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Dastan-e-Ghadar: The Tale of the Mutiny
Zahir Dehlvi, an accomplished poet and young official in the court of Bahadur Shah Zafar, lived through the cataclysmic 1857 Revolt that changed the course of history, markingthe end of Mughal dominion and the instatement of the British Raj.
Dehlvi's memoir, written on his deathbed, not only chronicles the fading glory of the Mughal court and his entry into a vanishing way of life, but also, most importantly, pivots on the horrifying spectacle of the Revolt and its aftermath-from the violent siege of Shahjahanabad to the bloody reprisals that followed. We learn about the brutal murder of the British Resident and the ensuing deaths of the European men, women and children who were sheltering inside the Qila. We also glimpse the emperor's pleas to the rebels and his helplessness as they took over the Qila. Moreover, Dehlvi crucially elaborates on the plight of those who managed to escape the slaughter and carnage.
Translated into English for the first time, Dehlvi's memoir is intensely vivid and moving, filled with incident and rich in insight. An immensely significant historical record of the Revolt as it unfolded, Dastan-e-Ghadar is also a compelling personal account that conjures the dramatically changing world Dehlvi lived in.
Dehlvi's memoir, written on his deathbed, not only chronicles the fading glory of the Mughal court and his entry into a vanishing way of life, but also, most importantly, pivots on the horrifying spectacle of the Revolt and its aftermath-from the violent siege of Shahjahanabad to the bloody reprisals that followed. We learn about the brutal murder of the British Resident and the ensuing deaths of the European men, women and children who were sheltering inside the Qila. We also glimpse the emperor's pleas to the rebels and his helplessness as they took over the Qila. Moreover, Dehlvi crucially elaborates on the plight of those who managed to escape the slaughter and carnage.
Translated into English for the first time, Dehlvi's memoir is intensely vivid and moving, filled with incident and rich in insight. An immensely significant historical record of the Revolt as it unfolded, Dastan-e-Ghadar is also a compelling personal account that conjures the dramatically changing world Dehlvi lived in.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2017
26 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Zahir Dehlvi
1 book2 followersا ہوئے۔ بارہ سال کی عمر میں آپ فارسی کی درسی کتابیں اور عربی کی چندابتدائی کتابیں پڑھنے پائے تھے کہ دربار شاہی میں ملازم ہوگئے۔ ان کے والد خوش نویسی میں بہادر شاہ ظفر کے استاد تھے۔ظہیر ترقی کرکے بہادر شاہ ظفر کے داروغۂ ماہی ومراتب مقرر ہوئے اور راقم الدولہ خطاب پایا۔ شعروسخن کا شوق کم سنی سے تھا۔ذوق کے شاگرد تھے۔۱۸۵۷ء کی جنگ آزادی کے بعد پہلے بریلی پھر رام پور چلے گئے۔ کچھ عرصہ بعد اخبار ’’جلوۂ طور‘‘ کے ایڈیٹر ہوگئے جو بلند شہر سے نکلتا تھا۔ مہاراجا الور نے ان کے مضامین کو بہت پسند کیا اور ان کو الور بلا لیا۔ وہاں کی سازشوں سے دل برداشتہ ہو کر جے پور میں تقریباً انیس برس رہے۔ پندرہ برس ٹونک میں رہے۔ آخری عمر میں حیدر آباد(دکن) چلے گئے او روہیں مارچ۱۹۱۱ء میں انتقال ہوا۔
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 20 reviews
June 8, 2021
Absolutely fascinating first hand account of the Sepoy revolution of 1857! Got me into tears, seeing the atrocities on the British colonial rulers in India during the 'mutiny'. A must read for enthusiasts of the movement.
November 7, 2019
As a work of translation, I must say I am incredibly impressed (as always) with Rana Safvi's deftness in weaving the Urdu into the English.
It should be noted that while the title of the tale is the Dastan-e-Ghadar, more than half of it concerns the life events of the author *after* 1857. I didn't know that before reading it.
It does it's fair share of criticising Hyderabadis and the Deccan (especially the nobility), so that was interesting to read :P
It should be noted that while the title of the tale is the Dastan-e-Ghadar, more than half of it concerns the life events of the author *after* 1857. I didn't know that before reading it.
It does it's fair share of criticising Hyderabadis and the Deccan (especially the nobility), so that was interesting to read :P
June 29, 2017
Books like these need more publicity and need to be read.
It shows the plight of the people after the Mutiny was suppressed in Delhi and how the local Mughal Elite behaved and what they thought of during the mutiny.
Also, one thing to notice is how these palace employees of Zafar managed to get a job in various other courts for the talent they possessed. Clearly the best of them were uprooted from Delhi.
