What do you think?
Rate this book
City of My Heart: Accounts of Love, Loss and Betrayal in Nineteenth - Century Delhi
In September 1857, the Indian way of life changed for ever, after the overnight downfall of the Mughal Dynasty, with the capture and exile of Bahadur Shah Zafar. This book, translated by Safvi, presents translations of four texts that talk about Dilli (today, Delhi) on the eve of the downfall and the fate of royalty following the uprising of 1857. Invoking nostalgia, chronicling both beauty and hardships, it is a gemstone to understand exactly how the royal household functioned and how it ceased to be.
- GenresHistoryNonfictionIndia
280 pages, Hardcover
Published October 10, 2018
38 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Rana Safvi
12 books46 followersRana Safvi is a prominent figure deeply committed to India's rich cultural heritage and diverse civilizational legacy. Her work spans a variety of media including writings, podcasts, videos, and translations. With a remarkable portfolio, she has authored ten books that delve into topics ranging from culture and history to the monuments of India. Notable titles among her works include "Tales from the Quran and Hadith," "The Delhi Trilogy: Where Stones Speak," "The Forgotten Cities of Delhi," "Shahjahanabad: The Living City of Old Delhi," "A Saint, A Folk Tale and Other Stories," and "In Search of The Divine: Living Histories of Sufism in India."
In addition to her literary contributions, Rana Safvi has undertaken the task of translating significant works into English. Notably, she has translated Sir Syed Ahmad Khan's pivotal piece on Delhi, "Asar-us-Sanadid," and "Dastan-e-Ghadar," along with four accounts of Delhi from the 19th and 20th centuries. Her prowess extends beyond the written word—she is a regular contributor to various national newspapers and magazines and has actively participated in conferences and seminars.
Rana Safvi's blog, "ranasafvi.com," serves as a treasure trove of cultural, literary, and historical insights. Her expertise even extends to the realm of food history, where she has penned numerous articles and engaged in conferences on the subject. Notably, she is part of the "Forgotten Food" project at the University of Sheffield, contributing to "Desi Delicacies," a best-selling food anthology in 2021. Within this anthology, she authored a chapter focusing on Qorma, Qaliya, and Awadh cuisine.
Overall, Rana Safvi's multifaceted contributions encompass history, literature, cultural preservation, and the exploration of culinary heritage. Through her diverse efforts, she continues to enrich our understanding of India's multifarious tapestry and deep-rooted traditions.
In addition to her literary contributions, Rana Safvi has undertaken the task of translating significant works into English. Notably, she has translated Sir Syed Ahmad Khan's pivotal piece on Delhi, "Asar-us-Sanadid," and "Dastan-e-Ghadar," along with four accounts of Delhi from the 19th and 20th centuries. Her prowess extends beyond the written word—she is a regular contributor to various national newspapers and magazines and has actively participated in conferences and seminars.
Rana Safvi's blog, "ranasafvi.com," serves as a treasure trove of cultural, literary, and historical insights. Her expertise even extends to the realm of food history, where she has penned numerous articles and engaged in conferences on the subject. Notably, she is part of the "Forgotten Food" project at the University of Sheffield, contributing to "Desi Delicacies," a best-selling food anthology in 2021. Within this anthology, she authored a chapter focusing on Qorma, Qaliya, and Awadh cuisine.
Overall, Rana Safvi's multifaceted contributions encompass history, literature, cultural preservation, and the exploration of culinary heritage. Through her diverse efforts, she continues to enrich our understanding of India's multifarious tapestry and deep-rooted traditions.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 6, 2018
City of my heart. Selected and translated from the Urdu by Rana Safvi.
⭐⭐⭐/5
~
I fell in love with the cover, it's so beautiful!! I spent a decent amount of time gawking at the cover and then finally started to read. The very mention of Lal Qila of Delhi makes me feel special because my parents told me I took my first steps there or rather learnt to walk in the Diwan-e-Khaas way back in 1992.
~
This book started on a good note, but however the translation felt monotonous and the stories too. It felt good to know and read about various cultures co-existing in the Nineteenth century under the Mughal rule but somehow this book failed to impress me.
As a history nerd/lover I was excited to read it. I felt something was missing in the writing or translation.
I was constantly checking in between reading to see how many pages are left.
The one text I liked reading was the last one, Begaamat ke aansu, where the British Empire was established and the Mughal emperors turned to paupers in no time. I loved the translation.
~
I did find this book very monotonous, and it felt like reading a research thesis. It was very very informative, and it will be useful for people who wish to study about that era. It talked with grace about the grandeur and opulence Delhi and the Mughals enjoyed, but it didn't work for me. It is a very rich cultural book but sadly it failed to interest me.
⭐⭐⭐/5
~
I fell in love with the cover, it's so beautiful!! I spent a decent amount of time gawking at the cover and then finally started to read. The very mention of Lal Qila of Delhi makes me feel special because my parents told me I took my first steps there or rather learnt to walk in the Diwan-e-Khaas way back in 1992.
~
This book started on a good note, but however the translation felt monotonous and the stories too. It felt good to know and read about various cultures co-existing in the Nineteenth century under the Mughal rule but somehow this book failed to impress me.
As a history nerd/lover I was excited to read it. I felt something was missing in the writing or translation.
I was constantly checking in between reading to see how many pages are left.
The one text I liked reading was the last one, Begaamat ke aansu, where the British Empire was established and the Mughal emperors turned to paupers in no time. I loved the translation.
~
I did find this book very monotonous, and it felt like reading a research thesis. It was very very informative, and it will be useful for people who wish to study about that era. It talked with grace about the grandeur and opulence Delhi and the Mughals enjoyed, but it didn't work for me. It is a very rich cultural book but sadly it failed to interest me.
December 3, 2019
This book is a collection of 4 urdu narratives translated by Rana Safvi. It was okayish. I find it monotonous and repetitive.
May 7, 2019
As seen on my blog KALEIDOSCOPIC NERD
This book has several texts which were written during and right after the 1857 mutiny when a very long and controversial rule of the Mughals came to an end and the Britishers took up the mantel.
This book is a selection of a series of memoirs written by noblemen who’d experienced it first hand or by some who’d heard about the life under the last Mughal rulers from their father or grandfather.
These stories account the happenings in those times so I shouldn’t rate it as such but the writing style (or translation for that matter because I haven’t read the original texts) was wayy too descriptive and monotonous with a few repetitions. It was very slow and always put me in a slump. Although, I just couldn’t dnf it because there were some interesting details too but a description of food spanning over 3-4 pages wasn’t one of them. *smh*
The first 3 stories gave us an insight in the lives of the last of the Mughal rulers and inside the Red Fort and the various ceremonies and festivals. The last story, Begamat ke Aasun, Tears of the Begums, narrates the stories of all the royalty who fled to various parts of the world and their subsequent fate. They were once the mighty rulers but after their downfall, they had been reduced to nothing and no one helped them, except in some rare cases.
