What do you think?
Rate this book
The Mulberry Courtesan
Beginning in 1852, the story of Laale, who is abducted from her home in Badakhshan and ends up as a courtesan in Delhi, during the tumultuous last days of the Mughal Empire.
270 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published July 1, 2018
1 person is currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Sikeena Karmali
2 books3 followersSikeena Karmali is the author of The Mulberry Courtesan, Places to Remember, and A House by the Sea. Her academic publications include Cosmopolitanism in Muslim Contexts: Perspectives from the Past, The Challenge of Pluralism: Paradigms from Muslim Contexts and ISLAM: Between Message and History. She has served on the Canada Council for the Arts peer jury for literature.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 13 reviews
August 26, 2018
On 10th May 1857 there began in Meerut an uprising that was to change the course of Indian history. What the British called the Sepoy Mutiny and which we today refer to as the First War of Independence was the first large-scale attempt to oust the East India Company. It failed, crushed by a far more powerful enemy, but it left in its wake a changed India. An already crumbling Mughal Empire was finally destroyed, the last of the line, the poet-mystic Bahadur Shah ‘Zafar’ being exiled to Rangoon. Control passed from John Company to the Crown, and the British began a systematic policy of dividing the country, of ensuring that the rebellion would not be repeated.
Sikeena Karmali’s novel, The Mulberry Courtesan, reaches its climax during those turbulent days of the summer of 1857, and continues into its aftermath—up to the death of Bahadur Shah ‘Zafar’ in Rangoon in 1862—but the story itself begins much earlier: in early 1852. The story begins dramatically, with the heroine, Laale, a girl from a wealthy family in Badakhshan, being kidnapped by a sepoy who rapes her. Laale, displaying the feistiness and indomitable attitude that will mark her through much of the book, manages to kill her rapist.
Disgraced beyond redemption, Laale cannot expect to be welcomed back into her family, and so she sets out to see what life will offer. Sold off to the Nawab of Jhajjar, she is gifted by him to the Mughal Emperor, and finds herself part of the zenana in the Red Fort.
Laale’s journey from the relatively quiet, secluded environs of her native Badakhshan to the bustle and intrigue of the Mughal court, is written with passion, Laale’s evolution from beautiful but gauche girl to skilled courtesan interesting. Her relationships with famous personalities of Delhi—from Zafar himself to Begum Taj Mahal, from Captain Hodson to Mirza Ghalib—are of course all part of artistic license, but offer an entertaining ‘what-if’ insight into the last days of the Mughal court.
The Mulberry Courtesan, given that Sikeena Karmali is also a poet (and both Zafar and Ghalib are important characters in the novel), has a good deal of poetry, much of it beautiful. The writing is evocative, bringing to life another era, another Delhi. The period relating to the events of 1857 is especially well-written. The characters are a mix of interesting and forgettable, but the central figures, Laale and Zafar, come through vividly: one old and powerless and drifting ever closer to inevitable doom, the other young, full of life, determined to go down fighting.
The romance is a little hard to believe, and some characters, including Captain Hodson, come across as caricatures. The most jarring aspect of the novel, though, is the carelessness with which a good bit of it has been written and edited. Laale’s abduction and rape are set either in March 1852 or June: it’s unclear when. The marketplace where she is sold could be in Chitral or Amritsar: both are mentioned. Zafar’s lawyer could be Ghulam Ahmed or Ghulam Abbas. The anachronisms are embarrassing, with everything from zippers and hand grenades to harmoniums being used, and items—tea, newspapers—which were relatively unknown in the 1850s being supposedly in widespread use. Chinars may be large in Kashmir, never in Delhi; Lucknow to Delhi by horse carriage is unachievable in the space of a day; and Wajid Ali Shah did not die till 1887.
Read The Mulberry Courtesan for its story and its poetry, not for its historical accuracy (or lack of it).
