Wanderings of a pilgrim in search of the picturesque, Volume 2 (of 2) : $b During four-and-twenty years in the east; with revelations of life in the zenāna

"Wanderings of a Pilgrim in Search of the Picturesque, Volume 2" by Fanny Parkes Parlby is a captivating journey through the East, recorded in vivid detail by the author during her twenty-four years of exploration in the mid-19th century. This narrative unfolds around the lives of women in the zenāna, offering a rare glimpse into their world and customs against the backdrop of vibrant Eastern cultures. The story plunges the reader into the heart of the Mahratta Camp and its zenāna, spotlighting the formidable Bāiza Bā’ī, a widowed ruler navigating a complex society. The narrative blends personal encounters, like sharing music and engaging in cultural debates, with insightful reflections on the socio-political climate, artistry, and the lives of those encountered, such as young Gaja Rājā. It examines the contrasts and similarities between these Eastern customs and the norms of European society.