Hyderabad still remembers the reign of Mahbub Ali Pasha as a golden age in the history of their city. Mahbub, beloved of his people, who ruled Hyderabad at the turn of the present century, became a legend in his lifetime for his generosity and benevolent concern for his subjects.

Weaving together memories, stories and anecdotes, historical facts and archival source material, this book paints a loving picture of life at various levels in this elegant city, and of Mahbub Ali Pasha himself, who like a fairy – tale prince, mixed with the common people sharing the common people, sharing their joys and sorrows.