The Mirror of Beauty

It is the sunset of the Mughal Empire. The splendour of imperial Delhi flares one last time. The young daughter of a craftsman in the city elopes with an officer of the East India Company. And so we are drawn into the story of Wazir Khanam: a dazzlingly beautiful and fiercely independent woman who takes a series of lovers including a Navab and a Mughal prince—and whom history remembers as the mother of the famous poet Dagh. But it is not just one life that this novel sets out to capture: it paints in rapturous detail an entire civilization.Beginning with the story of an enigmatic and gifted painter in a village near Kishangarh The Mirror of Beauty embarks on an epic journey that sweeps through the death-giving deserts of Rajputana the verdant valley of Kashmir and the glorious cosmopolis of Delhi the craft of miniature painting and the art of carpet designing scintillating musical performances and recurring paintings of mysterious alluring women. Its scope breathtaking its language beguiling and its style sumptuous this is a work of profound beauty depth and power. SHAMSUR RAHMAN FARUQI in partnership with Penguin Random House India Pvt Ltd has contributed to the creation of this title. The publisher specializes in producing high-quality content tailored to the needs of industry professionals and enthusiasts. Their focus on excellence ensures that each publication offers valuable insights and in-depth knowledge making it an indispensable resource for readers seeking to enhance their expertise and understanding of the industry. This collaboration enriches the literary market providing readers with well-researched and expertly crafted works that advance their professional and personal development.