(From my review for The New Indian Express: http://www.newindianexpress.com/lifes...)
Sikeena Karmali’s novel, The Mulberry Courtesan, reaches its climax during those turbulent days of the summer of 1857, and continues into its aftermath—up to the death of Bahadur Shah ‘Zafar’ in Rangoon in 1862—but the story itself begins much earlier: in early 1852. The story begins dramatically, with the heroine, Laale, a girl from a wealthy family in Badakhshan, being kidnapped by a sepoy who rapes her. Laale, displaying the feistiness and indomitable attitude that will mark her through much of the book, manages to kill her rapist.
Disgraced beyond redemption, Laale cannot expect to be welcomed back into her family, and so she sets out to see what life will offer. Sold off to the Nawab of Jhajjar, she is gifted by him to the Mughal Emperor, and finds herself part of the zenana in the Red Fort.
Laale’s journey from the relatively quiet, secluded environs of her native Badakhshan to the bustle and intrigue of the Mughal court, is written with passion, Laale’s evolution from beautiful but gauche girl to skilled courtesan interesting. Her relationships with famous personalities of Delhi—from Zafar himself to Begum Taj Mahal, from Captain Hodson to Mirza Ghalib—are of course all part of artistic license, but offer an entertaining ‘what-if’ insight into the last days of the Mughal court.
The Mulberry Courtesan, given that Sikeena Karmali is also a poet (and both Zafar and Ghalib are important characters in the novel), has a good deal of poetry, much of it beautiful. The writing is evocative, bringing to life another era, another Delhi. The period relating to the events of 1857 is especially well-written. The characters are a mix of interesting and forgettable, but the central figures, Laale and Zafar, come through vividly: one old and powerless and drifting ever closer to inevitable doom, the other young, full of life, determined to go down fighting.
The romance is a little hard to believe, and some characters, including Captain Hodson, come across as caricatures. The most jarring aspect of the novel, though, is the carelessness with which a good bit of it has been written and edited. Laale’s abduction and rape are set either in March 1852 or June: it’s unclear when. The marketplace where she is sold could be in Chitral or Amritsar: both are mentioned. Zafar’s lawyer could be Ghulam Ahmed or Ghulam Abbas. The anachronisms are embarrassing, with everything from zippers and hand grenades to harmoniums being used, and items—tea, newspapers—which were relatively unknown in the 1850s being supposedly in widespread use. Chinars may be large in Kashmir, never in Delhi; Lucknow to Delhi by horse carriage is unachievable in the space of a day; and Wajid Ali Shah did not die till 1887.
Read The Mulberry Courtesan for its story and its poetry, not for its historical accuracy (or lack of it).
(From my review for The New Indian Express: http://www.newindianexpress.com/lifes...)
August 15, 2018
Set in the backdrop of the uprising of 1857, it is the story of an Afghani girl,Laale, kidnapped from her own courtyard and sold to Bahadur Shah Zafar's court during the last days of the Mughal empire. It is a coming of age story. Laale,a fictional character is so well entwined among characters representing real people that I had to check my facts about the downfall of Mughal empire.
The sub-plots are very well executed that not for once did I get confused. Conspiracy, politics, love and freedom are some of the plots of the book.
The writing is smooth, and kept me hooked till the end. The experience of reading this book was no less than watching a historical fiction movie. The reason it wasn't a five star read for me is that right in the middle when the main plot was being executed, the pace slowed down a lot, and it took a while for it to pick up again.
I can not stop talking about the way Karmali has executed the qawwali sessions and poetry in the book, while reading them I was transported to the court of Bahadur Shah Zafar.
I would definitely recommend this book to all readers who like reading historical fiction especially Indian historical fiction, this book is one of it's kind.
My Verdict : 4/5
The sub-plots are very well executed that not for once did I get confused. Conspiracy, politics, love and freedom are some of the plots of the book.