The book promises “political intrigue and the inner secrets of the Qila”, which it delivers but not in the best way possible as it just couldn’t keep my attention for more than 5 pages at once. It was a real life of Game of Thrones with people being manipulative and planning and carrying out killings, even of their own relatives!
There were also a few descriptions regarding how drastically life changed under the Britishers and how people were quite against it.
Although, I’d read some stuff in my course, most of them mentioned in this book were very new to me, including the tale regarding Mirza Ilahi Baksh! That guy was shady af.
Anyways, if you are a history buff and enjoy in depth and deeply descriptive accounts or are writing a thesis or something on the Mughals, you can def give this book a shot!
“Dilli was Dilli because of the Dilliwalas, who were full of love and empathy, who were there for one another and couldn’t bear to see even their enemies in trouble.”
This book has several texts which were written during and right after the 1857 mutiny when a very long and controversial rule of the Mughals came to an end and the Britishers took up the mantel.
This book is a selection of a series of memoirs written by noblemen who’d experienced it first hand or by some who’d heard about the life under the last Mughal rulers from their father or grandfather.
These stories account the happenings in those times so I shouldn’t rate it as such but the writing style (or translation for that matter because I haven’t read the original texts) was wayy too descriptive and monotonous with a few repetitions. It was very slow and always put me in a slump. Although, I just couldn’t dnf it because there were some interesting details too but a description of food spanning over 3-4 pages wasn’t one of them. *smh*
“The culmination of the siege of Delhi wasn’t merely the destruction of the city, but also the annihilation of of a unique way of life.”
The first 3 stories gave us an insight in the lives of the last of the Mughal rulers and inside the Red Fort and the various ceremonies and festivals. The last story, Begamat ke Aasun, Tears of the Begums, narrates the stories of all the royalty who fled to various parts of the world and their subsequent fate. They were once the mighty rulers but after their downfall, they had been reduced to nothing and no one helped them, except in some rare cases.
The book promises “political intrigue and the inner secrets of the Qila”, which it delivers but not in the best way possible as it just couldn’t keep my attention for more than 5 pages at once. It was a real life of Game of Thrones with people being manipulative and planning and carrying out killings, even of their own relatives!
“We produce the grains, and others enjoy it.”
There were also a few descriptions regarding how drastically life changed under the Britishers and how people were quite against it.
Although, I’d read some stuff in my course, most of them mentioned in this book were very new to me, including the tale regarding Mirza Ilahi Baksh! That guy was shady af.
Anyways, if you are a history buff and enjoy in depth and deeply descriptive accounts or are writing a thesis or something on the Mughals, you can def give this book a shot!
May 8, 2019
City of my Heart चार पुस्तकों बज़्म ए आखिर, दिल्ली का आखिरी दीदार, किला ए मुआल्ला की झलकियाँ और बेगमात के आँसू का एक संग्रह है। इसमें पहली दो किताबें मुख्यतः उस दौरान किले में मनाए जाने वाले उत्सवों, रीति रिवाज़ और खान पान की बातें करती हैं जबकि तीसरी किताब में किले के अंदर की झलकियों के साथ सत्ता के लिए चलते संघर्ष का भी विवरण मिलता है। बेगमात के आँसू में शाही खानदान के उन चिरागों का जिक्र है जो अंग्रेजी हुकूमत के कत्ले आम से बच तो गए पर जिनके लिए शाही जीवन से आम व्यक्ति सा जीवन जीना बड़ा तकलीफ़देह रहा।
इस पुस्तक में मुझे क्या अच्छा लगा और क्या नहीं उसकी विस्तार से चर्चा यहाँ पर .
https://www.travelwithmanish.com/2019...
इस पुस्तक में मुझे क्या अच्छा लगा और क्या नहीं उसकी विस्तार से चर्चा यहाँ पर .
https://www.travelwithmanish.com/2019...
January 4, 2019
Follow Just A Girl High On Books for more reviews.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When I started reading City of My Heart, I had nothing but word of mouth to go on about Rana Safvi's works. I had heard of her because of her previous book, i.e., Forgotten Cities of Delhi but I had never read her work. A lot of my friends had described her writing style as impeccable so I was nothing but excited to go through this book. And Holy Mother of Jesus, were they right!
In City of My Heart, Safvi translated four Urdu texts concerning the downfall of the last Mughal ruler. Each of those texts had their own way of referring to the incident and their own way of interpreting it. Yet, Safvi seems to have gone through the book like it was an easy feat! Over the course of years, I have read a lot of translated books, and most of them do not engage me as much as this one did. If I am really honest with myself, then perhaps this was the first translated book (or even a book compiled with translated excerpts from four different books) that I really enjoyed. Maybe the reason for that is that I love my history and this was of a time that I am particularly a fan of.
The book has a beautiful cover. When I received my copy, I realized that I could probably stare at it all day (and by that, I mean, ALL day)! The blurb excited me and when I finally sat down to read the book, I realized what it is all about. The book is mainly of a lost time, of a time when our capital city was "Dilli" and not "Delhi". It details about how things were done back then, the festival celebrations, the food the people ate (and in what way), the clothes they wore and other simple and normal things of our life. The four texts not only focus on the downfall of the Mughal dynasty, but are also first-hand experiences by people who saw this downfall. They mention the time before the downfall and how people led amazing lives and then they compared it to the time when things were difficult. Those texts show how the people lived in complete bhai-chara back then and how that time of brotherhood and peace is now gone. It is a book that characterizes the lost glory of a fallen "Dilli".
I admit, the text was a little monotonous and perhaps, also a little too descriptive for my liking, after a point. This is why the book has received nothing but 4 stars from my side. But it soon got over it. For someone who isn't a history fan might even find the book boring. The first three texts focused on nothing but information so if anyone isn't interested, they might get bored pretty soon. I, however, loved it. The fourth text had a more story-based narrative. This is because it captured random incidents and linked them all together—sort of like highlighting the events after the downfall of the Mughal dynasty.
Overall, City of My Heart was an informative read and I enjoyed reading this book a lot. I hope you try it out and fall in love with it the way I did. (But remember, if you do not like history—and I mean legit history, not historical fiction—then you might want to steer away from it!)
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When I started reading City of My Heart, I had nothing but word of mouth to go on about Rana Safvi's works. I had heard of her because of her previous book, i.e., Forgotten Cities of Delhi but I had never read her work. A lot of my friends had described her writing style as impeccable so I was nothing but excited to go through this book. And Holy Mother of Jesus, were they right!