Also, we get a glimpse of the atrocities committed by both sides specially the British after they took over the city. Metcalfe, just went about shooting anybody.
This book gives an insight into the life of people who lived around 150 years ago and the customs that were followed then.
It's a wonderful book, and the best of it is the roman script of the original poem at the end, it makes it so relatable.
It shows the plight of the people after the Mutiny was suppressed in Delhi and how the local Mughal Elite behaved and what they thought of during the mutiny.
Also, one thing to notice is how these palace employees of Zafar managed to get a job in various other courts for the talent they possessed. Clearly the best of them were uprooted from Delhi.
Also, we get a glimpse of the atrocities committed by both sides specially the British after they took over the city. Metcalfe, just went about shooting anybody.
This book gives an insight into the life of people who lived around 150 years ago and the customs that were followed then.
It's a wonderful book, and the best of it is the roman script of the original poem at the end, it makes it so relatable.
August 19, 2021
It took me a long time to complete this book, and I'd left it midway.
Having read many books on the 1857 revolt and its aftermath, I expected this book to give a first hand view of things as they were.
However, Zahir Dehlvi's writing, while extremely precious as a historical work, will come across as needlessly filled with poetic imagery, to a modern day reader. The author sometimes writes eight to ten sentences to just describe the weather on a certain day.
The book shows the 1857 revolt through Dehlvi's perspective and shows its aftermath too, the desolation of Delhi, the brutality of the British. It ends with the Dehlvi expressing his disappointment in Hyderabad.
All in all, the book can be read for the sake of completeness.
Having read many books on the 1857 revolt and its aftermath, I expected this book to give a first hand view of things as they were.
However, Zahir Dehlvi's writing, while extremely precious as a historical work, will come across as needlessly filled with poetic imagery, to a modern day reader. The author sometimes writes eight to ten sentences to just describe the weather on a certain day.
The book shows the 1857 revolt through Dehlvi's perspective and shows its aftermath too, the desolation of Delhi, the brutality of the British. It ends with the Dehlvi expressing his disappointment in Hyderabad.
All in all, the book can be read for the sake of completeness.
June 23, 2017
There are very few accounts of what the mutiny of 1857 was like for Indians. The first famous one was The Last Mughal by William Dalrymple. Dastan-e-Ghadar is the latest one. I always thought "ghadar" mean chaos (from "ghadar macha diya" for those who know Hindi or Urdu), but discovered when reading this book that its literal meaning is mutiny. In a sense, mutiny can mean chaos.
The author is a privileged member of the aristocracy surrounding the dying Mughal court and the memory starts with the idyllic life they led. The account of the mutiny is amazing, specially the hour by hour telling of the day the mutineers arrived from Meerut and petitioned the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah II to lead the revolution and take back power from the British. He told them to stop this & if they continued it would mean the end of his dynasty, which did happen soon. But he was powerless to stop them. They took over Delhi and the reign of the goons in the city started.
Dehlvi tells us what he hears about the battles fought with the British, and the retribution that follows when they win. Then he recounts how his family escapes this vengeance, having to leave behind their entire past life and possessions. Gradually things settle down, but his life is changed forever. He serves in the courts of various Princely states, both Hindu and Muslim, appointed due to his fame as a poet.
It is a short book and a cracking read, specially the parts on the Mutiny itself.
The author is a privileged member of the aristocracy surrounding the dying Mughal court and the memory starts with the idyllic life they led. The account of the mutiny is amazing, specially the hour by hour telling of the day the mutineers arrived from Meerut and petitioned the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah II to lead the revolution and take back power from the British. He told them to stop this & if they continued it would mean the end of his dynasty, which did happen soon. But he was powerless to stop them. They took over Delhi and the reign of the goons in the city started.
Dehlvi tells us what he hears about the battles fought with the British, and the retribution that follows when they win. Then he recounts how his family escapes this vengeance, having to leave behind their entire past life and possessions. Gradually things settle down, but his life is changed forever. He serves in the courts of various Princely states, both Hindu and Muslim, appointed due to his fame as a poet.
It is a short book and a cracking read, specially the parts on the Mutiny itself.
April 14, 2018
Zahir Dehalvi lived during the 1857 uprising and provides an eye witness account of the events. With the weakened Mughal empire and an old emperor, it seems that Dehalvi was not in favour of the uprising. He shows his disdain for the sepoys who were part of the uprising. Dehalvi's poetry skills took him places, literally. He was patronized by Nawabs and Maharajas. Some bizarre decisions that he takes gives him hardships.
The book is Dehalvi's biography and a good first hand narrative of the events of the uprising and of life and times in various other kingdoms in the mid-19th century India.