The writing is smooth, and kept me hooked till the end. The experience of reading this book was no less than watching a historical fiction movie. The reason it wasn't a five star read for me is that right in the middle when the main plot was being executed, the pace slowed down a lot, and it took a while for it to pick up again.
I can not stop talking about the way Karmali has executed the qawwali sessions and poetry in the book, while reading them I was transported to the court of Bahadur Shah Zafar.
I would definitely recommend this book to all readers who like reading historical fiction especially Indian historical fiction, this book is one of it's kind.
My Verdict : 4/5
August 2, 2018

The Mulberry Courtesan
By Sikeena Karmali
Genre - fiction
Total Page- 259
Publishing house - Aleph Book Company
About The Author :
Sikeena Karmali Has written a book of poetry , Places to Remember , and a novel , A house by the sea , which has Shortlisted for the Amazon/ books in Canada best first novel Award . Her writing on muslim culture , human rights , gender and spirituality has appeared in academic Publications and her articles have been translated into French and Italian . She has served on the Canada Council for the Arts Peer jury for literature .
About the book:
This plot is a sketch of 1857 story is based on a young woman , Laale , from Afgan noble family ,who was first kidnaped by an Indian Sepoy of East Edison company . Then she was sold in many places and at the she finally reached to Delhi,the Red fort . In the court of Mughal Emperor she was a courtesan but her beauty both inside and out side , melt the heart of the Old emperor .
Why you need to read this book
1. The writing style is admirable . The way the author has penned this story , it seems like a diary .
2. The author has nicely picturised the society of that time .
3. Every charecter has been picturised with lots of details that they feels like real .
It's definately a unique book and no doubt I would like to give it 5/5
I would like to thanks the the Publishers for giving me a chance to review this book.
The Mulberry Courtesan
By Sikeena Karmali
Genre - fiction
Total Page- 259
Publishing house - Aleph Book Company
About The Author :
Sikeena Karmali Has written a book of poetry , Places to Remember , and a novel , A house by the sea , which has Shortlisted for the Amazon/ books in Canada best first novel Award . Her writing on muslim culture , human rights , gender and spirituality has appeared in academic Publications and her articles have been translated into French and Italian . She has served on the Canada Council for the Arts Peer jury for literature .
About the book:
This plot is a sketch of 1857 story is based on a young woman , Laale , from Afgan noble family ,who was first kidnaped by an Indian Sepoy of East Edison company . Then she was sold in many places and at the she finally reached to Delhi,the Red fort . In the court of Mughal Emperor she was a courtesan but her beauty both inside and out side , melt the heart of the Old emperor .
Why you need to read this book
1. The writing style is admirable . The way the author has penned this story , it seems like a diary .
2. The author has nicely picturised the society of that time .
3. Every charecter has been picturised with lots of details that they feels like real .
It's definately a unique book and no doubt I would like to give it 5/5
I would like to thanks the the Publishers for giving me a chance to review this book.
September 25, 2018
In henna I have dyed my hands,
When will he come?
I die, while he roams distant lands,
My heart is numb!
O, where is now the day’s delight?
I’ve waited long.
The golden wine cups of the night
To him belong!
The ritual of love is sweet,
Could I adorn
My love with jewels, perfume his feet,
Be no more torn,
Anoint him with my fragrant kiss,
Love, for your sake,
The lotus of my heart in bliss
Would block the lake!
I absolutely loved reading this book, it’s a beautiful story, written more beautifully in a poetic and enchanting way.
Since I love reading Historical Fictions and Mughal History is my favourite, I had to read this book and it came out, much much more interesting and beautiful than I had thought.
It’s the Story of Laale, a young and beautiful girl from Badakhshan in now Afghanistan, belonging from a respectable and wealthy family of Khan’s. She was going to get married with her lover in a fortnight but fate has planned something else, she got abducted and raped by a Soldier of East India Company and from there on her life Changed.