In City of My Heart, Safvi translated four Urdu texts concerning the downfall of the last Mughal ruler. Each of those texts had their own way of referring to the incident and their own way of interpreting it. Yet, Safvi seems to have gone through the book like it was an easy feat! Over the course of years, I have read a lot of translated books, and most of them do not engage me as much as this one did. If I am really honest with myself, then perhaps this was the first translated book (or even a book compiled with translated excerpts from four different books) that I really enjoyed. Maybe the reason for that is that I love my history and this was of a time that I am particularly a fan of.
The book has a beautiful cover. When I received my copy, I realized that I could probably stare at it all day (and by that, I mean, ALL day)! The blurb excited me and when I finally sat down to read the book, I realized what it is all about. The book is mainly of a lost time, of a time when our capital city was "Dilli" and not "Delhi". It details about how things were done back then, the festival celebrations, the food the people ate (and in what way), the clothes they wore and other simple and normal things of our life. The four texts not only focus on the downfall of the Mughal dynasty, but are also first-hand experiences by people who saw this downfall. They mention the time before the downfall and how people led amazing lives and then they compared it to the time when things were difficult. Those texts show how the people lived in complete bhai-chara back then and how that time of brotherhood and peace is now gone. It is a book that characterizes the lost glory of a fallen "Dilli".
I admit, the text was a little monotonous and perhaps, also a little too descriptive for my liking, after a point. This is why the book has received nothing but 4 stars from my side. But it soon got over it. For someone who isn't a history fan might even find the book boring. The first three texts focused on nothing but information so if anyone isn't interested, they might get bored pretty soon. I, however, loved it. The fourth text had a more story-based narrative. This is because it captured random incidents and linked them all together—sort of like highlighting the events after the downfall of the Mughal dynasty.
Overall, City of My Heart was an informative read and I enjoyed reading this book a lot. I hope you try it out and fall in love with it the way I did. (But remember, if you do not like history—and I mean legit history, not historical fiction—then you might want to steer away from it!)
January 26, 2019
Before talking about this book, let me take a moment to admire the alluring artwork on the cover page. The illuminating lights of the bright red fort, starry night and title are written in Urdu font is simply eye-catching. I fall in love with the book cover even before reading this book.
Summary:
The authoress has dedicated this book to every people of Delhi and she has started this book giving a brief history of Delhi and about them who have ruled Delhi. These two sections are really informative and well-researched.
This book is a translated compilation of the writing, representing Delhi’s past. There are four chapters in the book which are written by the people who have witnessed and documented it.
‘Dilli ka aakhiri Deedar’ (The last glimpse of Delhi) by Syed Wazir Hasan Dehlvi. This chapter basically talks about the Red Fort and its glorious era, where each festival and season has some reason to celebrate. People were living a peaceful and satisfied life.
‘Bazm-e-Akhir’ (The Last assembly) by Munshi Faizuddin. Written after the mutiny of 1857, this section narrates the life and magnificent moments of Red Fort and Delhi. The festivals, new seasons and cuisines every celebration and food was up to the mark.
The third chapter, ‘Qila-e-Mu’alla ki Jhalkiya’n’ (Glimpse of the exalted fort) by Mirza Ahmad Salim ‘Arsh’ Taimuri. He was the last descendant of the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar and he has written all the information over a period of time. This chapter generally talks about the situation before and after the mutiny.
The last chapter ‘Begamat ke Aansu’ (Tears of the Begums) by Khwaja Hasan Nizami is the most interesting and painful part of this book. This chapter describes the condition of the various Mughal descendants after the mutiny and how they come to the situation of begging.
All these chapters take us to the glorious Mughal era and its downfall.
Writing style:
This book is written in an informative way; hence some will find it little dry to read. But if you will make you engrossed in the book, then you will enjoy it. The language is easy but the narration could have been much better.
My perception:
I have never read anything about Delhi so this book is a fresh breeze for me. This book is very informative and interesting and those who are interested to know about this amazing city can definitely pick this up. This book will tell you everything about Delhi, its people, cuisine, celebration and much more. Some will find it a little boring but trust me once you will finish this book, you will take a deep breath and think about the various events described in this book. I personally loved the last chapter ‘Begamat ke Aansu’.
This book is a journey which will take you to through the life, celebration, and finally the downfall of the Mughal Empire. Worth to read, this book will take you through the pages of history. History and non-fiction lovers do not miss this book!
Find more book reviews on https://www.haloofbooks.com/
Summary:
The authoress has dedicated this book to every people of Delhi and she has started this book giving a brief history of Delhi and about them who have ruled Delhi. These two sections are really informative and well-researched.
This book is a translated compilation of the writing, representing Delhi’s past. There are four chapters in the book which are written by the people who have witnessed and documented it.
‘Dilli ka aakhiri Deedar’ (The last glimpse of Delhi) by Syed Wazir Hasan Dehlvi. This chapter basically talks about the Red Fort and its glorious era, where each festival and season has some reason to celebrate. People were living a peaceful and satisfied life.
‘Bazm-e-Akhir’ (The Last assembly) by Munshi Faizuddin. Written after the mutiny of 1857, this section narrates the life and magnificent moments of Red Fort and Delhi. The festivals, new seasons and cuisines every celebration and food was up to the mark.
The third chapter, ‘Qila-e-Mu’alla ki Jhalkiya’n’ (Glimpse of the exalted fort) by Mirza Ahmad Salim ‘Arsh’ Taimuri. He was the last descendant of the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar and he has written all the information over a period of time. This chapter generally talks about the situation before and after the mutiny.
The last chapter ‘Begamat ke Aansu’ (Tears of the Begums) by Khwaja Hasan Nizami is the most interesting and painful part of this book. This chapter describes the condition of the various Mughal descendants after the mutiny and how they come to the situation of begging.
All these chapters take us to the glorious Mughal era and its downfall.
Writing style:
This book is written in an informative way; hence some will find it little dry to read. But if you will make you engrossed in the book, then you will enjoy it. The language is easy but the narration could have been much better.
My perception:
I have never read anything about Delhi so this book is a fresh breeze for me. This book is very informative and interesting and those who are interested to know about this amazing city can definitely pick this up. This book will tell you everything about Delhi, its people, cuisine, celebration and much more. Some will find it a little boring but trust me once you will finish this book, you will take a deep breath and think about the various events described in this book. I personally loved the last chapter ‘Begamat ke Aansu’.
This book is a journey which will take you to through the life, celebration, and finally the downfall of the Mughal Empire. Worth to read, this book will take you through the pages of history. History and non-fiction lovers do not miss this book!
Find more book reviews on https://www.haloofbooks.com/
December 6, 2018
Full Review @https://ecstaticyetchaotic.wordpress....
