Lucknow: At times, a book arrives not merely as printed pages, but as a whisper from our shared past, carrying the fragrance of Mehfils, the cadence of poetry, and the grace of Tehzeeb that defines Lucknow. It is with heartfelt emotion that I share the publication of Wajid Ali Shah: A Cultural and Literary Legacy, translated into English by Dr. Talat Fatima. A work that reconnects us with a soul (Wajid Ali Shah) who helped shape the very temperament of not only our city Lucknow, but also the entire Awadh.
The book is built upon the pioneering scholarship of her late father, Dr. Kaukub Quder Sajjad Ali Meerza, an esteemed scholar of Urdu literary and cultural history. This masterpiece of research gently restores Nawab Wajid Ali Shah to the space he truly belongs not merely as a ruler of Awadh, but as a custodian of harmony, refinement, and shared humanity.
Wajid Ali Shah’s Lucknow was not defined by boundaries of creed or community, it blossomed through embrace, exchange, and empathy. Through poetry, music, kathak, ragas, festivals, and patronage of artists across traditions, he nurtured what we lovingly call the Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, a culture, a Sanskriti where differences enriched rather than divided. Even in his verse we sense that emotional universality —
“Babul Mora Naihar Chhooto Hi Jaaye”
A line echoing separation, belonging, and human longing beyond identities, reminding us how art becomes a bridge between hearts and communities. In his court, devotion met artistry, language met melody, and identities met without fear, where culture itself became diplomacy.
In his thoughtful address as special guest in the book release function in Kolkata, Mr. Sunil Misra founder of LCWW FB group, reflected on the Nawab’s doctrine of choosing dialogue over discord, diplomacy over conflict, a philosophy that resonates even today. This publication thus becomes not only scholarship but also a reaffirmation of values we continue to cherish as inheritors of Lucknow’s ethos.
We are especially delighted that Ms. Manzilat Fatima, the sister of Dr. Talat Fatima, and their brother, Mr. Kamran Meerza, the great-great-grandson of Wajid Ali Shah and Begum Hazrat Mahal, are valued members of the LCWW family and have enriched many of our online and offline programmes with their gracious participation. Such bonds remind us that Tehzeeb is not a relic, it lives through people, relationships, and shared remembrance.
For admirers of Lucknow’s culture and seekers of its refined legacy, the book is available through the publisher’s platform and major international e-book stores such as Amazon etc. (https://www.amazon.in/-/hi/Kaukub-Quder-Sajjad-Ali-Meerza-ebook/dp/B0GJLLMWCJ), and print editions available at all the major booksellers in India,
On behalf of Lucknow Connection Worldwide, I offer heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Talat Fatima, Ms. Manzilat Fatima, and their family. May this work travel across hearts and continents, reminding us that Tehzeeb/Sanskriti is not merely history; it is compassion, coexistence, and cultural grace lived every day.
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