This Story is set in those times when Mughal Empire was at it’s last and East India company was stronging it’s roots in India. Laale, escaping from clutches of Britishers she reached Lal quila. There she was befriended by a Begum for her own benefits, with motive to impress King of Hindustan, Bahadur Shah Zafar. For that she got trained in poetry by none other than Ghalib and later in Dance, Kathak to perform Mujra. Laale, was very different from everyone in zennana of Lal quila,
She didn’t desire for throne, or to become a Begum, she just wanted to save her respect from those eagle eyes and Bahadur Shah Zafar was the only one who can do that. He’s an octogenarian, yet she falls for him than anyone else, it would have sounded disgusting but author portrayed it so beautifully that it didn’t.
It’s very interesting, how she got named both in loving and sarcastic manners, from Laale Jaan to a slave; a nautch girl; a tawaif, a whore, Courtesan, Of course The Mulberry Courtesan and she finally became the Last Begum of Hindustan.
It’s a must read book full of palace politics, historical changes, art, love, sacrifice, I will ask you to pick it today only.
Thank you Author and Aleph Book Company for this review copy.
When will he come?
I die, while he roams distant lands,
My heart is numb!
O, where is now the day’s delight?
I’ve waited long.
The golden wine cups of the night
To him belong!
The ritual of love is sweet,
Could I adorn
My love with jewels, perfume his feet,
Be no more torn,
Anoint him with my fragrant kiss,
Love, for your sake,
The lotus of my heart in bliss
Would block the lake!
I absolutely loved reading this book, it’s a beautiful story, written more beautifully in a poetic and enchanting way.
Since I love reading Historical Fictions and Mughal History is my favourite, I had to read this book and it came out, much much more interesting and beautiful than I had thought.
It’s the Story of Laale, a young and beautiful girl from Badakhshan in now Afghanistan, belonging from a respectable and wealthy family of Khan’s. She was going to get married with her lover in a fortnight but fate has planned something else, she got abducted and raped by a Soldier of East India Company and from there on her life Changed.
This Story is set in those times when Mughal Empire was at it’s last and East India company was stronging it’s roots in India. Laale, escaping from clutches of Britishers she reached Lal quila. There she was befriended by a Begum for her own benefits, with motive to impress King of Hindustan, Bahadur Shah Zafar. For that she got trained in poetry by none other than Ghalib and later in Dance, Kathak to perform Mujra. Laale, was very different from everyone in zennana of Lal quila,
She didn’t desire for throne, or to become a Begum, she just wanted to save her respect from those eagle eyes and Bahadur Shah Zafar was the only one who can do that. He’s an octogenarian, yet she falls for him than anyone else, it would have sounded disgusting but author portrayed it so beautifully that it didn’t.
It’s very interesting, how she got named both in loving and sarcastic manners, from Laale Jaan to a slave; a nautch girl; a tawaif, a whore, Courtesan, Of course The Mulberry Courtesan and she finally became the Last Begum of Hindustan.
It’s a must read book full of palace politics, historical changes, art, love, sacrifice, I will ask you to pick it today only.
Thank you Author and Aleph Book Company for this review copy.
February 4, 2019
History has always been one of my favorite subjects since school. And learning about Mughal rule in India always fascinated me.
Watching the movie ‘Jodha Akbar’ was one of the Prime reasons why I started spending more time in libraries reading about Mughal kings, their literature, their architecture and everything I could find about them.
Mughal rule was known as the golden era in India’s history. And this book gives us an insight about how this golden era ended. ‘The Mulberry Courtesan’ is set around 1850’s when the British were trying to acquire India.
An epic tale of romance, courage, adventure and tragedy, this book rekindled my love for Mughal Literature and I am looking forward to read more of it this year.
