Ishqnamah عشقنامه (The Book of Love)

This volume from the Royal Library contains a Persian romantic poem written by Wajid Ali Shah, King of Awadh (Oudh) (r.1847-56). Wajid Ali Shah was a renowned poet and playwright, and this poem addresses life in the courtly circles of Lucknow, together with anecdotes of the author's life and loves.

Ishqnamah translates as the ‘Book of Love’, and the poem is illustrated with ornate paintings, many of which were based on photograph portraits of the women at the Lucknow court.