THE LAST LIGHT OF DELHI

By Dr. R Sudarshan

Mirza Farhatullah Baig wrote this book with the great finesse of imagination, over a century ago.

He imagined the year 1815. The Mughal empire was dying and in the moribund embers of an evening of that era, a grand mushaira is being held. In that symposium of poets are the immortal Mirza Ghalib and the unforgettable Bahadur Shah Zafar, Hakeem Momin Khan, Fakhru, Naisha, et al. They say the strangest truths, such as "There's greater fervor in old age than in youth, the flame burns brighter before it is put out".

Baig also paints a picture of the private lives of the last emperor and his cohort of court poets. Their homes, their manners, the way they dressed, how they wrote, and the style they spoke in.

It is often said that no poetry can paint pain the way the Urdu couplets can. And when you hear them in the twilight of an empire's demise on the floor of an amaranthine city like Delhi, you will have heard nothing like that before.

A book that's one of its sorts. Just for the hearts.

For any relevant query, message 81051 12990.

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Silverfish Books, Farmer's House, # 1A - 13th Cross, Kalidasa Road, VV Mohalla, Mysore.

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LOOKING FOR A PRINTER-DESIGNER

By Dr. R Sudarshan F armer's House on Kalidasa Road integrates organic farm activities, an organic outlet, weekly farmers' market, an organic cafe called Kutz Bowl, and a famous bookstore called Silverfish Books. We have regular work of printing labels, designing campaign material, bookmarks, stationery, packaging material, gift wraps, paper bags, cloth carry bags, and other merchandise. We wish that some upcoming designer groups or individuals provide timely and supportive services to businesses. If you fit the bill, please message on 810 511 2990 and arrange a time to meet to discuss. Farmer's House, Silverfish Books, Kutz Bowl and the Farmer's Market, # 1A, 13th Cross, Kalidasa Road, VV Mohalla, Mysore.

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