Farzana: The Tumultous Life and Times of Begum Sumru - Hardcover

by Julia Keay (Author)

Probably the first authoritative study of one of the most colourful characters in Indian history Farzana tells the rags-to-riches story of one of the most colourful characters in Indian history. In a life spanning the chaotic years between the collapse of the Mughal empire and advent of the British, this child of the streets beguiled her way to command of a private army, confidante of the emperor and ruler of the most progressive principality in northern India.

Her troops often held the balance of power. Her hospitality was the talk of the age.

And, converting to Christianity, her piety found her corresponding with the Pope and building a church that may still be the largest basilica in the country.

Author Biography

JULIA KEAY was the author of several acclaimed biographies including The Spy Who Never Was, With Passport and Parasol and Alexander the Corrector. She also wrote numerous BBC radio documentaries, including two plays, and, with her husband John Keay, co-edited two editions of the Encyclopedia of Scotland and the third edition of the London Encyclopedia. The text of Farzana was completed just before her death in 2011.