000			01900nam a22001817a 4500
999			_c344758 _d344758
003			0
005			20210707170752.0
020			_a9788193107492
082			_a954 _bAIJ
100			_aAijazuddin, Fakir S.
245			_aResourceful fakirs : three Muslim brothers at the Sikh court of Lahore
260			_aNew Delhi _bVariety Book Depot _c2014
300			_a467
520			_aBetween 1801 and 1839, under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Punjab was welded for the first and only time in its tumultuous history into a unified kingdom. For a brief and glorious period, it was one of the most progressive and powerful empires in the world. The Resourceful Fakirs traces the history of this colourful period in an original and intriguing way—through the careers of three Muslim brothers who were courtiers at the Sikh Darbar of Lahore. FakirAzizuddin, the eldest, served as the Maharajas indispensable spokesman and trusted negotiator in all the dealings Ranjit Singh had with the neighbours surrounding his kingdom, including the increasingly powerful British. It was a tribute toAzizuddins skill that throughout the 30 years of their association, he enjoyed the complete confidence of the canny Maharaja. Fakir Imamuddin, the second brother, held the keys to Govindgarh Fort (nearAmritsar) where the fabled Sikh treasury and armoury were located.The youngest, Fakir Nuruddin, occupied a position of prominence at the court and, after Ranjit Singhs death, acted as a member of the Regency Council during the minority of the young Maharaja Duleep Singh.Through the stories of these brothers emerges a remarkable portrait of the Sikh Empire at its zenith, before its spectacular fall. With rare portraits, maps and period photographs enhancing the text, this is fascinating and thoroughly researched history told in compelling prose.
650			_aHistory
700			_aDalrymple, William (fwd.)
942			_cB