Muraqqa-e-Dehli: The Mughal Capital in Muhammad Shah’s Time is a remarkable and detailed account of Delhi during the early 18th century, authored by Dargah Quli Khan and translated into English with introduction and notes by Chander Shekhar and Shama Mitra Chenoy (Deputy Publication, 1989). Written originally in Persian and later translated, the book offers a vivid, first-hand glimpse of the city’s social, cultural, and political life during the reign of Muhammad Shah (1719–1748), a period often seen as the twilight of Mughal grandeur.Dargah Quli Khan, a young nobleman and protégé of Nizam-ul-Mulk, was appointed as the Superintendent of Newsrunners (Daroga-e-Harkara), which allowed him access to a vast intelligence network and the city’s elite circles. His observations, compiled as Muraqqa-e-Dehli, are among the most valuable contemporary records of Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi), capturing the city’s vibrant urban culture, its people, and the complex interplay between royalty, nobility, religious figures, artists, and commoners.

Muraqqa-e-Dehli stands out as an invaluable contemporary account of late Mughal Delhi, offering insights not just into the city’s physical layout and institutions but also into its lived experiences and cultural ethos. Unlike conventional histories that focus on political events or administrative structures, the book weaves together the personal, the artistic, and the everyday, providing a multidimensional portrait of the Mughal capital at a critical juncture in its history.The book’s significance is heightened by its innovative use of sources, including bazaar gossip, folklore, and popular perception, alongside official documents and court chronicles. This approach allows for a richer, more nuanced understanding of the period, bridging the gap between the inner world of the dynasty and the broader currents of urban life.

1. Urban Life and Social StructureThe book meticulously documents the diverse social fabric of Delhi, from royalty and nobility to Sufi saints, poets, artists, bazaar folk, singers, dancers, and commoners.Dargah Quli Khan’s perspective is that of an elite, focusing on the city’s sophisticated pleasures, religious sites, and centers of consumption and recreation—shrines, markets, gardens, and performance spaces.2. Cultural and Artistic FlourishingThe text devotes considerable attention to the city’s cultural life, praising dancers, singers, courtesans, and performers, with the highest honor being to entertain the emperor himself.The book highlights the Mughal court’s patronage of the arts, music, and poetry, reflecting a society where artistic achievement was closely tied to social prestige.3. Religious Plurality and PilgrimageImportant shrines and religious sites such as Qadam Sharif, Nizam-ud-Din Auliya, and the central mosque are described as bustling centers of devotion and social activity, attracting both nobles and commoners.The blending of religiosity with commerce and entertainment at these sites illustrates the syncretic and inclusive nature of Delhi’s urban culture.4. The Mughal Elite’s WorldviewThe narrative presents Delhi as seen through the eyes of the Mughal elite, with the Red Fort and the mosque as central markers of imperial presence and authority.The book is less concerned with the administrative or plebeian aspects of city life, instead centering on elite social practices, connoisseurship, and the pursuit of refined pleasures.5. The Shadow of DeclineAlthough written after the catastrophic invasion of Nadir Shah in 1739, the book only peripherally mentions the devastation, focusing instead on the enduring pleasures and sophistication of Delhi’s elite society.This selective memory reflects both the resilience of elite culture and a deliberate distancing from the city’s political and social turmoil.

Muraqqa-e-Dehli is a testament to the cosmopolitanism and sophistication of Mughal Delhi. The book’s detailed descriptions of festivals, religious gatherings, artistic performances, and the everyday interactions of people from different walks of life reveal a city that was a melting pot of cultures, religions, and artistic traditions.The emphasis on the arts—music, poetry, dance, and painting—underscores the centrality of cultural patronage in Mughal society. The book also highlights the role of women, especially courtesans and performers, as important cultural agents, challenging conventional narratives that marginalize their contributions.By documenting the city’s religious sites and popular rituals, the book captures the pluralistic spirit of Delhi, where devotion, commerce, and entertainment coexisted in shared urban spaces.

While Muraqqa-e-Dehli is a historical account, its impact has been profound in shaping modern understandings of Mughal Delhi and its legacy. The book has inspired historians, writers, and artists to reimagine the city’s past, moving beyond narratives of decline and destruction to recover its vibrancy and resilience.The work has contributed to a renewed appreciation of Delhi’s architectural and cultural heritage, informing conservation efforts and public memory. Its nuanced portrayal of social and cultural life has also influenced scholarship on urban history, gender, and the arts in South Asia.By foregrounding the voices and experiences of artists, performers, and commoners, the book has helped democratize historical narratives, challenging elitist and colonial representations of Mughal society.

Muraqqa-e-Dehli: The Mughal Capital in Muhammad Shah’s Time is a masterful and evocative portrait of Delhi at the height of its Mughal splendor, just before the empire’s decline. Through the eyes of Dargah Quli Khan, the city emerges as a dynamic and cosmopolitan center, where power, piety, pleasure, and artistry intersected in complex ways.The book’s enduring value lies in its ability to capture the textures of everyday life, the aspirations of its people, and the city’s unique blend of tradition and innovation. Its cultural significance extends far beyond its historical moment, offering timeless insights into the making of urban identities and the resilience of cultural memory.In sum, Muraqqa-e-Dehli is not only a key source for understanding Mughal Delhi but also a celebration of the city’s spirit—a spirit that has survived conquest, destruction, and change, continuing to inspire generations.