More about the book:
In 1857, the shadows are falling thick and fast on what is left of the Mughal empire. The last emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, is a broken, bitter man in his eighties who has retreated into religion and poetry. Zafar’s empire extends no further than the precincts of his grand palace, the Red Fort in Delhi, but this hasn’t prevented numerous court intrigues and conspiracies from flourishing within the Lal Qila; these involve the emperor’s wives, children, courtiers, hangers-on and English functionaries among others. Flung into this poison pit is Laale, a young woman from an Afghan noble family, abducted from her home in the mountains and sold into the Mughal emperor’s court as a courtesan. Fiery, independent and beautiful, the ‘mulberry courtesan’ captures the ageing emperor’s heart, giving him hope and happiness in his last years. Told against the backdrop of India’s great revolt of 1857 and the last days of the Mughal empire, The Mulberry Courtesan is an epic tale of romance, tragedy, courage and adventure.
Title & the Cover:
Title and the cover of the book are gorgeous and very thoughtful. The beautiful intricate details on the cover of the book gives cozy yet royal vibes.
Story & the Plot:
The book is set in the period around 1852 to 1857 till the British captured the Mughal throne.
The story is narrated by Laale, a beautiful and intelligent girl and a daughter of an Afghan noble businessman. She is abducted from her own house by an English soldier. This event Laale’s life turns upside down, hours ago a young woman who was dreaming of her upcoming marriage is now homeless and hungry. From being raped to being sold in a slave market, Laale finally enters the Mughal court as a courtesan.
With her intelligence, beauty and an incorrect soul, she soon develops a spiritual connection with the Emperor himself. Bahadur Shah Zafar, a man in his eighties who has retreated to religion and poetry is now in love with Laale. The Emperor marries Laals in a secret ceremony and they soon have a son who is disguised as a daughter to protect the Mughal bloodline.
The book is so beautifully written, the essence of romance, spiritualility and courage are heart wrenching. The minute details about the Mughal Court and the British capture the sheer beauty of that era. The narrations are beautiful. The poetry in the book adds to the charm of the story.
Final Verdict
If you ask me to define this book in one single line, I would say, “It’s a gem in the world of Literature.”
Definitely a must read!!
Watching the movie ‘Jodha Akbar’ was one of the Prime reasons why I started spending more time in libraries reading about Mughal kings, their literature, their architecture and everything I could find about them.
Mughal rule was known as the golden era in India’s history. And this book gives us an insight about how this golden era ended. ‘The Mulberry Courtesan’ is set around 1850’s when the British were trying to acquire India.
An epic tale of romance, courage, adventure and tragedy, this book rekindled my love for Mughal Literature and I am looking forward to read more of it this year.
More about the book:
In 1857, the shadows are falling thick and fast on what is left of the Mughal empire. The last emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, is a broken, bitter man in his eighties who has retreated into religion and poetry. Zafar’s empire extends no further than the precincts of his grand palace, the Red Fort in Delhi, but this hasn’t prevented numerous court intrigues and conspiracies from flourishing within the Lal Qila; these involve the emperor’s wives, children, courtiers, hangers-on and English functionaries among others. Flung into this poison pit is Laale, a young woman from an Afghan noble family, abducted from her home in the mountains and sold into the Mughal emperor’s court as a courtesan. Fiery, independent and beautiful, the ‘mulberry courtesan’ captures the ageing emperor’s heart, giving him hope and happiness in his last years. Told against the backdrop of India’s great revolt of 1857 and the last days of the Mughal empire, The Mulberry Courtesan is an epic tale of romance, tragedy, courage and adventure.
Title & the Cover:
Title and the cover of the book are gorgeous and very thoughtful. The beautiful intricate details on the cover of the book gives cozy yet royal vibes.
Story & the Plot:
The book is set in the period around 1852 to 1857 till the British captured the Mughal throne.
The story is narrated by Laale, a beautiful and intelligent girl and a daughter of an Afghan noble businessman. She is abducted from her own house by an English soldier. This event Laale’s life turns upside down, hours ago a young woman who was dreaming of her upcoming marriage is now homeless and hungry. From being raped to being sold in a slave market, Laale finally enters the Mughal court as a courtesan.
