3 May 1857. India stands on the brink of war. Everywhere in its cities,
towns, and villages, rebels and revolutionaries are massing to overthrow
the ruthless and corrupt British East India Company which has taken over
the country and laid it to waste. In Delhi, the capital, even as the plot to
get rid of the hated foreigners gathers intensity, the busy social life of the
city hums along. Nautch girls entertain clients, nawabs host mushairas
or poetry soirees in which the finest poets of the realm congregate to
recite their latest verse and intrigue, the wealthy roister in magnificent
havelis, and the drinking dens of the city continue to pack in customers.
