The Book of Emperors by Ashwitha Jayakumar – fascinating History of the Mughals

The Book of Emperors is a beautifully written and illustrated chronological History of the Mughals, sure to make readers fall in love with this remarkable era all over again.

Synopsis

A little over five hundred years ago, a boy sat in a garden, waiting for his story to begin. His name was Babur, and he would soon found an empire that astonished the world.

For three hundred years, Babur’s sons and grandsons, alongside their mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters, would wage wars, make art and music, eat a delicious fruit or two, and both shape and be shaped by the land they made their home.

History would call them the Mughals. The Book of Emperors tells their stories.

Review

I’ve always been fascinated by the Mughal Empire. While many Indians view the Mughals as outsiders who came to pillage India without integrating into Indian culture, I believe this perception was heavily shaped by British colonial narratives. When the British East India Company took control of India from the Mughals, they emphasized a divide-and-rule strategy, which reinforced these views. The vast territory once unified under the Mughal Empire was divided, and anti-Mughal sentiments were strategically sown.

The Book of Emperors provides insight into this history. It illustrates both the Mughals’ achievements and the decline that led to British rule. The book begins with Babur’s rule in 1526, chronicling his journey from the Fergana Valley, his struggles, and his eventual conquest of India, where he established a kingdom. It covers the Timurid lineage, showcasing the empire’s zenith under Akbar and its gradual descent after 1713, culminating in its fall to the British in 1857.

The author brings the emperors to life beyond mere dates and events, delving into their lives, cultures, interests, cuisine, architecture, and art, accompanied by beautiful, vibrant illustrations. I especially appreciated how each story evoked emotions, drawing me into both the triumphs and the series of poor decisions that led to the empire’s decline. I felt both frustration at the missteps and sorrow at its eventual fall.

The book also illuminated details I hadn’t known before, such as the Mughals’ use of Persian language and culture, the fate of the Peacock Throne, and the empire’s unraveling. It highlighted rulers who embraced Indian culture, influential Mughal women who held the empire together, and the pivotal events and figures that shaped this remarkable era.

It’s mind-blowing to consider how one empire could control such a vast and wealthy expanse—from Kabul to Burma in the east and from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu in the south—for over 300 years. I was surprised to learn that only the first three emperors ruled successfully. The next two simply enjoyed its splendor, while one briefly expanded its territories. Unfortunately, the rulers that followed led the empire from bad to worse, ultimately losing any hope of restoring the grandeur it had achieved under Akbar.

The author has made The Book of Emperors beautifully accessible to both history lovers and those simply curious about the Mughal Empire. Through vivid storytelling, centuries-old stories come alive, transporting readers back to an era of royal courts, wars, and the intricate politics of a powerful kingdom.

Overall, The Book of Emperors is a beautifully written and illustrated chronological History of the Mughals, sure to make readers fall in love with this remarkable era all over again.

Book Links

Goodreads | Amazon.in | Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk

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