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In 1947 there were 528 principalities throughout the length of and breadth of the subcontinent. Most of the principalities were ruled by Nawaabs (Nabob).
The term 'Nawaab' literally means viceroy / representative of royalty on Earth. In reality he was sovereign ruler of his principality. The kingdoms ranged in size from as small as just a few thousand people to as large as a few million.
Retrospective of the size of his kingdom, the Nawaab symbolised a lifestyle. Usually a Nawaab was a patron of the arts, architecture, martial arts, horsemanship, beautiful gardens and flowers, poetry, wine, women and whatever is good about life.
The institution of Nawaabhood developed over a millennia. Their ancestors were usually chiefs of distinguished Muslim nomadic tribes from Central Asia. Others were sons of sheikhs from the Middle East and the Near East. Still others were Generals of the conquering army, whom the Moghul and other Muslim kings of India gave large tracts of land to govern. Their ancestors descended into India through the famous Khyber Pass and spread all over the land.
As one would imagine the Nawaabs entourage was large. Sometimes as many as 200 concubines would accompany the Nawaab on state visits, fishing or hunting trips.
Another passion which Nawaab usually represented was a good taste in food & wines. It was not uncommon for a Nawaab to have in his employment a few hundred chefs. Just to satisfy his taste buds, his Begum (queen), or his favourite concubines, together with scores of chefs would arrange a candlelit dinner in his rose garden or in the private chamber of his castle.
Nawaabs preceded the Moghul dynasty and many of them have survived to this day. It is theorized by some historians that Moghul kings were greatly influenced by Nawaabs in their own pomp and ceremony, promotion of art architecture, music and culinary standards.
We are trying to preserve a culture, a tradition and a standard in culinary tastes which a Nawaab would admire. We hope you will enjoy it here. We promise to treat you in Nawaabi tradition. You are a connoisseur of our art and hospitality.
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