LAHORE: A Sentimental Journey by Pran Nevile

by Pran Nevile

A Sentimental Journey" by Pran Nevile is a captivating memoir that takes readers back to the glorious days of pre-Partition Lahore—a city rich with culture, cosmopolitan charm, and intellectual vibrance. This remarkable book is not just a historical narrative; it is a deeply personal account woven with affection, nostalgia, and vivid memories from the author’s own experiences growing up in Lahore during the 1930s and 1940s. With meticulous attention to detail, Pran Nevile paints a portrait of Lahore’s golden era—its bustling bazaars, elegant architecture, literary circles, vibrant arts, and the harmonious coexistence of diverse communities before the Partition of India in 1947. Through compelling anecdotes, photographs, and cultural references, Nevile revives the city’s essence, spirit, and warmth that once defined it as the "Paris of the East." This book is a must-read for history buffs, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to understand the emotional impact of Partition. It also serves as a treasure trove for those with ancestral ties to the region, offering a powerful connection to a time that continues to resonate in the collective memory of South Asia. Lahore pre-partition Partition of India books Pran Nevile books Lahore history book Memoir of old Lahore South Asian culture books Lahore before 1947 British India Lahore Indian memoirs 20th century Books on Partition memories Lahore nostalgia Old Lahore heritage India Pakistan history Cultural history of Lahore

241 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2025

About the author

Pran Nevile is an Indian author of Indian Art, Indian Culture & Indian History best known for the 1992 book, Lahore - A Sentimental Journey.

His fascination with the performing arts inspired him to spend nearly seven years researching in the libraries and museums of England and the U.S.A. to enable him produce the sumptuously illustrated 'Nautch Girls of India' in 1996. Highly acclaimed by the media it was considered to be a pioneering work on the subject of dance and music as well as their practitioners through the centuries.

Nevile has written extensively for Indian newspapers and journals. He is the author of other well known books such as 'Lahore - A Sentimental Journey', 'Love Stories from the Raj', 'Rare Glimpses of the Raj', 'Beyond the Veil - Indian Women in the Raj', 'Stories form the Raj - Sahibs,' Memsahibs and others', K.L. Saigal - Immortal singer and superstar and lastly 'Marvels of Indian Painting - Rise and Demise of Company School'.

Nevile has been invited by several institutions in India and also universities in England and U.S.A. to speak on themes related to Indian art and culture. He has also acted as a consultant for two BBC documentaries on the Raj viz. 'Ruling Passions' and 'The Land of Kamasutra'.