William Dalrymple

William Dalrymple is a prominent Scottish historian, writer, art historian, curator, broadcaster, and critic.

Biography of William Dalrymple

William Dalrymple was born in Scotland in 1965. He studied at Ampleforth and Trinity College in Cambridge, where he initially held a history exhibitioner position before becoming a senior history scholar.

Among Dalrymple's notable books are "From the Holy Mountain: A Journey Among the Christians of the Middle East," "Nine Lives: In Search of the Sacred in Modern India," "The Last Mughal," "White Mughals," and "Return of a King: The Battle of Afghanistan." 

While William Dalrymple is renowned as a master of micro-histories, he embarked on his first venture into macro-history with his book "The Anarchy." He has also been active as a broadcaster, having written and presented three television series. One of these series won the Grierson Award for Best Documentary Series at the BAFTA in 2002. 

Dalrymple is a fellow of esteemed organizations such as the Royal Society of Literature, the Royal Geographical Society, and the Royal Asiatic Society. He is also a founder and co-director of the Jaipur Literature Festival. In recognition of his outstanding literary accomplishments and his role in establishing the Jaipur Literature Festival, he was awarded the prestigious President's Medal by The British Academy in 2018. Additionally, he contributes to renowned publications like the New Yorker, the Guardian, the TLS, and the New York Review of Books. He is the India correspondent of the New Statesman.

In 2016, William Dalrymple presented a collection of black-and-white photographs titled "The Writer's Eye." The exhibition features landscape images, conveying potent solitude and brooding strokes. Drawing on his experience as a writer, Dalrymple brings his unique perspective to the visual medium. The exhibition was showcased at Sunaparanta: Goa Centre for the Arts in March 2016, Vadehra Art Gallery in New Delhi in March 2016, and Grosvenor Gallery in London in June 2016.

Currently, William Dalrymple lives and works between India and Scotland.