With her intelligence, beauty and an incorrect soul, she soon develops a spiritual connection with the Emperor himself. Bahadur Shah Zafar, a man in his eighties who has retreated to religion and poetry is now in love with Laale. The Emperor marries Laals in a secret ceremony and they soon have a son who is disguised as a daughter to protect the Mughal bloodline.
The book is so beautifully written, the essence of romance, spiritualility and courage are heart wrenching. The minute details about the Mughal Court and the British capture the sheer beauty of that era. The narrations are beautiful. The poetry in the book adds to the charm of the story.
Final Verdict
If you ask me to define this book in one single line, I would say, “It’s a gem in the world of Literature.”
Definitely a must read!!
August 2, 2018
The Mulberry Courtesan by Sikeena Karmali is set from 1852 onwards and focuses at length on the events and tumultuous times in British India during the 1857 revolt. It follows the story of Laale, a beautiful and intelligent girl who at 19 is set to marry her cousin. Fate intervenes and a Sepoy of the British East India Company abducts Laale in order to gift her to his English commanding officer. What follows in the life of Laale from this point on is the crux of the book: at times, Laale is just carried away by the pull of events around her with no say or power in how she is being treated but at times, she comes to her own and holds her agency in shaping the course of her life. From being raped, to being sold in a slave market, to being taken in by the neglected and sidelined wife of the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar; Laale take things to her stride with an intelligence and purity of her soul that ultimately brings her face to face with the Emperor with whom she develops a deep spiritual and intellectual bond.
The book is an engrossing read and the pace never settles down: I read it in a day. However, I am putting short of giving a 4 star to this book for I felt that the book was rushed in parts: I definitely wanted more of Laale’s thoughts and not just as reactions to people asking about her life or situation. Recommended for historical fiction lovers!
The book is an engrossing read and the pace never settles down: I read it in a day. However, I am putting short of giving a 4 star to this book for I felt that the book was rushed in parts: I definitely wanted more of Laale’s thoughts and not just as reactions to people asking about her life or situation. Recommended for historical fiction lovers!
September 19, 2018
The story follows the journey of Laale, a girl abducted from her own house in Badakhshan by a soldier. Stripped off her virginity, Laale refuses to go back to her parent's house. Later discovered by a Shepherd boy, Laale is sold at an auction market where The Nawab of Jhajjar wins her over Captain Hodson. The Nawab of Jhajjar, impressed by her overall personality, decides to gift her over to the then reigning Mughal Emperor of Hindustan, Bahadur Shah Zafar.Groomed by the first wife of Zafar for her own benefits, Laale becomes the chief courtesan of the court. A relationship blossoms between Zafar and Laale, the foundation of which is love and mutual respect.
The corrupting politics of the British with the help of Zafar's own wives and children however, has some other plans. Will Zafar's and Laale's relationship see a longer sun? Or fate has some tragic happening in store for them? Read on to find out.
This book is written in a diary format. Some soulful poetry find it's way in between the chapters which makes the book way more appealing. The sepoy mutiny, 1857 constitutes an important part of the book. The narrative is simple yet strong. This book is an absolute delight to read. A masterpiece. ❤
My rating- 🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠/5
The corrupting politics of the British with the help of Zafar's own wives and children however, has some other plans. Will Zafar's and Laale's relationship see a longer sun? Or fate has some tragic happening in store for them? Read on to find out.
This book is written in a diary format. Some soulful poetry find it's way in between the chapters which makes the book way more appealing. The sepoy mutiny, 1857 constitutes an important part of the book. The narrative is simple yet strong. This book is an absolute delight to read. A masterpiece. ❤
My rating- 🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠/5
December 28, 2018
Mulberry Courtesan
Sikeena Karmali
Alephbook Co
2018. Pp – 270.
An “epic tale of romance, tragedy, courage and adventure”.
