Kolkata, January 13, 2025: The third and final day of the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival witnessed a landmark as renowned historian and author Ira Mukhoty officially launched her latest book, The Lion and The Lily: The Rise and Fall of Awadh. The book is a nuanced, detailed, and richly told account of the rise and fall of Awadh in the eighteenth century against the background of the international struggle between Britain and France.
The launch was graced by the presence of eminent historian and Chief Guest Rudrangshu Mukherjee, who unveiled the book during an engaging discussion on its themes and historical insights. Addressing the significance behind the title, Ira Mukhoty remarked, “I deliberated long and hard before deciding on The Lion and The Lily. This book explores a complicated and transformative period in Indian history, marked by the rise of cosmopolitanism and the pivotal role of the French. The lily represents the French, while the lion embodies the Indian side of history, both of which intertwine in fascinating ways.”
The session then delved into the historical complexities surrounding the Nawabs of Awadh and the geopolitics of 18th-century India. Professor Mukherjee noted, “Wellesley’s actions in Awadh were driven by a larger fear of French alliances—whether with the Afghans or the Marathas—at a time when Anglo-French animosities played out globally.” When asked about the same, Mukhoty observed, “Throughout the 18th century, Anglo-French wars reverberated across the world, including India. While the French eventually lost their territorial ambitions, they strategically worked to hinder British dominance.” Professor Mukherjee further added to this context, “The British used the French presence as an excuse to attack leaders like Tipu Sultan, consolidating their own power under this guise.”
The discussion also touched upon the cultural and artistic transformations in Awadh following the British acquisition of diwani rights. Mukhoty explained how this period marked a significant evolution in painting and cartography in the region. “Awadh became a hub for realistic oil paintings and portraits influenced by European styles, alongside greater precision in cartography,” she noted. Reflecting on the generosity of Awadh’s Nawabs, she emphasized on the pivotal role of Asif ud-Daulah. “Ascending to a more stable Awadh, Asif ud-Daulah exercised kingship through remarkable acts of generosity. He invested heavily in monumental construction.”