Author: Abdul Halim Shrar
Translator(s): E S Harcourt & Fakhir Hussain
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Year: 2004
Language: English
Pages: 299
ISBN/UPC (if available): 019563375X
Description
It was at the court of Lucknow, above all others, that the late Mughal civilization reached the zenith of its splendour and sophistication. Lucknow: The Last Phase of an Oriental Culture, the work of the essayist, historian and novelist Abdul Halim Sharar (1860-1926), describes the culture and way of life of the people of Lucknow during the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It is a work that has long been recognized as the most authentic and circumstantial account of its subjects.
The late Colonel E S HARCOURT served in the British Indian Army, and lived for many years in Lucknow. After his Army career he taught Urdu and Persian at Oxford University.
FAKHIR HUSSAIN, born and brought up in Lucknow, belongs to an eminent literary family whose most important members are discussed by Sharar in the present work. He holds a PhD from the University of London, and a further Doctorate from the Sorbonne.
Contents
List of Illustrations
Introduction
A Note on Abdul Halim Sharar
A Note on the First Edition
A Note on the Second Edition
Text:
Faizabad and the Early History of Avadh: Burhan ul Mulk and the predecessors of the Avadh Dynasty
The Origins and Early History of Lucknow
Burhan ul Mulk, Safdar Jang and the Foundation of the Avadh dynasty
Shuja ud Daula and Asaf ud Daula
Sadat Ali Khan and Ghazi ud Din Haidar
Nasir ud Din Haidar and Muhammad Ali Shah
Amjad Ali Shah, Wajid Ali Shah and the end of the Dynasty’s Rule –Urdu Drama
Wajid Ali Shah in Matiya Burj-the Mutiny
Mirza Birjis Qadar-Urdu Poetry
The Development of Urdu Poetry-Masnavi, Marsiya and Form of Humorous Verse
The Development of Urdu prose
Dastan Goi, The art of Story-Telling
Islamic Studies
The Development of Yunani Medicine
The Significance of the Persian Language
Scripts-Calligraphy and the Urdu Press
The Arts of Combat and Self-Defence
Animal combats-Beasts of Prey and other Quadrupeds
Bird-Fighting and Pigeon-Flying
Parrots and Kite-Flying
The Origin and Growth of North Indian Music
The Development of Light Classical and Instrumental Music
Dance and the Development of the Kathak School
Light Entertainment
Courtesans and Theatre
Soz-The Chanting of Dirges
Bands, processions and the Telling of Time
Gastronomy
Delicacies and Confectionery
More Delicacies and Confectionery
Food Refinements and Water Cooling
The Evolution of Men’s Dress
Forms of Headwear
More Headwear
Forms of Trousers (Pyjamas)
Footwear and Female Fashion
Winter Clothing, New Fashions and Jewelry
The Building of Houses
Domestic Furnishings
Hair Fashions, Etiquette and Courtesans
More on Etiquette
Social Gatherings and forms of Greeting
Everyday Speech in Urdu
Wit and Female Celebrations
Festive Celebrations
The Wedding Ceremony
The Wedding procession
Funeral Services
Forms of Religious Assembly
Betel leaf, its appurtenances and Tobacco
Preparing and Serving Betel Leaf
Utensils for Everyday use
Conveyances and Dress for Outings
Pottery
Notes
Revised Notes
Bibliography
Some Recent Publications on Lucknow
Index