Madhulika Liddle
Novel revisits Agra of intrigues
Teeming tourists, Mughlai gardens, glittering bazaars, yawning Yamuna and the Taj Mahal; sights and sounds of Agra are unmistakable. But, picture Agra three-and-a-half centuries ago: Turban-clad nawabs scouting cattle markets for finest horses, Kinari Bazaar flowing with rich fabrics, luxurious havelies dotting the river and a Taj too young to care for a mud pack face-lift; This is the historic city Madhulika Liddle chooses for her latest book in the Muzaffar Jang series.
The Mughal private eye
Madhulika Liddle’s detective Muzaffar Jang may not be original as far as private eyes in historical settings go, but he is definitely a first for an aristocrat in 17th century Mughal India.
He’s young, almost too young to be a sought-after detective, is not bestowed with the snootiness which is embraced almost as a privilege by his peers. He has friends in low places, and has a persistent nose for mystery which will dig up even the most reticent and reluctant secrets.
