
INTRODUCTION
I. THE MAID OF JHALNAGOR - TOLD BY THE RAJPUT CHIEF
II. THE HOLLOW COLUMN - TOLD BY THE TAX-COLLECTOR
III. WHAT THE STARS ORDAINED - TOLD BY THE ASTROLOGER
IV. THE SPIRIT WAIL - TOLD BY THE MERCHANT
V. THE BLUE DIAMONDS - TOLD BY THE FAKIR
VI. THE TIGER OF THE PATHANS - TOLD BY THE AFGHAN GENERAL
VII. HER MOTHER LOVE - TOLD BY THE PHYSICIAN
VIII. THE SACRED PICKAXE - TOLD BY THE MAGISTRATE
THE END.
On a moonlit summer night in 1580, a motley gathering of travelers and locals finds refuge on the veranda of a caravanserai just outside the great city of Fathpur‑Sikri. A Rajput chief, an Afghan general, a physician, an astrologer, a Hindu tax‑collector, a Bombay merchant, and a wandering fakir sit together, each representing a different strand of the empire’s rich tapestry. When the chief is asked to share a memory, his tale sparks a chain of stories, and soon every voice contributes a legend that reflects the customs, humor, and wisdom of their worlds.
These interwoven narratives offer a vivid portrait of Emperor Akbar’s reign—a time of architectural splendor, religious curiosity, and a court that welcomes voices from every corner of the realm. Listeners are drawn into the bustling marketplace of ideas, where tales serve as vessels for philosophy, compassion, and the timeless human desire to be understood. The collection invites you to wander through the fragrant night air, hear the rustle of silks, and taste the flavors of a period when stories were the bridge between diverse peoples.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (267K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by R. Cedron, Joseph R. Hauser and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
Aug 10, 2006
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1861–1917
An Australian-born journalist and popular novelist, he wrote adventure and historical fiction with a strong feel for late-Victorian storytelling. His books include The Temple of Death and Plotters of Paris, both marked by suspense, travel, and intrigue.
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