City of my Heart is a collection of 4 stories, originally written in Urdu and later translated by Rana Safvi. The goal is to make us aware of the city that was once ‘Dilli’ and not the modern day ‘Delhi’. The author chose 4 stories that were published in the British Era, and these stories were amassed from people who had the first-hand experience of ‘Dilli’ and everything that made the city.
The stories talk about the climate there, the food people ate, the festivities and how everyone had a larger than life lifestyle. The coexistence of Hindus and Muslims has also been mentioned time and again. Bot what is common in the majority of these stories is the rise of Delhi during the Mughals who ruled India with Delhi as their home base.
We get to know how each festival was celebrated with pomp and show. The emperor was kind enough to grace his presence in these festivals and also celebrate Diwali and other Hindu festivals. The book is all about lost glory and equality and how Delhi has morphed into something toxic and warlike.
City of my Heart is a collection of 4 stories, originally written in Urdu and later translated by Rana Safvi. The goal is to make us aware of the city that was once ‘Dilli’ and not the modern day ‘Delhi’. The author chose 4 stories that were published in the British Era, and these stories were amassed from people who had the first-hand experience of ‘Dilli’ and everything that made the city.
The stories talk about the climate there, the food people ate, the festivities and how everyone had a larger than life lifestyle. The coexistence of Hindus and Muslims has also been mentioned time and again. Bot what is common in the majority of these stories is the rise of Delhi during the Mughals who ruled India with Delhi as their home base.
We get to know how each festival was celebrated with pomp and show. The emperor was kind enough to grace his presence in these festivals and also celebrate Diwali and other Hindu festivals. The book is all about lost glory and equality and how Delhi has morphed into something toxic and warlike.
November 28, 2019
Very repetitive
August 10, 2019
A book that opened my eyes to a city I already love. Highly, highly recommend to anyone interested in the life of the Qila-e-Mualla and Shahjahanabad.
December 6, 2018
As we all know, the beginning of the Mughal empire is marked by the victory of Babur over Ibrahim Lodi. The Mughal empire is the third largest empire and is also considered as 'India's last golden age'. This book is a translation of four Urdu texts, first hand accounts, that gives us a glimpse of the life during this period and also about the state of prince and princesses after the siege.
The book talks about how Hindus and Muslims lived in peace and harmony during 19th century. The emperor considered the entire population as equal and every festival, be it Eid or Diwali, was celebrated by all. The author also gives us a brief history of Delhi, starting from Indraprastha, city of Pandavas to modern Delhi.
The first three parts talk about communal amity and the relationship between the Qila inhabitants and general public. Details about the emperor's routine, the way each festival is celebrated, important events in each season, and also various food items prepared for the emperor are listed. The last part is about how the princes and princesses escaped after the siege and how their fate changed.
The siege not only marked the end of the Mughal empire but the end of a unique lifestyle. The author intents to provide us better understanding of first half of the nineteenth century and change our perspectives. I was slightly disappointed because I was expecting more of a story than facts.
If you enjoy non-fiction and love books loaded with facts, then this is definitely for you.
The book talks about how Hindus and Muslims lived in peace and harmony during 19th century. The emperor considered the entire population as equal and every festival, be it Eid or Diwali, was celebrated by all. The author also gives us a brief history of Delhi, starting from Indraprastha, city of Pandavas to modern Delhi.
The first three parts talk about communal amity and the relationship between the Qila inhabitants and general public. Details about the emperor's routine, the way each festival is celebrated, important events in each season, and also various food items prepared for the emperor are listed. The last part is about how the princes and princesses escaped after the siege and how their fate changed.
The siege not only marked the end of the Mughal empire but the end of a unique lifestyle. The author intents to provide us better understanding of first half of the nineteenth century and change our perspectives. I was slightly disappointed because I was expecting more of a story than facts.
If you enjoy non-fiction and love books loaded with facts, then this is definitely for you.
December 4, 2018
Rana Safvi chooses four works that give a first hand or passed down true accounts recounted by people of their memories of 1857 Delhi, the Delhi under the rule of the last Mughal ruler, Bahadur Shah Zafar. The translations are done brilliantly. The images are so vivid and heartfelt that one is easily transported to that era.
The problem is that it can get monotonous and boring after a point. I admire Rana Safvi as a historian and I'm looking forward to read other books of hers. Perhaps I was expecting too much of it. Anyhow, I would buy it simply for the cover. That cover is just stunning!
The problem is that it can get monotonous and boring after a point. I admire Rana Safvi as a historian and I'm looking forward to read other books of hers. Perhaps I was expecting too much of it. Anyhow, I would buy it simply for the cover. That cover is just stunning!
January 9, 2019
Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: A physical copy was provided via Hachette India in exchange for an honest review. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
City of My Heart is a collection of 4 stories translated by the author Rana Saafvi – the aim of the author, I believe, was to make the readers aware of the city that once was “Dilli”; and everything that has now become the foundation of modern day Delhi.
The four stories chosen have been chosen by the author quite diligently; written during the Mughla Era & the cusp of the British Era in India – they are first – hand experience of common and lay men; who were at the ground level.
These men talk about the ground reality – the way the festivals were celebrated, the harmony in which the people from different castes & religion would live in harmony; the trust and loyalty they had in coexisting with each other – a stark contrast to the toxicity, discriminatory and aggression of the modern day Delhi.
For a history buff like me, it’s an interesting look at an era that is quite fascinating to me – but as per usual for its content; the text ends up being dry, though it was expected! This would be an intriguing read for non – fiction lovers would definitely enjoy.
For more reviews visit For The Love of Fictional Worlds :)
Do come join us at For The Fictional Worlds Facebook Page | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon |
July 6, 2021
A fascinating journey through the eclipse of the Mughal India at the aftermath of 1857 Sepoy Mutiny.
December 28, 2018
Rating : 3.5/5
- historical non-fiction
- loved the cover , could stare at it all day.
- synopsis sounds promising but the writing needs improvement.
- very monotonous at certain times.
- felt more like a draft that still needed some proof reading to make the writing lucid and exciting.
- loved the fact that the writer tried to cover the life of the people in Mughal dynasty and cultures existing in the 19th century!
- historical non-fiction
- loved the cover , could stare at it all day.
- synopsis sounds promising but the writing needs improvement.
- very monotonous at certain times.
- felt more like a draft that still needed some proof reading to make the writing lucid and exciting.
- loved the fact that the writer tried to cover the life of the people in Mughal dynasty and cultures existing in the 19th century!
March 15, 2021
Book: City of my heart
Translator/editor: Rana Safvi
Genre: History
Pages: 231
About translator:
Rana Safvi is an Indian writer, columnist, and historian. She was born in 1957 at Aligarh. Her first book was ‘Where Stones Speak: Historial Trails in Mehrauli, the First City of Delhi’ which later became the best seller book. ‘Hazrat e Dilli’ is her blog where she talks about Delhi’s culture, food, customs, norms, heritage, and age-old traditions.
