The Lady of the Lotus Rup Mati Queen of Mandu: A Strange Tale of Faithfulness

Almost everyone is familiar with the story of the love affair between Baz Baha-dur, the ruler of Mandu, and Rup 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 Rup 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 Rup 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 Rup 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. About the Author Ahmad-ul-Umari was in the service of Sharaf-ud-Din Hussain Mirza, a military commander in the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar. He lived until the early years of Jahangir’s reign.