearning for the beloved so real. It does remind you of the book by Pamuk - My Name Is Red.
This book needs a contemplative and spiritual orientation to get through it. Little trouble getting started, but then after, it was unputdownable.
This book needs a contemplative and spiritual orientation to get through it. Little trouble getting started, but then after, it was unputdownable.
February 23, 2008
I wanted to love this book.
I thought I would love this book.
I didn't love this book.
I didn't finish this book.
(Am I allowed to add it to my "Read" shelf if I didn't finish it?)
The premise sounded interesting enough, but I just couldn't get into the characters or the writing or anything.
I thought I would love this book.
I didn't love this book.
I didn't finish this book.
(Am I allowed to add it to my "Read" shelf if I didn't finish it?)
The premise sounded interesting enough, but I just couldn't get into the characters or the writing or anything.
January 19, 2017
The period this book is set in is so sad. The lengths people had to go to to keep their true selves hidden and society's ridiculously oppressive laws mix to create a sad, mysterious historical fiction novel.
Want to read
November 8, 2009Eeek - not sure if I have already read this book... Feel like I have but maybe I have it confused with a Rushdie novel.
October 28, 2012
Really 3.5, wish I could give half stars.
September 7, 2014
Great book for a vacation. Transports the reader to a completely different time. The book opens with a most beautiful description of a sunrise. Interesting thought on art and it's place in society.
August 18, 2014
I just couldn't finish it.
May 19, 2015
I just finished reading this book and it has left me speechless. It's mysterious, dark yet so refreshing. a book that I read cover to cover after a long time. Kudos to Kunal Basu!!!!!!
August 31, 2016
Great book. Loved It
May 19, 2015
Beautiful book and story.
January 29, 2016
Very strange book...!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews