Hyderabadis still remember 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 twentieth century, was legendary 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 their joys and sorrows.