Review:
دل کراچی تو نہیں جس کو بسا دے ہجرت
دل وہ دلّی ہے جو ہر بار اُجڑ جاتا ہے۔
The heart is not like Karachi that is settled by migration
The heart is like a Dilli (Delhi) that is ruined every time.
🎭The city of my heart book features four translations of Urdu narratives of what happened in Delhi in the 19th century. This book brings not only the stories of the monarchy from Delhi's history but also collective stories of Delhi's culture, traditions, and Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb.
🎭The first two stories, Dilli ka Akhri deedar (The last glimpse of Delhi) and Bazam e Aakhir (The last Assembly) talk about the details of Red fort, Moti Mahal, the traditions of the Mughal period, the food, how the festivals celebrated in Mahal, what kind of jewelry Mughlanis wore, who prepared the Hookas, and much more. These two stories were quite similar and repetitive that make the first half of the book monotonous.
🎭The last two stories "Qila-e- Mu'alla ki Jhalkiya'n (Glimpses of the Exalted Fort) and Begamat ke Aansu (Tears of the Begums) talk about the tale of the end of the Mughal era and the real story of mutiny. Begamat ke Aansu is a mix of some short stories about the Mughal prince/princess, cases of deception, the hardship, and poverty the royals faced after the mutiny that touches your heart.
🎭The highlight of the book is the pure Urdu words that are kept intact at several places and add more flavor to the book. I love the way the writer talks about Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb that who Muslims and Hindus lived happily together. I wish that time comes back and we again will start living together with peace and harmony.
🎭Excerpt from Book:
This Dehli, the heart of India, its capital, was flourishing, and when the flame of the Mughals began to flicker, and the empire was teetering on the precipice of destruction, the first change to be noticed was in the lifestyle of its people. Both, rulers and their subjects, were destroyed.
🎭My rating:
My rating would be 4.5/5 ⭐
Translator/editor: Rana Safvi
Genre: History
Pages: 231
About translator:
Rana Safvi is an Indian writer, columnist, and historian. She was born in 1957 at Aligarh. Her first book was ‘Where Stones Speak: Historial Trails in Mehrauli, the First City of Delhi’ which later became the best seller book. ‘Hazrat e Dilli’ is her blog where she talks about Delhi’s culture, food, customs, norms, heritage, and age-old traditions.
Review:
دل کراچی تو نہیں جس کو بسا دے ہجرت
دل وہ دلّی ہے جو ہر بار اُجڑ جاتا ہے۔
The heart is not like Karachi that is settled by migration
The heart is like a Dilli (Delhi) that is ruined every time.
🎭The city of my heart book features four translations of Urdu narratives of what happened in Delhi in the 19th century. This book brings not only the stories of the monarchy from Delhi's history but also collective stories of Delhi's culture, traditions, and Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb.
🎭The first two stories, Dilli ka Akhri deedar (The last glimpse of Delhi) and Bazam e Aakhir (The last Assembly) talk about the details of Red fort, Moti Mahal, the traditions of the Mughal period, the food, how the festivals celebrated in Mahal, what kind of jewelry Mughlanis wore, who prepared the Hookas, and much more. These two stories were quite similar and repetitive that make the first half of the book monotonous.
🎭The last two stories "Qila-e- Mu'alla ki Jhalkiya'n (Glimpses of the Exalted Fort) and Begamat ke Aansu (Tears of the Begums) talk about the tale of the end of the Mughal era and the real story of mutiny. Begamat ke Aansu is a mix of some short stories about the Mughal prince/princess, cases of deception, the hardship, and poverty the royals faced after the mutiny that touches your heart.
🎭The highlight of the book is the pure Urdu words that are kept intact at several places and add more flavor to the book. I love the way the writer talks about Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb that who Muslims and Hindus lived happily together. I wish that time comes back and we again will start living together with peace and harmony.
🎭Excerpt from Book:
This Dehli, the heart of India, its capital, was flourishing, and when the flame of the Mughals began to flicker, and the empire was teetering on the precipice of destruction, the first change to be noticed was in the lifestyle of its people. Both, rulers and their subjects, were destroyed.
🎭My rating:
My rating would be 4.5/5 ⭐
December 15, 2018
Review
Time is a powerful force. When it spins, the fate changes instantly sometimes for good; sometimes for bad. It is apparent from the condition of princes and princesses of the last Mughal ruler Bahadur Shah Zafar.
Rana Safvi has translated the extracts from the four books originally written in Urdu language depicting the grandeur life of the Emperor and his family and their miserable life after Sepoy mutiny of 1857.
The translation was top notch. But selection of chapters seems to be debatable. The 1st two chapters were a tad boring to read and repetitive. The last two chapters which were the collection of stories of misery of the royalty after the mutiny was actually interesting to read.
Overall, the book could be a good read for anyone who holds interest in this part of the history or doing research on the life of Mughal royals.
Read more here
https://bookworld.in/city-of-my-heart...
Time is a powerful force. When it spins, the fate changes instantly sometimes for good; sometimes for bad. It is apparent from the condition of princes and princesses of the last Mughal ruler Bahadur Shah Zafar.
Rana Safvi has translated the extracts from the four books originally written in Urdu language depicting the grandeur life of the Emperor and his family and their miserable life after Sepoy mutiny of 1857.
The translation was top notch. But selection of chapters seems to be debatable. The 1st two chapters were a tad boring to read and repetitive. The last two chapters which were the collection of stories of misery of the royalty after the mutiny was actually interesting to read.
Overall, the book could be a good read for anyone who holds interest in this part of the history or doing research on the life of Mughal royals.
Read more here
https://bookworld.in/city-of-my-heart...
December 27, 2018
* 3.5 out of 5 Stars
I'll be honest. I had a hard time reading this book. I really wanted to enjoy it but I had to push myself to keep reading it until the end. The language, the vocabulary, all of the really long descriptions and the countless notes and terms and explanations on every other page broke my flow of concentration/reading and really made it difficult to want to keep reading. And that's why it took so long to finish it, and that was after I started skimming it after about the halfway point.
I'm not sure if it's because it was a translation of four stories written originally in Urdu so it might have lost some of its charm during the translation or maybe it just wasn't what I was expecting it to be.
So here's what I realized: this book wasn't for me.
The cover art is absolutely beautiful and that's what made me check it out. The premise definitely called to me when I first heard about it - I haven't read nearly enough history books and almost none that are set in India. History used to be one of my favorite subjects in school, be it the French Revolution or the Revolt of 1857, or the Boston Tea Party, or the Mughal dynasty - I loved learning about them all. So I really wanted to give this one a go. But once I started reading it, it failed to hold my interest for longer than a couple pages at a time and while it was nice to read the various stories, there just didn't seem to be much of a point to them apart from an educational/informative one.
