The Royal Scandal

1798. Hyderabad, India.

Lieutenant Colonel James Achilles Kirkpatrick is the recently appointed British Resident. When he first meets Khair-un-Nissa, a beautiful Indian noblewoman, love inevitably blossoms.
It soon becomes clear to James and Khair that the road they have chosen is strewn with painful conflicts around his religion, her honour, their identities, and even their survival. With time, they are shunned by two severe societies, used and discarded as mere pawns in the ruthless battles of pride and honour, and ultimately exploited as a means to settle personal scores of those in power.
How much will they have to stake for the sake of love?
How far will they be compelled to go?
What is the price they pay for love?
Set amidst majestic palaces, regal forts, fragrant gardens and a paradigm shift in power among the highest thrones of command, The Royal Scandal is a love story that dared to defy, and forever changed the power dynamics in British India.
The book highlights the spirit of a young nineteen-year-old Indian noblewoman who broke through the barriers of religion for her love, and the resolve of a much older British officer who put at stake his entire career to let his love blossom. In this bittersweet story, you will get a glimpse of the politics that changed the way India grew in the era, as also the personal vendettas of people in power.
“…a marvellous work on how politics impacts the love story of a British Resident and a Hyderabadi noblewoman… meticulously-researched narrative with a simple style.”
– Dr. Aruna Pariti.
Head – Department of History, Osmania University, Hyderabad.
“This is history writing with its moistness retained. Thoroughly researched and extremely readable.”
– Dr. Shankar Kumar.
Department of History, Hindu College, Delhi University.