Dastangoi

[5] The art form reached its zenith in the Indian sub-continent in the 19th century and is said to have died with the demise of Mir Baqar Ali in 1928.

Notable 19th-century dastangos included Amba Prasad Rasa, Mir Ahmad Ali Rampuri, Muhammad Amir Khan, Syed Husain Jah, and Ghulam Raza.

In Lucknow, dastangoi was popular across all classes, and was regularly performed at diverse locations including chowks (city squares), private households, and afeem khana (public opium houses).

"[10] According to Abdul Halim Sharar, the noted author and historian of nineteenth century Lucknow, the Art of dastangoi, was divided under the following headings:"War", "Pleasure, "Beauty", "Love" and "Deception".

From the 14th century, Persian dastangois started focusing on the life and adventures of Amir Hamza, the paternal uncle of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

Amir Khusrow teaching his disciples
A female dastango standing and reciting from the " Arabian Nights " while the audience sits around her, 1911
Vyasa (sitting on high table), the common title for Indian oral storytellers, reciting epics among villagers, 1913
21st century, dastangoi artist Syed Sahil Agha reciting the Dastan-e-Amir Khusrau