White Mughals

White Mughals by William Dalrymple is a captivating and heart-wrenching tale set in late 18th and early 19th century India. It chronicles the passionate love affair between James Achilles Kirkpatrick, the British Resident at the court of Hyderabad, and Khair un-Nissa, the enchanting great-niece of the Prime Minister of Hyderabad. Their romance defies the rigid cultural, religious, and political boundaries of the time, leading Kirkpatrick to convert to Islam and, according to some Indian sources, become a double agent working against the East India Company.

The narrative delves deep into the multifaceted characters and convoluted political landscape of colonial India, revealing a world wherein kirkpatrick and Khair un-Nissa's secret meetings and eventual marriage ignite a swirl of court intrigue, religious tensions, and familial disputes. It paints a vivid picture of a bygone era where 'white Mughals', Europeans who embraced Indian customs and clothing, became a source of diplomatic embarrassment and complex cultural interactions from the early sixteenth century to the eve of the Indian Mutiny.

Dalrymple’s meticulous research brings to life a host of colourful figures, including ‘Hindoo Stuart’, who travelled with his own team of Brahmins to maintain his temple of idols, and Sir David Auchterlony, who famously promenaded with all thirteen of his Indian wives, each perched on the back of their own elephant. Through these engrossing anecdotes, Dalrymple uncovers a world hitherto unexplored by history, placing at its centre a compelling narrative of seduction, betrayal, and the intricate dance of power and passion.

Rendered in rich, evocative prose, White Mughals is the product of five years’ writing and research, and triumphantly confirms William Dalrymple’s reputation as one of the finest writers and historians working today. His vivid portrayal of historical characters and settings transports the reader into the heart of colonial India, offering both an intimate love story and a sweeping cultural epic. This poignant tale is a must-read for those captivated by history, romance, and the nuanced intersections of diverse cultures.