Lashkar: The Story of Secunderabad

It was an evening well spent in listening to Narendra Luther who can rightly claim his expertise on the history of Hyderabad and now, Secunderabad. The Samantik hall of Secunderabad was filled to the brim, in a smattering of Kanjeevarams and blazers, shawls and silvery hair. The occasion was the release of Mr Luther’s new book Lashkar: The Story of Secunderabad. Unlike his earlier books, this time it was the story of the other city on the northern side.A book on the Secunderabad's tryst with history.

Published by Prshant Lahoti of Kalakriti, the coffee table book on the history of the British Cantonment turned bustling metropolis of Secunderabad was perhaps long overdue.  And Narendra Luther had many reasons why he wrote the book, one being prodded by Jayesh Ranjan to write a book on Secunderabad in three months. It in fact took a couple of years.  Mr Luther shared some tidbits from his book and they showed up what was in the inkling.

He first traced the foundations of the tented city named after Sikander Jah which came about due to Nizam’s acceptance of the Subsidiary Alliance with the East India Company in 1798. With that the Nizam effectively sealed his fate, politically and militarily. The twin city of Secunderabad was replica of an English town dotted with Churches, quaint Bungalows and Clubs. This was in strange contrast to its medieval chaotic twin, Hyderabad.

Mr Luther acknowledged the contribution of various communities including the Christians, Mudaliars, the Anglo Indians and the Parsis in the making of the city of Secunderabad. About the spikes in the Millitary Jail in Trimulgherry which can kill for sure, those who made it past the hangman’s noose. He even narrated the reason why Lal Bazar was called Lal Bazar, much to the delight of the audience. There was more, but then that would be like telling the story of a movie before you have seen it.

Now, if you missed the book launch, you can do the next best. Buy, the book.

More pics of the book release at: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=255007&id=527473847&l=742f434c04