Last Prince of Bengal: A Family's Journey from an Indian Palace to the Australian Outback

The Nawab Nazim, born into one of India's most powerful royal families, was forced to abdicate in 1880 by the British authorities. The Last Prince of Bengal tells the story of his family's journey from royalty to relative anonymity, exposing complex prejudices regarding race, class, and gender during British rule in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 12 August 2021
Publisher: The Westbourne Press

The Nawab Nazim, born into one of India's most powerful royal families, ruled over a vast kingdom that spanned from the majestic Himalayas to the tranquil Bay of Bengal. Three times the size of Great Britain, his realm was a testament to his immense wealth and power. However, in 1880, his reign came to an abrupt end when the British authorities forced him to abdicate, viewing him as a threat to their colonial rule. This decision marked the end of an era in India and left the Nawab's secret English family abandoned and forgotten.

The Last Prince of Bengal is a captivating tale that delves into the lives of the Nawab Nazim, his wife, and their descendants. It chronicles their journey as they sought to befriend, settle in, and eventually escape Britain. From glamorous receptions with Queen Victoria to a scandalous Muslim marriage with an English chambermaid, their lives were filled with extraordinary experiences.

Through the lens of Lyn Innes, the author, the reader is taken on a journey that explores the complexities of British rule in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The book exposes deep-seated prejudices regarding race, class, and gender, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by the Nawab's family and their fellow Indians during this period.

What sets this book apart is its intimate portrayal of one family and their place in defining moments of recent Indian, British, and Australian history. The Nawab's descendants, despite their forced exile, continued to leave their mark on the world, contributing to various fields such as art, literature, and politics. Their story serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit, even in the face of adversity.

The Last Prince of Bengal is a must-read for anyone interested in India's colonial history, the complexities of race and identity, and the enduring legacy of one family. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of history to shed light on the past and shape the future.

Weight: 474g
Dimension: 163 x 244 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781908906465