It’s 1850s. The British rule is spreading its realm and the Mughal power is fading away.
In the backdrop of this social and political upheaval, is Laale, a young woman from an Afghan noble family, abducted from her home in the mountains and sold into the Mughal emperor’s court as a courtesan. Fiery, independent and beautiful, the ‘mulberry courtesan’ captures the ageing emperor’s heart, giving him hope and happiness in his last years.
A piece of fiction that fits quite well in the actual events of the time. Language, writing style, narration – everything at its best. A 4 on 5!
#bookstagramindia #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #review #bookreview #readdreamrepeat #blogger #bookblogger #delhibookstagrammer #indianblogger #igreads #delhiblogger #unitedbookstagram #delhibookstagramfam #bookishfeatures #bookporn #booknerd #bookstagramfeature #newyear #newyearreads
58 down @htbrunch #htbrunchbookchallenge #BrunchBookChallenge #htbrunch
Sikeena Karmali
Alephbook Co
2018. Pp – 270.
An “epic tale of romance, tragedy, courage and adventure”.
It’s 1850s. The British rule is spreading its realm and the Mughal power is fading away.
In the backdrop of this social and political upheaval, is Laale, a young woman from an Afghan noble family, abducted from her home in the mountains and sold into the Mughal emperor’s court as a courtesan. Fiery, independent and beautiful, the ‘mulberry courtesan’ captures the ageing emperor’s heart, giving him hope and happiness in his last years.
A piece of fiction that fits quite well in the actual events of the time. Language, writing style, narration – everything at its best. A 4 on 5!
#bookstagramindia #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #review #bookreview #readdreamrepeat #blogger #bookblogger #delhibookstagrammer #indianblogger #igreads #delhiblogger #unitedbookstagram #delhibookstagramfam #bookishfeatures #bookporn #booknerd #bookstagramfeature #newyear #newyearreads
58 down @htbrunch #htbrunchbookchallenge #BrunchBookChallenge #htbrunch
October 18, 2025
The Mulberry Courtesan by Sikeena Karmali is set in 1857 and follows Laale, a young Afghan girl who is kidnapped just days before her wedding and later ends up in the court of the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar. There, she gains the emperor’s affection, provoking jealousy among his other wives. The story portrays her efforts to support the emperor during his final years amid betrayal within the royal court and the backdrop of India’s great revolt against the British.
The book is beautifully written, with the author’s poetic and lyrical prose bringing the story to life. As with many books set in this era, it is frustrating to read about how the British gradually infiltrated India, exploiting and plundering as if it were their right. Another unsettling aspect is the significant age difference, about sixty years between the emperor and Laale, though it reflects the norms of that period.
The book is beautifully written, with the author’s poetic and lyrical prose bringing the story to life. As with many books set in this era, it is frustrating to read about how the British gradually infiltrated India, exploiting and plundering as if it were their right. Another unsettling aspect is the significant age difference, about sixty years between the emperor and Laale, though it reflects the norms of that period.
April 16, 2019
Unforgettable. I lived in the era of Bahadur Shah during the period I read it. History could not come more live than this drenched in tears, laughter and love.
October 17, 2022
A poetic fiction but I wish the author had not rushed through some parts.
September 1, 2018
Read The Original Review Posted on Sohinee Reads & Reviews
SIKEENA KARMALI CAPTURED THE MUGHAL ESSENCE SO WELL IN ‘THE MULBERRY COURTESAN
‘The Mulberry Courtesan’ is set around 1857 when the Mughal Empire is counting its last days of ruling the country. It’s the time when the East India Company had already invaded the country and was setting up it’s empire. It was during this time that India saw its first revolt against the Britishers. The book features Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last person of the Mughal dynasty who is been exiled.
