This archive report was first published on 28 November 2019.
For years, a captivating tale has been passed down through generations in Old Delhi, from tea sellers to rickshaw drivers to shopkeepers. It's a story of a prince, a princess, and a queen, said to be the last of a Shiite Muslim royal line, living in a palace cut off from the city.
Some claim the family has been there since the British annexed their kingdom, while others believe they are supernatural beings. The story has been a source of fascination and intrigue, but is it true?
On a spring afternoon, journalist Ellen Barry received a phone call that sparked her curiosity and led her on a quest to uncover the truth. Her investigation took her deep into the heart of India, where she encountered a complex web of stories, legends, and historical facts.
Listen to the story of the Jungle Prince, a tale of mystery, tragedy, and the power of storytelling.
Produced by The New York Times, this special episode of The Daily features reporting by Ellen Barry, produced by Lynsea Garrison and Sindhu Gnanasambandan, and edited by Wendy Dorr, Lisa Tobin, and Michael Benoist. Original music and mixing by Brad Fisher and Dan Powell.