The book is Dehalvi's biography and a good first hand narrative of the events of the uprising and of life and times in various other kingdoms in the mid-19th century India.
August 16, 2020
Although the blurb and title of the book suggest that it revolves around the Ghadar or Mutiny of 1857, it is a misnomer since it is just a part of the book and mainly is about the life of Zahir Dehlvi during and after the Ghadar. It is one of the most reliable and probably the only account of the Revolt straight from the Mughal quarters that describes the events and its effect in great detail. He moves across the country owing to the revolts and puts forth the happenings of the Rebel uprisings. This is from his perspective and often, he looks down upon the rebels for causing such a scenario in the kingdom. He recounts the treatment meted out to him by the various Maharajas of the Kingdoms that he visited, especially that of The Maharaja of Jaipur who is a rather benevolent ruler of his kingdom, spending crores on the welfare of his people.
The book gives a great insight on the rulers of India during the Revolt and also on the events that followed the Revolt, the mass killings and impoverished conditions of people in the heartland of the country. There are several highs and lows in his life, as he established his poetic mettle and served various Maharajas, over the years. The translator did an amazing job in translating this detailed narrative from Urdu to English. Dehlvi’s poetries and Ghazals are also translated which somehow took the essence out of it. However, the original ones are present at the back of the book, for you to read, if you are cognizant with Urdu terminology. Further, the entire timeline of events and the Urdu verbatim present in the book are listed at the end which makes for a rather informative study. I was heavily impressed by the style of narration that made it an easy but enlightening read.
The book gives a great insight on the rulers of India during the Revolt and also on the events that followed the Revolt, the mass killings and impoverished conditions of people in the heartland of the country. There are several highs and lows in his life, as he established his poetic mettle and served various Maharajas, over the years. The translator did an amazing job in translating this detailed narrative from Urdu to English. Dehlvi’s poetries and Ghazals are also translated which somehow took the essence out of it. However, the original ones are present at the back of the book, for you to read, if you are cognizant with Urdu terminology. Further, the entire timeline of events and the Urdu verbatim present in the book are listed at the end which makes for a rather informative study. I was heavily impressed by the style of narration that made it an easy but enlightening read.
April 13, 2025
Dastan-e-Ghadar by Zahir Dehlvi is a remarkable and deeply moving account of the Revolt of 1857, offering a rare first-hand perspective of one of the most turbulent periods in Indian history. Written with elegance and emotional depth, the book paints a vivid picture of Delhi before, during, and after the uprising. Zahir Dehlvi’s narrative captures not only the political upheaval but also the human cost of the conflict, focusing on the lives of ordinary citizens caught in extraordinary circumstances. His poetic yet precise prose transports the reader to the heart of 19th-century Delhi, allowing us to witness the collapse of the Mughal court and the transformation of society. The memoir is rich in detail, with powerful descriptions that evoke the atmosphere of fear, resilience, and loss. What makes this book truly stand out is its personal touch, as Dehlvi writes not just as a historian but as someone who lived through the trauma. His deep empathy for the people and the city he loved adds a haunting beauty to the narrative. The historical and cultural value of Dastan-e-Ghadar is immense, preserving the voices of those often left out of mainstream colonial accounts. It is both a literary gem and a significant historical document. For readers seeking an authentic and emotionally resonant understanding of the 1857 revolt, this book is an essential read.
August 4, 2019
The poet takes not the side of the rebels nor that of Company Bahadur. But the side of peace, civility, and culture. The side of a glorious and flourishing Delhi. This memoir from the nineteenth century is refreshing for its glittering pluralism - the writer was the true Ganga-Jamuna Tehzeeb man. He was also a traveler who seldom seemed to get weary. Although he blows the horn of Delhi, he never shies from appreciating the Kacchwa Raja of Jaipur or displaying awe towards the non-stop culture of Hyderabad. Dehlavi's writing seemed to have everything that is appreciable: glasnost, travel, pacifism, and poetry. And oh, how could I escape lauding Rana Safvi's translation. I am glad I stumbled upon this book.
January 11, 2020
This is a biography of Zahir Dehlvi, a poet in the court of Bahadur belonging to a wealthy family of Delhi translated by Rana Safvi. This has been written from Zahir Dehlvi's perspective in which he blames the rebels from outside for disturbing the peace in Delhi. His life story is interesting as it is of struggle and ups and down and gives us an insight about the difficulties the Dilliwallahs faced during 1857 revolt.
Rating 4.5/5 .
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The grip account of the 1857 mutiny are meticulously put together and are written in lively and convincing manner.
Reviewed by Ankush Rai for Get the facts History
IG @getthefactshistory
Rating 4.5/5 .
