White Mughals

White Mughals: Love and Betrayal in Eighteenth-Century India by William Dalrymple is a captivating and meticulously researched narrative that explores the complex cultural interactions between British colonizers and Indian society during the 18th century.Historical ContextDalrymple focuses on the period when British officials and soldiers in India, known as "White Mughals," adopted Indian customs, languages, and even converted to Islam, forging intimate relationships with Indian women. This historical exploration challenges conventional narratives of British colonialism by highlighting the cultural exchange and hybrid identities that emerged in colonial India.Personal StoriesCentral to the book are the personal stories of individuals who defied social and cultural boundaries to form relationships across racial and religious divides. Dalrymple brings to life the romance between James Achilles Kirkpatrick, a British East India Company official, and Khair-un-Nissa, a Hyderabadi noblewoman, illustrating the complexities of love, loyalty, and identity in a colonial context.Cultural Exchange"White Mughals" examines how British attitudes towards Indian culture evolved during this period. Dalrymple explores the fascination with Indian art, music, and literature among British officials, as well as their integration into Indian society. This cultural exchange challenged existing hierarchies and stereotypes, offering a nuanced portrayal of colonial encounters.Societal ImpactThe book also delves into the broader social and political implications of interracial relationships in colonial India. Dalrymple discusses the tensions and conflicts that arose within both British and Indian communities, reflecting on issues of identity, power dynamics, and the legacy of colonialism. His analysis sheds light on the complexities of race, class, and gender in a multicultural society.Literary StyleDalrymple's prose is eloquent and evocative, blending historical scholarship with narrative storytelling. His vivid descriptions and detailed research bring the characters and settings to life, immersing readers in the vibrant cultural milieu of 18th-century India. The book is accessible to both academic audiences and general readers interested in history and cultural studies.White Mughals: Love and Betrayal in Eighteenth-Century India by William Dalrymple is a compelling exploration of cultural exchange, love, and identity in colonial India. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Dalrymple brings to light the complexities of interracial relationships and the evolving attitudes towards cross-cultural encounters during the 18th century. The book is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of colonialism, cultural hybridity, and the interplay of identities in a multicultural world.

Stories of Muslim wives of British officers is really a big eye opener. Every reader should thank this writer for bringing out the unknown facts of history.

Go for it. This book will teleport the reader in eighteenth century.

Excellent book for those who have interest in Indian history but do not have patience to read the boring academic texts. It reads like a racy novel. This is my 6th Dalrymple book and I intend to finish his entire works in a year.

The year I relocated to Hyderabad, I was trying to get a book which talks about the city's history. That is when I stumbled upon this one written by William Darlymple. This is not really a book which talks about the city's history that I was looking for, its much more than that. I absolutely loved how fun and interesting history can be when we have some like Mr. Dalrymple.This book talks about our colonial history and the culture of those days. I loved it so much that I am now on a mission to read at least majority of the books written by Mr. Dalrymple. I would really recommend this if your have an interest to know about by gone era and appreciate great research that authors such as Mr. Dalrymple put to bring history to masses.

The book is captivating and in true William Dalrymple style. Cannot put it down till read. The book brings to life the lives and as eras changed. Go for it folks and read it. Thanks William for this masterpiece.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this undiscovered unknown aspect of British period in India.

It took me a little over 2 months of dedicated reading to writing this. Nothing I say here is new or hasn't been said or written about this Gem. The first two pages are the sheer testament to its mammoth accomplishment. That being said, White Mughals is Gripping. An investigative travelogue exploring a complex and hybrid Anglo-Mughal world of 18th Century through the romance of Khair-un-Nissa with J.A Kirkpatrick. The book has been called a rich 'plum-pudding' for some reason after all. This book has the capacity to change your outlook and 'Khair' will captivate you for a good time. Dalrymple knows India as he knows Brits.

Its been wonderful to be able to imagine the scenes from the book and part of a personal journey for me, great read of a largely hidden part of history. Love it

I used the book in my English class for adults. So many things we did not know regarding the occupation of India by the British. Loved the way the author interwinds the main story of the couple with all the facts of both cultures. A must for lovers of history. IRMA DICKINSON

Encore une lecture occasionnée par une excellente émission de BBC4. Ce monde fascinant de l'Inde aux prises avec la lutte entre Français et Britanniques constitue le décor. Mais c'est surtout la saga familiale qui est fascinante.

A beautiful and tragic story of love and betrayal.The leading characters in this story found something in each other across huge cultural barriers in the late 17th and early 18th centuries in India that is rarely found I today’s modern age. If you like India, it’s history, it’s people and it’s geography this is a must read.Another well done for William Dalrymple.

Book in excellent shape. Seller described it right and it was sent in time and without any flaw in the handling of the purchase! Thank you!