Now you can read all about Hyderabad in Hindi. There are no dearth of books on the historic city in English and Urdu but there are not many in Hindi, certainly not as comprehensive as this one. ‘Dastan-e-Hyderabad’, which is going to hit the stands shortly, is a collector’s tome. The three-volume book is packed with not just the well-known matters but also some little-known things.
Anand Raj Verma, who calls himself a passionate Hyderabadi, has taken pains to portray the history of this great city in a different way. He has relied a lot on oral history to record things which are hitherto unknown. For this he has spoken at length with family members of the nobility to get stories which are only part of family lore. That’s what makes ‘Dastan-e-Hyderabad’ more appealing and readable.
Interesting read
For instance do you know that Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, popularly known as Salarjung III, had a dalliance with a Hindu lady. The dalliance, however, didn’t end in marriage since there was opposition from his family members. Mr. Verma sums up this affair with a lovely couplet:
Zidon ne tarke taluq to kar diya laikin
Sukoon oose bhi nahin, beqarar main bhi hoon
Dil a kehta hai ke saara qusoor uska hai
Aur zameer kehta hai kutch zimmedar main bhi hoon
The book studded with poetry makes an interesting read. The first volume is all about the Qutb Shahi era, the second deals with the Asaf Jahi rule and the third titled ‘Anjuman’ recounts details about the families which played an important role during the Asaf Jahi dynasty. Not just the history, the book tries to capture the social milieu, the cultural, archaeological and literary scene of the times.
Popular tales
Mr. Verma writes about the generous donations made for public causes by the last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, his tactful handling of disputes arising between Hindus and Muslims and the land row between Sikhs and Muslims at Nanded Gurudwara to show his charitable and just nature.
“I have tried to present the historic as also the popular folklore connected with events,” says Mr. Verma whose earlier book on Hyderabad localities in Hindi created a stir.
I have tried to present the historic as also the popular folklore connected with events
Anand Raj Verma
author
