A William Dalrymple Day

It's a William Dalrymple day.  William Dalrymple is a Scottish historian who first encountered India when he was 17.  He has been entranced ever since.
 First, I came across an article in the New York Times about a literary conference he is helping to direct in Jaipur.  Salman Rushdie, an invited participant, was notified of threats to his life and advised not to attend.  He did not attend, but some authors present read paragraphs from his work.  This is illegal in India.
Next, the three Dalrymple books I ordered last week arrived.  He is an amazing historian, with excellent narrative skills.  I read "The Last Mughal" which focused on issues surrounding the princely states as India headed toward Independence. Now I have "White Mughals", the true story of a great romance between a British resident of the court of the Nizam of Hyderabad and a direct descendant of Mohammed, a great niece of the Nizam's Prime Minister.  It took place in the late 18th century after two centuries of British rule in India and casts light on the many British colonizers who "went Native."  The other books are "City of Djinns" about the many layers and complexities of Delhi, and "Nine Lives in Search of the Sacred in Modern India".
All this Dalyrmple reading is in preparation to seeing him speak at the Asia Society next month.  I'm not a history buff, but he makes his subjects so fascinating that you can't help but want more. .

Reading and Rice

Time to soak the basmati rice for kheer, a yummy rice dish flavored with cardamom, and spiked with nuts and coconut. Tomorrow night friend Lois and I are presenting "The Space Between Us" by Thrity Umrigar at the book club of the Smithtown Presbyterian Church. It bears many similarities with "The Help" and highlights the difficult relationships between servant and employer in a culture which defines people by their caste. At the meeting we will serve the kheer as well as an Indian carrot dessert that Lois is making.

Marigold Hotel

Can't wait to see "Marigold Hotel."   I saw the trailer today at the movies and all the color and joy of India were right before me on the screen.  It looks like a great ad to help convince people that they MUST see India.  As indeed, they must.

A Great Read

"A Princess Remembers, The Memoirs of the Maharani of Jaipur" by Gayatri Devi is the fascinating story of a beautiful woman who makes her own radical life choices as a Princess of a Princely State in Pre Independence India. We follow her through incredible wealth and turbulent political times, meeting along the way the people who made Indian history in the 20th century.
 We enjoyed drinks and dinner at one of her homes, Rambagh Palace (above) and toured City Palace, the centerpiece of Jaipur.  All of the "pink city" reflects the importance the Maharajas of Jaipur placed on city planning, architecture and beauty. Even as the Maharani mourns the deterioration of her beloved city, we find glory in it's forts and palaces.