I think, if someone was to read this collection of translated stories with the sole purpose of learning about the day-to-day lives of people in those times, how they got along with each other etc. to maybe use it for research or lectures etc., then it would be very beneficial to them.
But for a reader like me who needs a plot, a cast of characters, some political intrigue or epic battles or even just a little excitement, this isn't it.
I would definitely recommend it to Indian History students or lecturers.
Disclaimer: I received a gorgeous copy of this book from the publisher, Hachette India, and I'm very grateful for it. But this in no way influenced my thoughts, experience or review of this book.
I'll be honest. I had a hard time reading this book. I really wanted to enjoy it but I had to push myself to keep reading it until the end. The language, the vocabulary, all of the really long descriptions and the countless notes and terms and explanations on every other page broke my flow of concentration/reading and really made it difficult to want to keep reading. And that's why it took so long to finish it, and that was after I started skimming it after about the halfway point.
I'm not sure if it's because it was a translation of four stories written originally in Urdu so it might have lost some of its charm during the translation or maybe it just wasn't what I was expecting it to be.
So here's what I realized: this book wasn't for me.
The cover art is absolutely beautiful and that's what made me check it out. The premise definitely called to me when I first heard about it - I haven't read nearly enough history books and almost none that are set in India. History used to be one of my favorite subjects in school, be it the French Revolution or the Revolt of 1857, or the Boston Tea Party, or the Mughal dynasty - I loved learning about them all. So I really wanted to give this one a go. But once I started reading it, it failed to hold my interest for longer than a couple pages at a time and while it was nice to read the various stories, there just didn't seem to be much of a point to them apart from an educational/informative one.
I think, if someone was to read this collection of translated stories with the sole purpose of learning about the day-to-day lives of people in those times, how they got along with each other etc. to maybe use it for research or lectures etc., then it would be very beneficial to them.
But for a reader like me who needs a plot, a cast of characters, some political intrigue or epic battles or even just a little excitement, this isn't it.
I would definitely recommend it to Indian History students or lecturers.
Disclaimer: I received a gorgeous copy of this book from the publisher, Hachette India, and I'm very grateful for it. But this in no way influenced my thoughts, experience or review of this book.
December 9, 2018
3.5/5
City of My Heart: Accounts of Love, Loss and Betrayal in Nineteenth - Century Delhi.
The book comprises of four historic stories which are selected and translated by Rana Safvi. The selected literature are quite unique and rare, namely -
1. Dilli ka Aakhiri Deedar
(The Last Glimpse of Delhi)
2. Bazm-e-Aakhir
(The Last Assembly)
3. Qila-e-Mu'alla ki Jhalkiya'n
(Glimpses of Exalted Fort)
4. Begamat ke Aansu
(Tears of the Begums)
• This is a very important book as it describes a very interesting period of history back in 19th century in Delhi. The book talks about multi cultures, social life, traditions, food, festivals, politics and the fate of the Mughals after fall of their dynasty.
• I found the book to be very monotonous yet profoundly uselful. It is rich with cultural knowledge for history seekers and lovers. It is full of detail of various old customs and traditions that the emperors used to follow.
• The stories also emphasise on the relations people used to maintain irrespective of their religion. There are mentions of the good Hindi-Muslim relations and how they celebrated each others festivals with a good understandings made me feel good while reading.
• The only criticism I hold on this book is that after a while I found this book too much to read in a streach. So my take/advice is that to read this book in bits and part rather than reading it continuously for long durations in a stretch.
• This book is definitely a must read for non fiction readers and researchers. For people who are not much into non fiction books but are wanting to explore historic cultures shall pick this book.
• Rana Safvi has done a brilliant work of selecting and translation this rich and rare literary and thus making it available to a wider range of people.
City of My Heart: Accounts of Love, Loss and Betrayal in Nineteenth - Century Delhi.
The book comprises of four historic stories which are selected and translated by Rana Safvi. The selected literature are quite unique and rare, namely -
1. Dilli ka Aakhiri Deedar
(The Last Glimpse of Delhi)
2. Bazm-e-Aakhir
(The Last Assembly)
3. Qila-e-Mu'alla ki Jhalkiya'n
(Glimpses of Exalted Fort)
4. Begamat ke Aansu
(Tears of the Begums)
• This is a very important book as it describes a very interesting period of history back in 19th century in Delhi. The book talks about multi cultures, social life, traditions, food, festivals, politics and the fate of the Mughals after fall of their dynasty.
• I found the book to be very monotonous yet profoundly uselful. It is rich with cultural knowledge for history seekers and lovers. It is full of detail of various old customs and traditions that the emperors used to follow.
• The stories also emphasise on the relations people used to maintain irrespective of their religion. There are mentions of the good Hindi-Muslim relations and how they celebrated each others festivals with a good understandings made me feel good while reading.
• The only criticism I hold on this book is that after a while I found this book too much to read in a streach. So my take/advice is that to read this book in bits and part rather than reading it continuously for long durations in a stretch.
• This book is definitely a must read for non fiction readers and researchers. For people who are not much into non fiction books but are wanting to explore historic cultures shall pick this book.
• Rana Safvi has done a brilliant work of selecting and translation this rich and rare literary and thus making it available to a wider range of people.
December 23, 2018
City of my Heart is a chronicle, a romance, and history all mixed in one. It is a scenery of a time rich in cultural and intellectual activity in Dilli as it was then known, the multifaceted aspects of the Mughals and their reign that made it a paradigm, and it is a nostalgic read- almost as if one’s relatives had lived and loved in those times, as if this illusion is just within one’s grasp in a few years in the past and not in the actual centuries that separate them and us.
City of my Heart has a beautiful cover, and it catches the reader’s eye at the very instance they fall on it. Had I not been given a review copy, I am sure that I would have picked up the book just for the sake of the cover, without having even read the synopsis. But this book is one of those rare ones, for which the covers and the content go hand in hand.
While the stories are wonderful, as a non-Urdu learner I cannot possibly waive aside the diligent work of the translator, without the presence of whom I would have still been believing Dilli of that time to be a mere decadent one.
As I so vividly found out, the first half of the nineteenth century has been very much misunderstood, and this book truly sets that to right. No words I utter today can possibly pierce the pregnant thoughts I harbor for it – full of calm yet sorrow, awe and some strange, perhaps misplaced (or not), sense of nostalgia. It is a masterpiece, and apart from the actual academic importance it has got, this is a must read for those wishing to know more about our country’s past, from the works of actual people of those times, and translated by a master storyteller into a language that is easy to understand, and a portrayal of a world just as easy to slip into.
