5.0 out of 5 stars A good, satisfying read

R.C. · 19 November 2013

This is the (true) story of James Kirkpatrick, who worked in India for the British East India Company. He seems to have liked the local culture, and assimilated to it to a large extent. This was before the evangelical influence grew stronger, and banned that sort of thing. On page 152, beautiful young Khair un-Nissa enters his life. There are quite a lot of other characters who are mentioned incidentally, about whom I would lke books to be written, too. Very often, these characters took advantage of the different cultural climate in India to marry local women. Sometimes more than one!White Mugals is a work of Shakespearian breadth, interesting characters whom you get to know quite well, romance, drama, and--ultimately--tragedy. There is a sequel to this work, called The Last Mughal

5.0 out of 5 stars Allow yourself to be transported back to 18th Century India

A.J.S. · 12 March 2018

Having previously read The Last Mughal, this raised my expectations from William Dalrymple, and White Mughals certainly did not disappoint.While the book mainly focuses on the tragic romance between James Achilles Kirkpatrick and Khair Un Nissa, the former being a White Mughal (a European adapted to Indian culture) the book does provide, at least in its opening paragraph, a panorama of Europeans who "went native" and adapted to Indian ways, converting mainly to Islam, though in a few cases, Hinduism.Through the course of the book, we learn that this was not unusual in the 18th and early 19th centuries, though it became much less prevalent as the arrogance of British colonial rule increased from the mid 19th century onward, culminating in the war of 1857.While the opening chapter may be a panorama of European-Indian interactions, and the subsequent chapters a retelling of the relationship and fortunes of Kirkpatrick and Khair Un Nissa, Dalrymple is highly descriptive, and the insights (one must read the footnotes for the whole picture) coupled with Dalrymple's prose elegance, help transport the reader back to Georgian era British India, creating a sense of sentimental attachment that is rarely found in non-fiction.A problem is that the characters do seem somewhat distant to the reader, in a sense that would not be found in a fictional novel, however, this is non-fiction and relies on documentary evidence, in this case letters, of which direct citations are often used.If one approaches this expecting a Pride & Prejudice like novel, they may be disappointed, however, if one comes to this book with no pre-conceived expectations and simply allows Dalrymple to transport them back to early British India, then they will not be disappointed.In all a unique work, both a factual work of historical biography, a panorama of 18th Century India, a touching love affair, and ultimately, a plea for understanding between cultures, showing that civilizations do not always clash, rather, they merge.

4.0 out of 5 stars Very readable history

V.S. · 11 October 2007

This is a well researched book, it took Dalrymple just over 4 years and addresses a history of British India you won't find elsewhere, the integration of British and other European settlers into India and how they inter-married, converted to Islam, etcAll these things are now conveniently forgotton in the events that followed where the Victorian imperial prejudices are now thought of as having existed from the beginning. Dalrymple shows that this is not so and far more integration and mingling happened in the early years.The book itself follows the relationship of, James Kirkpatrick, the British resident in Hyderabad in detail and combines it with the background and history of other characters and events relevant to the story. I found the style worked well but could sometimes be too much of a tangent to the main story especially if you're already familiar with the history.I'd recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Indian history or the life of officers of the Honourable East India Company.

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and delicately written

S.l.t.f.3.s.s.F.n.r.g.a.c.r.e.v.t.t.r.I.p.s.t.i.n.t.i.l.i.t.p.A.c.i.b.a.s.g. · 18 April 2024

Its been wonderful to be able to imagine the scenes from the book and part of a personal journey for me, great read of a largely hidden part of history. Love it

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book !

A. · 13 June 2025

Great book 📖

3.0 out of 5 stars What might have been.

S. · 20 November 2013

A wealth of research has produced this detailed account of two lives set against the doings of the East India Company. If I had been the editor I would have taken out some of the detail and insisted on larger print. The wonderful collection of illustrations deserve better quality reproduction.If only the East India Company had realized that the real treasure was the new race of Anglo-Indian peoples where would we all be today? Much better off I think. Its great to read of the love and enthusiasm of many the British and French for the best of Indian life; sad to learn of the ignorance and prejudice which wasted so many lives. We were all betrayed in the end.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great condition

C.Q. · 28 April 2025

Great story and really nice clean good condition copy.

