An Old Haunting

One such journey into the past is undertaken by Malcolm Speirs, a retired engineer born and settled in England. In The Wasikadars of Awadh, he has put together a fascinating family history, at the same time throwing light on the traditions and lifestyle of nawabi Lucknow. The book is a lovingly researched account of the author’s ancestors, both Indian and European, many of whom were Wasikadars (pensioners) of the ruling Muslim families of Awadh, both before and after the ‘Mutiny’. So thorough and enthusiastic is Mr Speirs in his research and personal investigations (he would make a great detective) that the reader is sometimes overwhelmed by a cascade of colourful ancestors—Muslim noblemen, Armenian merchants, English and French adventurers, even slave-girls. The author tracks down every root and branch of his family tree, even the great-great-grandfather who, after a lifetime spent with his Indian-Christian mistress (who bore him eight children) finally married her on his death-bed.

THE WASIKADARS OF AWADH
by Malcolm Speirs
Rupa
Pages: 340; Rs 495

Speirs does not flinch from finding skeletons in the family cupboard. He is not a fluent or natural writer; his style—if you can call it that—is awkward and laboured. But he is honest in his approach, and sincere in his intentions. The photographs are also appealing. A book for both the scholar and the general reader.Another interesting publication which illustrates (quite literally) the same subject, is Dileep Prakash’s album of photographs, The Anglo-Indians, a selection from the thousands of portraits he made on a journey across India from Kalimpong in the North to Chennai in the South, thereby establishing that the Anglo-Indian community is truly all-Indian. The pictures carry no captions, but each one tells a story—stories of pride, humility, hard times, good times. Only one picture strikes a jarring note, the photograph of trophies at the Skinner residence, which seems rather contrived.

An elegant and upbeat essay by Allan Sealy adds to the charm and dignity of the book and its people.