The Last Mughal

by: William Dalrymple

Published by: Vintage

Reviewed by Muhammed Hassanali

Bahadur Shah II (a.k.a. Zafar) was the last of the Indian Mughal emperors and is not given much attention in history texts. The Last Mughal brings to life the richness and artistry along with political intrigue and daily court life during Zafar’s rein. As author Dalrymple has used a variety of both British as well as Indian sources, his accounts provide a rich and detailed narrative of events and daily life in Delhi a century and half ago.

The theme around which Dalrymple weaves his narrative is a contemporary one: intolerance for the “other.” As Christian evangelical activity increases in India, many of them believe that Britain has been given this empire to convert Hindus and Muslims to the “true faith.” On the other side, religious attitudes are also hardening as the Muslims turn towards a more radical form of Islam. In May 1857, Indian sepoys (soldiers) serving in the British army mutinied (primarily out of fear that the British were out to corrupt Islam and Hinduism), and they coerce Zafar to be their leader. Zafar reluctantly agrees. After a bitter siege, the British capture Delhi. Civilians, guilty and innocent, friend and foe, are shot, stabbed and hung while homes are systematically looted. The weak (elderly, women and children) are driven out of the city to die of exposure, disease and starvation. Zafar is exiled to Burma where he dies and is buried in an unmarked grave (so his grave and remains can never be found).

However, in the mists of such horrifying atrocities, there are moments of humanity. Throughout the siege, Zafar refuses to alienate the Hindus by giving in to the demands of the extremist Muslims. He also refuses to take the life of the British who were given sanctuary at his court. Muslims gave shelter to British families as British Punjabi Muslim regiments fought against fellow Muslims in the line of duty.

The reader experiences all of this through Zafar and his court. While the events are historical, Dalrymple’s writing style is fluid and easy to read – making this work read more like a novel than a history book.

Armchair Interview says: A fresh perspective on Zafar and the Indian Mutiny of 1857.

Author’s Web site: http://www.WilliamDalrymple.uk.com