3 Review(s)

Almost everyone is familiar with the story of the love affair between B?z Bah?-dur, the ruler of M?ndu, and R?p Mati. This book, originally written in Persian by Ahmad-ul-Umari, recounts this love story. It has been translated into English by L.M. Crump, who has also added notes and twenty-six poems attributed to R?p Mati.Crump begins his translation with an introduction that provides insightful information on the authenticity of the work and the characters of this legendary tale. The manuscript’s date is c. ad 1599. Not much is known about Ahmad-ul-Umari, except that he served under Sharaf-ud-Din Hussain Mirza, a military commander?in?Akbar’s?reign. Crump next establishes the historical value of the manuscript and the authenticity of the artists’ paintings that are included in this book. He also dis­cusses R?p Mati’s origin, place of birth and death, her true familial status, and which of the several verses can truly be said as to be hers. He has included those poems and songs attributed to R?p Mati, which are dohas, kabittas and sawaiyas. Once these essentials have been taken care of, Crump further pro­ceeds with the translation of the original work, which is followed by notes and a bibliography. The book is replete with photographs of paintings; he has mentio­ned the?name?of?the?artist?wherever?possible.