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and entertaining but the author has a specific point of view

W.E.B. · 18 September 2013

It's fun, entertaining and superfically accurate but the author is very forgiving of his hero and heroine and their friends and aquaintances.The fact is that the Briotish in India behaved in a scandalous manner, executing people without trial and more or less stealing stuff at will.This story concerns a man in his middle thirties 'marrying' a girl of 14, something that would have raised eyebrows in the England of the day.This coupled with the author's obvious admiration for the despotic Muslim rulers of Hindu India is more than a little worrying.I know Dalrymple has been accused of a form of colonialism in his work before, and this book shows it...On the other hand it's all beautifully written and researched and well worth a read. Just beware of his views of what constitutes normal behaviour in a gentleman of the early nineteenth century...

Dull as ditchwater

k. · 7 June 2005

I bought this book mainly since I planned to visit India and Bolo.uk readers simply raved about this book consistently giving it 5 star reviews. Its not a bad book exactly. Its thoroughly researched and the author discovered an amazing little known story about the romance between the East India Company's governor in Hyderabad, James Kirkpatrick and the beautiful Indian noblewoman Khair un-Nissa. Unfortunately the author gets rather carried away with his scholarship resulting in the book running to over 500 pages of dry, overdetailed and repetitive prose. Not recommended until you have a thing for historical footnotes

A Transcending Love

A.P. · 27 September 2011

I only recently came across this book but recommend it as a most compelling and readable work of history. The combination of romance, wealth and power, the fatal flaws of British and Indian rulers and princes, and two lost children, is just amazing. Dalrymple builds the story on a foundation of wonderfully detailed and erudite research, so that you trust his characterizations and conclusions. The hero of the book, James Achilles Kirkpatrick, was a noble man in all senses of the word, and by becoming one of the mughals transcended the divisions of skin color and culture. As a resident of the British East India Company, he spoke out against the arrogant racism of Governor General Wellesley in the early years of the 19th century that would destroy everything the English needed for their own sakes to keep alive in India. Kirkpatrick's tragedy was dying young on the brink of being able to make a difference in British policy. The tragedy of his young wife continued to her ill-usage at the hands of another Englishman, Resident Henry Russell. The fate of the two Kirkpatrick children is revealed at the end of the book, and the hopefulness of the connection between a granddaughter and far-away grandmother is a lovely ending to the tale. I am going on to read more Dalrymple.

Dalrymple is the present age true White Mughal

J. · 9 July 2024

White Mughals: Love and Betrayal in Eighteenth-Century India by William Dalrymple is a captivating and meticulously researched narrative that explores the complex cultural interactions between British colonizers and Indian society during the 18th century.Historical ContextDalrymple focuses on the period when British officials and soldiers in India, known as "White Mughals," adopted Indian customs, languages, and even converted to Islam, forging intimate relationships with Indian women. This historical exploration challenges conventional narratives of British colonialism by highlighting the cultural exchange and hybrid identities that emerged in colonial India.Personal StoriesCentral to the book are the personal stories of individuals who defied social and cultural boundaries to form relationships across racial and religious divides. Dalrymple brings to life the romance between James Achilles Kirkpatrick, a British East India Company official, and Khair-un-Nissa, a Hyderabadi noblewoman, illustrating the complexities of love, loyalty, and identity in a colonial context.Cultural Exchange"White Mughals" examines how British attitudes towards Indian culture evolved during this period. Dalrymple explores the fascination with Indian art, music, and literature among British officials, as well as their integration into Indian society. This cultural exchange challenged existing hierarchies and stereotypes, offering a nuanced portrayal of colonial encounters.Societal ImpactThe book also delves into the broader social and political implications of interracial relationships in colonial India. Dalrymple discusses the tensions and conflicts that arose within both British and Indian communities, reflecting on issues of identity, power dynamics, and the legacy of colonialism. His analysis sheds light on the complexities of race, class, and gender in a multicultural society.Literary StyleDalrymple's prose is eloquent and evocative, blending historical scholarship with narrative storytelling. His vivid descriptions and detailed research bring the characters and settings to life, immersing readers in the vibrant cultural milieu of 18th-century India. The book is accessible to both academic audiences and general readers interested in history and cultural studies.White Mughals: Love and Betrayal in Eighteenth-Century India by William Dalrymple is a compelling exploration of cultural exchange, love, and identity in colonial India. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Dalrymple brings to light the complexities of interracial relationships and the evolving attitudes towards cross-cultural encounters during the 18th century. The book is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of colonialism, cultural hybridity, and the interplay of identities in a multicultural world.

White Mughals William Dalrymple

v.a. · 12 June 2018

Encore une lecture occasionnée par une excellente émission de BBC4. Ce monde fascinant de l'Inde aux prises avec la lutte entre Français et Britanniques constitue le décor. Mais c'est surtout la saga familiale qui est fascinante.

Nice but Overpriced

F.S. · 5 July 2023

Nice book on subcontinent history. Overpricing is the only drawback.