05 September, 2018
Ruby Lal
In 1611, 34-year-old Nur Jahan became the twentieth wife of Emperor Jahangir. While other wives were secluded behind walls, she ruled the vast Mughal empire alongside her husband, governing in his stead when his health failed and his attention wandered from matters of state. She led troops into battle to free Jahangir when he was imprisoned by one of his officers. She signed and issued imperial orders, and coins of the realm bore her name. Ruby Lal uncovers the rich life and world of Nur Jahan, while giving us insight into the lives of women during the Mughal Empire.
Penguin Viking, 304 pages, Rs 599