Posted on: 7 April 2010

The Mubarak Bagh, the house of Sir David Ochterlony - 1843.
[From 'Reminiscences of Imperial Delhi’, an album consisting of 89 folios containing approximately 130 paintings of views of the Mughal and pre-Mughal monuments of Delhi, as well as other contemporary material, with an accompanying manuscript text written by Sir Thomas Theophilus Metcalfe (1795-1853), the Governor-General’s Agent at the imperial court. Acquired with the assistance of the Heritage Lottery Fund and of the National Art-Collections Fund.]
The Mobaruck (‘happy’) Bagh (‘garden’)[The Mubarak Bagh or country house of Sir David Ochterlony (1758-1825). Built in the north of Delhi, Mubarak Bagh was named after Ochterlony's senior wife, Mubarak Begum, who inherited it after his death. ]Inscribed: naqsh-i mubarak bagh-i jirmirnil sahib.was constructed by the late Major General Sir David Ochterlony G.C.B. a most distinguished officer, and talented diplomatist. It is believed that the portion of the building surmounted by the dome was intended to form his mausoleum but as the General demised at Meeruth, about 40 miles from Dehlie, his wishes could not be given effect to.The garden is situated about 4 miles to the North of Dehlie and much frequented during the colder months of the year by parties from the Cantonments etc.From the arrival of His Excellency Lord Lake in September 1803, the tranquillity of Dehlie remained undisturbed until October 1804, when a body of infantry detached from Holcars Army proceeded with a formidable train of artillery, invested the city and on the seventh of the above month, the siege commenced.
- British Library


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is this amazing find downloadable?

Afshan : Have not been able to find this book either in print or digitized form.

i think a member of this group(Akshay ) actually read the book..i remember coz he has mentioned it in one of the posts...i am very curious to find out how and where he got the book from,coz its almost unattainable..so Akshay would you kindly plz give us the information....would be truly greatful!

It was reprinted in 1980s. I am very sure. I read it in my school library as well as bought a copy in London a couple of years back. I think it is called "Delhie Book". Try finding it on the internet.

Funnily, I bought it at an Oxfam charity store for one pound! Almost equivalent to a raddi shop. When moving back to India, I almost thought of giving it away but, thank heavens I didn't !!!!

Akshay : Not listed anywhere on the Net. Tried at Abebooks.com, bookfinder.com and ilab.org. Not listed anywhere !!

Just checked. The reprint is called "The Golden Calm: An English lady's life in Moghul Delhi". This has 100 photos from the Delhie book.

Thanks Akshay. Confirms my guess. I bought this book recently and it is a delight.

...okay Akshay..so youre saying that the "reminiscenses of the imperial Delhi" is now publushed under the title of"The Golden Calm......"..if thats correct then its a very great news!!!:))..coz subbiah just accquired it recently!..subbiah..could you plz kindly tell me the website you used to purchase this invaluable book??....immemsely thankful!

Sonia : Checkout at Amazon : http://www.amazon.com/golden-calm-English-r eminiscences-Metcalfe/dp/0906671191/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1270703742&sr=8-1

thankyou so much!.i will do so immediately!!!!