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BhopalNama
Bhopalnama captures the uniqueness, and often, the unique quirkiness, of the city of Bhopal not just in its history, but also in the everyday hubbub, in the pulsating vigour and liveliness of life. Anecdotes and events which otherwise would have remained punctuation marks, ignored and languishing in the annals of history, have been meticulously selected from the abundant historical material available.
This book is not a pedantic scholarly research on Bhopal, but is a documented manifestation of the author’s love for it. It revisits many intriguing nuggets from the bygone life history of this magical city – its shimmering waters; its gentle hills; the reverberating walled city; the enigmatic darwazas; the mysterious havelis; the megalomaniac Pindari founder, Dost Mohammed; the magnificently successful matriarchy of the Begumat in a century otherwise replete with anarchy; the opulent grand Durbars, and the time when the visiting Prince of Wales suddenly went missing. A firangi siren who jolted the amourous pulse of a sleepy Bhopal of the forties, and even a rollicking royal ménage à trois to boot, there are tales galore to tickle every palate.
There is more that reveals persons, places and things in the relatively contemporary existence of this Janus-faced city. This book is an effort to make people, particularly the younger generations, aware of the historic legacy of Bhopal, to embrace it and learn from its past failures as well as achievements, and to inculcate in them a sense of pride for their city.
ABOUT AUTHOR
Vertul Singh holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication. Commissioned in the Indian Army, he left as a Captain when he was selected for the CISF in the 1994 batch of UPSC. Vertul is currently posted in a senior position with the Government of India.
An avid reader and literary critic, Vertul’s published works include 'Ek Goona Bekhudi', a critically acclaimed novel, and many short stories published in prominent Hindi magazines. He has over 200 articles and book reviews to his credit and has written popular weekly columns for the Bangalore Mirror and the DB Post (Bhopal).
This book is not a pedantic scholarly research on Bhopal, but is a documented manifestation of the author’s love for it. It revisits many intriguing nuggets from the bygone life history of this magical city – its shimmering waters; its gentle hills; the reverberating walled city; the enigmatic darwazas; the mysterious havelis; the megalomaniac Pindari founder, Dost Mohammed; the magnificently successful matriarchy of the Begumat in a century otherwise replete with anarchy; the opulent grand Durbars, and the time when the visiting Prince of Wales suddenly went missing. A firangi siren who jolted the amourous pulse of a sleepy Bhopal of the forties, and even a rollicking royal ménage à trois to boot, there are tales galore to tickle every palate.
There is more that reveals persons, places and things in the relatively contemporary existence of this Janus-faced city. This book is an effort to make people, particularly the younger generations, aware of the historic legacy of Bhopal, to embrace it and learn from its past failures as well as achievements, and to inculcate in them a sense of pride for their city.
ABOUT AUTHOR
Vertul Singh holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication. Commissioned in the Indian Army, he left as a Captain when he was selected for the CISF in the 1994 batch of UPSC. Vertul is currently posted in a senior position with the Government of India.
An avid reader and literary critic, Vertul’s published works include 'Ek Goona Bekhudi', a critically acclaimed novel, and many short stories published in prominent Hindi magazines. He has over 200 articles and book reviews to his credit and has written popular weekly columns for the Bangalore Mirror and the DB Post (Bhopal).
358 pages, Paperback
First published January 12, 2020
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November 29, 2020
I was born and brought up in Bhopal and really liked the way the author has brought out the essence of my beloved city. His research is solid and gives adequate emphasis to the pre-nawab era. (I learnt about the Ashapuri temple complex in this book despite living in Bhopal for so many years). While I had also read about the nawab-era of Bhopal, the author manages to bring in interesting vignettes which humanize the royals. Enjoyed reading those anecdotes. The author also covers the day-to-day life of Bhopal and brings in such wonderful topics like the Lyall book depot, and the 'Bhatsuar', (public transport). I especially enjoyed about reading the history of how Bharat Bhavan was conceived.
However, I wish the author would have delved deeper in some of the topics. For example I wanted to know about the food history of Bhopal (when did the poha-jalebi take over ? what about the bhopal rezala ? Or what specific dishes were made in the royal kitchens ?) Or how did the hotels like Jehan-numa/Noor-as-Sabha come about? Some chapters ended abruptly where I had hoped he would go a little more deeper. Maps which indicate the different points of the city would have helped as well.
All-in-all, a good book and a must-read for anyone interested in our fair city. Keep it up Vertul.
However, I wish the author would have delved deeper in some of the topics. For example I wanted to know about the food history of Bhopal (when did the poha-jalebi take over ? what about the bhopal rezala ? Or what specific dishes were made in the royal kitchens ?) Or how did the hotels like Jehan-numa/Noor-as-Sabha come about? Some chapters ended abruptly where I had hoped he would go a little more deeper. Maps which indicate the different points of the city would have helped as well.
All-in-all, a good book and a must-read for anyone interested in our fair city. Keep it up Vertul.
Displaying 1 of 1 review