.
The grip account of the 1857 mutiny are meticulously put together and are written in lively and convincing manner.
Reviewed by Ankush Rai for Get the facts History
IG @getthefactshistory
October 20, 2017
With this one I have marked an item off my ‘subjects I want to read’. In this case it’s a first hand account of 1857 revolt.
Wanted to read an authentic historical account of the revolt and this one seems decent enough.
Though I was hoping for a more detailed account of the revolt itself considering the title et all, and this being a memoir takes us through the life Zahir Dahalvi. Still it gives fairly detailed first person account of life of a Delhite in 1857 during the revolt.
It also transports one to Delhi of that day and some delhi factoids which most of us might not have known.
Despite being a poet and a writer the book seems very straightforward and simple, at times rudimentary.
All in all a good read, a collector's item.
Wanted to read an authentic historical account of the revolt and this one seems decent enough.
Though I was hoping for a more detailed account of the revolt itself considering the title et all, and this being a memoir takes us through the life Zahir Dahalvi. Still it gives fairly detailed first person account of life of a Delhite in 1857 during the revolt.
It also transports one to Delhi of that day and some delhi factoids which most of us might not have known.
Despite being a poet and a writer the book seems very straightforward and simple, at times rudimentary.
All in all a good read, a collector's item.
March 5, 2023
Beautifully written story about the delhi of the 19th & 20th century. When read along with William dalrymple's City of Djinns, gives you a perspective of the city's evolution.
October 21, 2017
A good first-person account of life in Delhi around 1850s and how it was dismantled, not entirely by the (dis)ingenuity of British masters but also the lack of foresight/unity among local inhabitants.
Human instinct for self-preservation causes us to accept, and, do things that might otherwise contravene civil society behaviour.
A tedious read at times, because of the number of personalities introduced and the author's recollection which is sometimes clouded, as pointed out by the translator. Still, a fascinating account of the rich history of Delhi, which needs to be brought to light in the public domain.
Human instinct for self-preservation causes us to accept, and, do things that might otherwise contravene civil society behaviour.
A tedious read at times, because of the number of personalities introduced and the author's recollection which is sometimes clouded, as pointed out by the translator. Still, a fascinating account of the rich history of Delhi, which needs to be brought to light in the public domain.
Read
April 13, 2020For those of us who were in college in late seventies when Penguin was the embodiment of reader’s paradise.
And so it was really a nostalgic trip to get hold of the penguin transalation of Zahir Dehlvi’s Dastan-e-Ghadar, the story of Indian mutiny of 1857 during the lockdown days.
No body gives a better first hand description of a historic event than a poet like Zahir. One takes a journey to day by day account of condition of people during the mutiny in the capital town of Delhi and thereafter the poignant times which every failed revolution brings in.
And so it was really a nostalgic trip to get hold of the penguin transalation of Zahir Dehlvi’s Dastan-e-Ghadar, the story of Indian mutiny of 1857 during the lockdown days.
No body gives a better first hand description of a historic event than a poet like Zahir. One takes a journey to day by day account of condition of people during the mutiny in the capital town of Delhi and thereafter the poignant times which every failed revolution brings in.
July 5, 2020
Zahir Dehlvi : Dastan-e-Ghadar
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Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than Ignorance.
- George Bernard Shaw
Dastan-e-ghadar, The tale of the mutiny is beautifully narrated and elegantly translated memoir of Zahir Dehlvi.
For the detailed review you can visit - https://dontbignorant.in/zahir-dehlvi...
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than Ignorance.
- George Bernard Shaw
Dastan-e-ghadar, The tale of the mutiny is beautifully narrated and elegantly translated memoir of Zahir Dehlvi.
For the detailed review you can visit - https://dontbignorant.in/zahir-dehlvi...
June 10, 2021
Had picked up the book expecting to read about the mutiny
Initial disappointment, because the mutiny is least covered, turned to a pleasant read
The book is more about the authors journey, and in his journey he takes the reader through the past.
Folks from Delhi and the region can relive the images of the cities so well described
Was a pleasant read after all
Initial disappointment, because the mutiny is least covered, turned to a pleasant read
The book is more about the authors journey, and in his journey he takes the reader through the past.
Folks from Delhi and the region can relive the images of the cities so well described
Was a pleasant read after all
October 13, 2020
This is the first I've ever read about history and India during British rule.
I am mesmerised by it. It excites me, surprises me, horrifies me and enchants me all at the same time.
I recommend everyone read this book.
I am mesmerised by it. It excites me, surprises me, horrifies me and enchants me all at the same time.
I recommend everyone read this book.
September 21, 2019
Nice
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 20 reviews