The Diwan of Zeb-un-Nissa

The Diwan of Zeb-un-Nissa is a book by Princess Zeb-un-Nissa, translated into English by Magan Lal and Jessie Duncan Westbrook, first published in 1913. This remarkable volume presents a selection of lyrical ghazals from the rich poetic collection of one of the Mughal era’s most intriguing literary figures. Written in Persian and rendered into English verse, the book offers readers a rare glimpse into classical South Asian poetry and Sufi literary imagination, artfully bridging Persian mysticism and universal themes of love and spirituality.

Zeb-un-Nissa was the eldest daughter of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and a celebrated Sufi poet whose verses echo with emotional intensity and philosophical depth. Known under her pen-name “Makhfi” (the Hidden One), her poetry explores the interplay of earthly longing and divine devotion, where passionate love and spiritual yearning converge in the elegant structure of the ghazal form. This translated collection foregrounds the timeless beauty of her Persian verse, making these historic ghazals accessible and compelling to modern readers of classic poetry and world literature.

Steeped in the cultural richness of 17th-century India, the book appeals to enthusiasts of classic poetry, Persian literature, historical biographies, and Sufi mysticism. As a testament to the enduring power of lyrical expression, this Diwan (poetic anthology) not only illuminates the literary heritage of the Mughal period but also celebrates the voice of a woman whose reflections on love, loss, faith, and identity continue to resonate with contemporary audiences.