Rating: 
Summary: Brilliantly researched, fascinating subject
Review: This is a fascinating look into a world that not many Americans really know about. Sure we know the romance aspects of rajahs and that sort of thing, but we tend to think more along the lines of "Anna and the King" than anything else: and that's not even the right country!In this book, Dalrymple uncovers a very human story taking place at a crossroads in the history of an Empire. Although the British and the native population lived together surprisingly well for decades, Britain decides to "clamp down" on its colonies in order to make more money. Fraternizing with the natives will no longer be acceptable. Acknowledging or celebrating other faiths will no longer be allowed. Mixed-race children will not be promoted. Yet what about the marriages and the relationships already forged? Through letters, pictures, diaries, and official reports, Dalrymple paints us a picture of an unconventional family: an Englishman marrying a high-ranking Muslim lady. How did this come about? How did it work? Was it truly a culture-clash, or was it more a meeting and cooperation of cultures? What about the children? This is a fascinating read for anyone who is interested in the history of India, or for the history of Christian/Muslim relations. It also shines a fascinating light on the role of women is traditional Muslim societies: something that is usually brushed aside or stereotyped.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliantly researched, fascinating subject
Review: This is a fascinating look into a world that not many Americans really know about. Sure we know the romance aspects of rajahs and that sort of thing, but we tend to think more along the lines of "Anna and the King" than anything else: and that's not even the right country! In this book, Dalrymple uncovers a very human story taking place at a crossroads in the history of an Empire. Although the British and the native population lived together surprisingly well for decades, Britain decides to "clamp down" on its colonies in order to make more money. Fraternizing with the natives will no longer be acceptable. Acknowledging or celebrating other faiths will no longer be allowed. Mixed-race children will not be promoted. Yet what about the marriages and the relationships already forged? Through letters, pictures, diaries, and official reports, Dalrymple paints us a picture of an unconventional family: an Englishman marrying a high-ranking Muslim lady. How did this come about? How did it work? Was it truly a culture-clash, or was it more a meeting and cooperation of cultures? What about the children? This is a fascinating read for anyone who is interested in the history of India, or for the history of Christian/Muslim relations. It also shines a fascinating light on the role of women is traditional Muslim societies: something that is usually brushed aside or stereotyped.
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