I quite enjoyed this book and I rate it a 4/5 stars.
City of my Heart has a beautiful cover, and it catches the reader’s eye at the very instance they fall on it. Had I not been given a review copy, I am sure that I would have picked up the book just for the sake of the cover, without having even read the synopsis. But this book is one of those rare ones, for which the covers and the content go hand in hand.
While the stories are wonderful, as a non-Urdu learner I cannot possibly waive aside the diligent work of the translator, without the presence of whom I would have still been believing Dilli of that time to be a mere decadent one.
As I so vividly found out, the first half of the nineteenth century has been very much misunderstood, and this book truly sets that to right. No words I utter today can possibly pierce the pregnant thoughts I harbor for it – full of calm yet sorrow, awe and some strange, perhaps misplaced (or not), sense of nostalgia. It is a masterpiece, and apart from the actual academic importance it has got, this is a must read for those wishing to know more about our country’s past, from the works of actual people of those times, and translated by a master storyteller into a language that is easy to understand, and a portrayal of a world just as easy to slip into.
I quite enjoyed this book and I rate it a 4/5 stars.
June 10, 2020
"City of my Heart"
Translated by "Rana Safvi"
...
The book consists of 4 chapters.
•Dilli ka Aakhri Deedar (The Last glimpse of Delhi)
•Bazm-e-Aakhir ( The Last Assembly)
•Qila-e-Mu'alla ki Jhalkiya'n (Glimpse of the Exalted Fort)
•Begamat ke Aansu( Tears of the Begums)
...
``` Dilli ka Aakhri Deedar was published in 1934. It was written by Syed Wazir Hasan Dehlvi.
In this chapter the Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, communal harmony,the colorful festivals and the relationship between the Qila habitants and the general public is written.
Although the chapter is really good but at times it's repetitive and that's what makes it little slow. I may be wrong. 🙂
``` Bazm-e-Aakhir was published in 1885. It was written by Munshi Faizuddin. This was the first book which was written on Delhi after the dissolution of Mughal empire. The most interesting part for me & it is also mentioned in the book is 'Menu' for the emperor. Different kinds of foods used to served to the emperor. ..
```Qila-e-Mu'alla ki Jhalkiya'n was published in 1937 when 'Arsh Taimuri' the writer was only 16 years old. Name: Mirza Ahmad Salim (Arsh Taimuri). The events which were covered in this book are based on hearsay.
This chapter covers all the events which used to happened inside of the Qila before the fall. ```Begamat ke Aansu was published in 1922. It was written by Khawaja Hasan Nizami.
This chapter is really interesting as it shows that how royal kings, prince, Princess used to live after the Mutiny 1857, this particular chapter is really engaging.
Translated by "Rana Safvi"
...
The book consists of 4 chapters.
•Dilli ka Aakhri Deedar (The Last glimpse of Delhi)
•Bazm-e-Aakhir ( The Last Assembly)
•Qila-e-Mu'alla ki Jhalkiya'n (Glimpse of the Exalted Fort)
•Begamat ke Aansu( Tears of the Begums)
...
``` Dilli ka Aakhri Deedar was published in 1934. It was written by Syed Wazir Hasan Dehlvi.
In this chapter the Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, communal harmony,the colorful festivals and the relationship between the Qila habitants and the general public is written.
Although the chapter is really good but at times it's repetitive and that's what makes it little slow. I may be wrong. 🙂
``` Bazm-e-Aakhir was published in 1885. It was written by Munshi Faizuddin. This was the first book which was written on Delhi after the dissolution of Mughal empire. The most interesting part for me & it is also mentioned in the book is 'Menu' for the emperor. Different kinds of foods used to served to the emperor. ..
```Qila-e-Mu'alla ki Jhalkiya'n was published in 1937 when 'Arsh Taimuri' the writer was only 16 years old. Name: Mirza Ahmad Salim (Arsh Taimuri). The events which were covered in this book are based on hearsay.
This chapter covers all the events which used to happened inside of the Qila before the fall. ```Begamat ke Aansu was published in 1922. It was written by Khawaja Hasan Nizami.
This chapter is really interesting as it shows that how royal kings, prince, Princess used to live after the Mutiny 1857, this particular chapter is really engaging.
May 15, 2021
This book is a nuanced translation of four Urdu narratives spanning the period of turmoil that led to the Revolt of 1857 and culminated in the fall of the Mughal Empire. These compelling 4 narratives listed below reveals the tragic and affecting story of the Mughal royalty in decline.
दिल्ली का आखिरी दीदार - सैयद वजीर अहमद देहलवी
बज्म-ऐ -आखिर - मुंशी फैजुद्दीन
किला-ऐ-मुअल्ला की झलकियां - मिर्जा अहमद सलीम 'अर्श' तैमूरी
बेगमत के आंसू - ख्वाजा हसन निजामी
The first three describe the royal splendour of Lal Qila in its golden days. The last one describes the tales of suffering, the perfidy of the British and the plight of the last Royals as they are disbanded and pushed into dire poverty.
Vividly documenting the twilight years of not just a historical era but also an entire way of life, these first hand accounts - gleaned from princes and paupers alike - provide rare insights into how the royals and their subjects experienced life on either side of the cataclysm. The nostalgic reminiscences recreate the days of past glory and communal comity - of feasting and festivals, and shared faith and devotion. There are detailed accounts of palace life, the pirs and fakirs, the food and the festivals like various उर्स, फूलवालों की सैर in Mehrauli, etc that make this book a nice read.
These ably translated Urdu texts make these original works accessible to a wider audience and lend a fresh perspective on the last days of the glorious Mughal Empire.
दिल्ली का आखिरी दीदार - सैयद वजीर अहमद देहलवी
बज्म-ऐ -आखिर - मुंशी फैजुद्दीन
किला-ऐ-मुअल्ला की झलकियां - मिर्जा अहमद सलीम 'अर्श' तैमूरी
बेगमत के आंसू - ख्वाजा हसन निजामी
The first three describe the royal splendour of Lal Qila in its golden days. The last one describes the tales of suffering, the perfidy of the British and the plight of the last Royals as they are disbanded and pushed into dire poverty.
Vividly documenting the twilight years of not just a historical era but also an entire way of life, these first hand accounts - gleaned from princes and paupers alike - provide rare insights into how the royals and their subjects experienced life on either side of the cataclysm. The nostalgic reminiscences recreate the days of past glory and communal comity - of feasting and festivals, and shared faith and devotion. There are detailed accounts of palace life, the pirs and fakirs, the food and the festivals like various उर्स, फूलवालों की सैर in Mehrauli, etc that make this book a nice read.
These ably translated Urdu texts make these original works accessible to a wider audience and lend a fresh perspective on the last days of the glorious Mughal Empire.