It is somewhere between the 1852 to 1857 that the complete story takes place. At the heart of the storyline is a bold and brazen girl, Laale. Laale, a young 19-year-old who had her wedding planned out suddenly get abducted from her home by a British sepoy to be sold off to the Mughals. On the night of her abduction, she gets raped by the sepoy but she doesn’t let him live for long. Thus begins Laale’s journey where she begins to live a new life where she often times finds herself at a loss of control over her own choices but as she grows into a woman, she starts to own herself as a courtesan, from a naïve little girl to a brave woman.
‘The Mulberry Courtesan’ also gives us a glimpse into the life of Bahadur Shah Zafar, a weary old man who is closing on his expiration. The contrast between Zafar, old and weary; and Laale, young and vivacious, is beautifully presented in the narrative. There’s also a romance between the central characters. This epic tale is quite tragic.
I loved reading about the characters. They were full of life and expressed themselves so well that I couldn’t stop myself from feeling along with them. Sikeena Karmali has a very engaging, lyrical style of writing which I loved. It was like poetry written as prose. The descriptions of the Mughal empire with all its glitters and glam and the majestic forts that hides so much in them, Sikeena Karmali has captured the Mughal essence with her writing.
I loved the writing and the story but when it comes to the historical timelines, that wasn’t very clear to me. At times I felt that there weren’t the need of certain characters and that they didn’t have anything to add to the storyline. There were a few glitches here and there but nothing that a round of editing cannot fix!
The historical timelines might not be perfect but the narrative is beautiful. Loved the story and the characters.
For more review and bookish posts, subscribe to my blog www.poesyinchrysalis.wordpress.com. For review enquiries and collaborations, write to me at query.sohinee@gmail.com.
Read it if you like historical fiction.
SIKEENA KARMALI CAPTURED THE MUGHAL ESSENCE SO WELL IN ‘THE MULBERRY COURTESAN
‘The Mulberry Courtesan’ is set around 1857 when the Mughal Empire is counting its last days of ruling the country. It’s the time when the East India Company had already invaded the country and was setting up it’s empire. It was during this time that India saw its first revolt against the Britishers. The book features Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last person of the Mughal dynasty who is been exiled.
It is somewhere between the 1852 to 1857 that the complete story takes place. At the heart of the storyline is a bold and brazen girl, Laale. Laale, a young 19-year-old who had her wedding planned out suddenly get abducted from her home by a British sepoy to be sold off to the Mughals. On the night of her abduction, she gets raped by the sepoy but she doesn’t let him live for long. Thus begins Laale’s journey where she begins to live a new life where she often times finds herself at a loss of control over her own choices but as she grows into a woman, she starts to own herself as a courtesan, from a naïve little girl to a brave woman.
‘The Mulberry Courtesan’ also gives us a glimpse into the life of Bahadur Shah Zafar, a weary old man who is closing on his expiration. The contrast between Zafar, old and weary; and Laale, young and vivacious, is beautifully presented in the narrative. There’s also a romance between the central characters. This epic tale is quite tragic.
I loved reading about the characters. They were full of life and expressed themselves so well that I couldn’t stop myself from feeling along with them. Sikeena Karmali has a very engaging, lyrical style of writing which I loved. It was like poetry written as prose. The descriptions of the Mughal empire with all its glitters and glam and the majestic forts that hides so much in them, Sikeena Karmali has captured the Mughal essence with her writing.
I loved the writing and the story but when it comes to the historical timelines, that wasn’t very clear to me. At times I felt that there weren’t the need of certain characters and that they didn’t have anything to add to the storyline. There were a few glitches here and there but nothing that a round of editing cannot fix!
The historical timelines might not be perfect but the narrative is beautiful. Loved the story and the characters.
For more review and bookish posts, subscribe to my blog www.poesyinchrysalis.wordpress.com. For review enquiries and collaborations, write to me at query.sohinee@gmail.com.
Read it if you like historical fiction.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 13 reviews