Iris Leghari: Life and Times in Pre-Partition India and Early Pakistan by Begum Iris Leghari
‘Life seemed very strange to me at first, as there were no Europeans living there. The saving grace was the club life in the evenings and where we used to play tennis daily. There was good shooting around those parts, and this is when I started to take up shooting seriously, which I loved. We also rode a great deal.’ Page 40.
‘Epidemics of various diseases broke out in the camps and hundreds died from them. One could smell the stench of dead bodies seven miles away. People used to ring me up at the house, to ask me to get in touch with the authorities and ask for more time to bury their dead. Needless to say, I hardly saw my husband during these terrible days.’ Page 110.
I have recently researched, edited and published my great grandmother’s memoirs titled, ‘Iris Leghari: Life and Times in Pre-Partition India and Early Pakistan’.
My great grandmother was Iris Titherley (18th October 1908 – 27th February 2000), an English equestrian and horse trainer who married Sardar Ata Mohammad Khan Leghari, an Indian student at Oxford with a vast feudal background studying for the Indian Civil Service in 1932.
Her memoirs are a first-hand account of an English woman’s experience of living through the British Raj and Partition.
She notes how her life changed after Independence and shares fascinating stories of travels through Europe, the Middle East and Pakistan and her experiences as a member of a well-known Pakistani political family.
Part-memoir, part-travelogue her memoir recounts journeys on horseback through Northern India and the experiences of an Indian Civil Service officer’s wife in the years leading up to and after Partition.
She recorded and transcribed her memoirs in 1996 which I researched and published in 2025.
The book has over 100 pictures from the personal collection of Iris and Ata Leghari that depict their travels across the world and meetings with famous personalities.
The book is available at The Book Tree in Toowoomba and at Sang-e-Meel Books, Anees Book Corner and Iqbal Book Corner in Lahore.
Iris Leghari: Life and Times in Pre-Partition India and Early Pakistan
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Description
215 pages
100 + colour photographs
0.651 Kgs
Book I: Europe
Book II: The Subcontinent
Book III: Partition
Additional information
| Weight | 0.651 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9.7 × 7 × 9.7 cm |
6 reviews for Iris Leghari: Life and Times in Pre-Partition India and Early Pakistan
Iris Leghari: Life and Times in Pre-Partition India and Early Pakistan
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Ayesha Leghari –
It’s aa amazing record of a beautiful and courageous Englishwoman who bridged the gap between the East and West with grace, wit and charm. Thank you Humaira for the hard work you put in to bring Iris Leghari’s memoir’s to life.
Myra –
This memoir is such a captivating read. It captures Iris’ unique experience of life in India before and after Partition. From horse rides and club life to heartbreaking scenes, she shares it all with honesty and detail. The book reads like a blend of personal diary and travel journal, and the collection of old photos really brings her world to life. It was truly fascinating to step into her world and see what life was like back then. If you’re interested in history, personal stories, or just love a good memoir, this one’s definitely worth a read!
Mehreen –
What a beautiful memoir of Iris Leghari written by Humaira. The way Iris’s story has been put in words so beautifully, thoroughly enjoyed reading it!
Ibrahim Saeed –
Iris Leghari was one of the strongest and most beautiful ladies i ever met.
She had a remarkable calm about her that was always striking, and a depth that poised her every thought shared in understsnding that formed a memorable bond.
Her memoirs immediately wraps one in her radiance, that has come alive through Humaira”s commitment to share her inspirational life to heal ours…
Ibrahim Saeed (verified owner) –
Iris Leghari was one of the strongest and most beautiful ladies i ever met.
She had a remarkable calm about her which was always striking, and a depth that poised her every thought shared in understsnding.
Her memoirs immediately wraps one in her radiance, that has come alive through Humaira”s commitment to share her inspirational life to heal ours…
Lesley Walker –
Iris Leghari – wow, what a lady! Her courage, strength and resilience are to be admired and applauded. Her life in India, the political history and her travels all make for a very interesting read!