January 11, 2020
City of my Hearts
By - Rana Safvi
Language - English
Book length - 288 pages
Publisher - Hachette India
Publication date - 22 Oct 2018
Dimensions - 19.4x13.6x1.2 cm
Delhi's notable historian Rana Safvi has translated works of urdu writers of mid 19th century of the Mughal Era. The book gives us an detailed insight to the city life of Delhi (then Shahajahanabad) , politics inside Redfort, morning habits of the Mughal Emperor , imperial customs and traditions, British interventions etc. It takes us to an era where the Badshah was still called a Badshah though his rule limited till the gates of Redfort. Delhi under BahadurShah Zafar's rule was epic example of Hindu-Muslim brotherhood and friendship . Festivals such as Dussehra , Diwali, Nauroz, Id were celebrated with great pomp. In the beginning the book may appear too descriptive or informative but later it is captivating and interesting . The last chapter 'Begamat ke Aansu' we find the tragic end of the Mughal family post 1857 revolt . This is a book which non fiction lovers will devour because there is so much to learn and know.
Reader Rating 3.5/5
For Get the facts History
IG @getthefactshistory
By - Rana Safvi
Language - English
Book length - 288 pages
Publisher - Hachette India
Publication date - 22 Oct 2018
Dimensions - 19.4x13.6x1.2 cm
Delhi's notable historian Rana Safvi has translated works of urdu writers of mid 19th century of the Mughal Era. The book gives us an detailed insight to the city life of Delhi (then Shahajahanabad) , politics inside Redfort, morning habits of the Mughal Emperor , imperial customs and traditions, British interventions etc. It takes us to an era where the Badshah was still called a Badshah though his rule limited till the gates of Redfort. Delhi under BahadurShah Zafar's rule was epic example of Hindu-Muslim brotherhood and friendship . Festivals such as Dussehra , Diwali, Nauroz, Id were celebrated with great pomp. In the beginning the book may appear too descriptive or informative but later it is captivating and interesting . The last chapter 'Begamat ke Aansu' we find the tragic end of the Mughal family post 1857 revolt . This is a book which non fiction lovers will devour because there is so much to learn and know.
Reader Rating 3.5/5
For Get the facts History
IG @getthefactshistory
July 16, 2019
Dilli(Delhi) is known as the heart of India and was the capital of Mughal Empire. In the midst of the 1857, destiny of india was changed after the overnight downfall of the Mughal dynasty when last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar got captured and exiled to Rangoon. This book describes the twilight events that took place at the time of the British envasion in India. It’s translated into four urdu texts each describing the legit history of life style and downfall of last Mughal ruler. It is captivating and beautifully penned down. This is my first book about rise, shine, glory and loss of Mughal family. I am deeply moved by two of the best quotes of the book:
1. Everything that happens in this world, whether the passing of the time, the mercies shown to you, or the troubles that oppress you, are all transient. They are all a warning sent to us by Almighty.
2. How can one complain about the turning of the wheel of fortune? (Alas! Once the rulers of the state turned into the beggars of that street.)
1. Everything that happens in this world, whether the passing of the time, the mercies shown to you, or the troubles that oppress you, are all transient. They are all a warning sent to us by Almighty.
2. How can one complain about the turning of the wheel of fortune? (Alas! Once the rulers of the state turned into the beggars of that street.)
March 12, 2019
This book is a real gem for Indian History lovers. When the precious history of our 'Dilli' was just limited to the vernacular formats, this effort by Rana Safvi holds immense importance in the unfolding of Indian History and can be considered as an important step in the History Studies.
With intricate and rich use of words, the translations honestly take you back to the nineteenth century Delhi, and you start visualising all the events in front of your eyes. Everything is to the point and apt.
The map given is an icing on the cake for the book and for a history enthusiasts like me it's ' Masha Allah'!
A very important message of communal harmony seems to be announced as you finish each chapter.
Overall, it is a 5 🌟 read for a history lover like me!
With intricate and rich use of words, the translations honestly take you back to the nineteenth century Delhi, and you start visualising all the events in front of your eyes. Everything is to the point and apt.
The map given is an icing on the cake for the book and for a history enthusiasts like me it's ' Masha Allah'!
A very important message of communal harmony seems to be announced as you finish each chapter.
Overall, it is a 5 🌟 read for a history lover like me!
December 3, 2019
This translation of 4 books gives insights into Delhi before and after the revolution. A read that takes us through the lives of the members of the Timurid dynasty, the princes and princesses, some of whom were very closely related to the emperor himself, who had the entire world under their feet and suddenly were left with nothing but to roam around as mendicants in the city once they ruled. This translation sheds light on the plight of men and women more importantly to the city of Delhi after 1857 which is not dealt with our history textbook, which ends with British capturing the city and exiling of the Emperor of India, Bahadur Shah Zafar II.
December 6, 2023
Didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. The book was really slow and boring at times- the translation felt too contrived and too many footnotes (I can do without 8/page) messing with the flow. At times it felt like a list - list of food items prepared, list of ceremonies and rituals and most of all it could not convey the wistfulness and nostalgia the book was supposed to bring for the Delhi bygone.
December 29, 2020
The first part of the book describes the life of Bahadur Shah Zafar and his family - his way of life, food choices, festivities, ceremonies, dressing preference, etc specific to that era.
The second part of book are excerpts froms varoius sources describing of the plight of most Royals after The Mutiny of 1857. These stories have been recorded by offspring of either eye witnesses or friends narrating the plight.
There is a palpable gloom in the narration nearing the end of the book.
The second part of book are excerpts froms varoius sources describing of the plight of most Royals after The Mutiny of 1857. These stories have been recorded by offspring of either eye witnesses or friends narrating the plight.
There is a palpable gloom in the narration nearing the end of the book.
September 11, 2021
A beautiful portrayal of daily events in Delhi during it's Mughal rule decline. A bittersweet story based on various 1st and 2nd hand account collectively displayed by Rana Safvi.
What this misses in concrete account, it makes up with the visual aspect of narration that I personally love in Safvi's work.
Definitely for those who love Delhi.
What this misses in concrete account, it makes up with the visual aspect of narration that I personally love in Safvi's work.
Definitely for those who love Delhi.
May 30, 2019
A book that takes you back to the last days of the Mughal Empire. Four second person accounts of what life was like in the days before 1857, and after the Emperor was jailed and his descendants reduced to penury. The height of Ganga-Jamuni tehzib, something we can aspire to even today.
January 8, 2022
- Detailed description of Delhi during the Mughal era. Everything seems idyllic… but seems to be limited to the Badshah and his courtesan. What of the common person?
- What a downfall…. Literally from kings to paupers.
- What a downfall…. Literally from kings to paupers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews