The Wasikadars Of Awadh Is A Recreation Of The History Of A Nineteenth Century Family Of Lucknow. Extremely Well-Researched And Detailed, The Book Traces Lucknow In Transition That Has Fascinated Many. The Events Following The Siege Of Lucknow During The Revolt Of 1857 Form A Bit Of The Initial Background Of This Riveting And Intriguing Tale About A Wasikadar (Pensioner) Family Through Generations. The Link Connecting Each Of The Families Is That They All Received Wasikas As A Result Of Intermarriage With The Short Family. Mary Short Had Married Ghazi-Ud-Din Haidar, The First King Of Awadh, In 1817. She Became The First Wasikadar Of The Short Family When He Granted Her A Wasika Of Rs 2,500 A Month. Many Of The Stories Related In This Book Have Emerged From The Archives Of The Wasika Office At Hussainabad In Lucknow Sometimes Revealing Skeletons In The Cupboard From The Author S Own Family. Besides Exploring The Nawabi Lifestyle And Tradition, The Book Also Examines The Anglo-Indian Connection In Depth And Gives A Rare Glimpse Into The Life Of An Ordinary Firangi In India. It Is A Vivid Journey Into The Lives Of Men Who Matured Amongst The Heat, Humidity And Multitude Of India Getting Absorbed Into Its Diverse Fabric. Peppered With Rare Photographs, Illustrations, Family Trees And Maps, The Wasikadars Of Awadh Forms An Endearing Tale Of Human Beings Caught Between Two Disparate Worlds.