Book Review: Tanushree Podder's "Nur Jahan's Daughter" is a gripping, fascinating account from Mughal era
The Mughals ruled India for more than 250 years but few of us know about Nur Jahan's remarkable political power and ambition that led to a series of pathbreaking changes in the Mughal Empire. If you enjoy reading historical fiction, grab a copy of Tanushree Podder's novel, 'Nur Jahan's Daughter'.
(Image: Amazon)
This is a fascinating and never-before-told account of Laadli, the reluctant princess who lived in the shadows of the Mughal empire. While her mother ruled Hindustan for sixteen long years through her second marriage with Emperor Jahangir, Laadli remained hidden and almost unknown. Her hatred towards Emperor Jahangir, secret trysts that end in heart wrenching tragedy and her wise counsel to caution her restless, ambitious mother remain unknown to the world.
Contrary to public perception, empresses of the Mughal Empire were known to wield strong influence over their husbands in the public realm itself. Nur Jahan's remarkable political acumen, clout and decision making has shaped many notable aspects of the administration and socio-cultural administration of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Jahangir. During Nur Jahan's reign, fashion underwent major transformation as she had a great sense of flair and style, created her own breathtakingly stunning creations that took the royal zenana by storm as orders for her creations came pouring in and she greatly influenced the zenana in terms of cuisine, art, music and crafts. The emergence of miniature paintings are attributed to Jahangir and Nur Jahan's love for art.
The iconic Mughal architecture can also be attributed to the sense of elegance and style that Nur Jahan and Jahangir strongly endorsed during their reign. Shah Jahan's daughter Jahanara is another notable example of administrative ability, political acumen and strong decision making ability.
Unknown to most, Laadli's story is a tragedy right from her childhood till the end of her days. One may wonder why it is that Nur Jahan, the most powerful Mughal Empress, failed to keep her daughter happy.
The truth hits us that all the power in the world cannot make a happy child.
In fact, what a child wants is not powerful parents, but loving and attentive parents, both of which were absent in young Laadli's life.
[Do read: Giraffes can't dance and B3/703 Gulmohar Park]
Throughout their lives, Laadli and Nur Jahan remained opposites in their views but in the end, mother and daughter learn valuable lessons from each other's strengths. The tragedy is that there is so little time left to overcome a lifetime of grievances and sorrows stitched together between them.
'Nur Jahan's Daughter' is a gripping, fascinating and brave story of loneliness, ambition and love during the Mughal era, and the dark depths to which people in powerful positions stoop to in order to stay infallible and undefeated.
This is a fascinating and never-before-told account of Laadli, the reluctant princess who lived in the shadows of the Mughal empire. While her mother ruled Hindustan for sixteen long years through her second marriage with Emperor Jahangir, Laadli remained hidden and almost unknown. Her hatred towards Emperor Jahangir, secret trysts that end in heart wrenching tragedy and her wise counsel to caution her restless, ambitious mother remain unknown to the world.
Contrary to public perception, empresses of the Mughal Empire were known to wield strong influence over their husbands in the public realm itself. Nur Jahan's remarkable political acumen, clout and decision making has shaped many notable aspects of the administration and socio-cultural administration of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Jahangir. During Nur Jahan's reign, fashion underwent major transformation as she had a great sense of flair and style, created her own breathtakingly stunning creations that took the royal zenana by storm as orders for her creations came pouring in and she greatly influenced the zenana in terms of cuisine, art, music and crafts. The emergence of miniature paintings are attributed to Jahangir and Nur Jahan's love for art.
The iconic Mughal architecture can also be attributed to the sense of elegance and style that Nur Jahan and Jahangir strongly endorsed during their reign. Shah Jahan's daughter Jahanara is another notable example of administrative ability, political acumen and strong decision making ability.
Unknown to most, Laadli's story is a tragedy right from her childhood till the end of her days. One may wonder why it is that Nur Jahan, the most powerful Mughal Empress, failed to keep her daughter happy.
The truth hits us that all the power in the world cannot make a happy child.
In fact, what a child wants is not powerful parents, but loving and attentive parents, both of which were absent in young Laadli's life.
[Do read: Giraffes can't dance and B3/703 Gulmohar Park]
Throughout their lives, Laadli and Nur Jahan remained opposites in their views but in the end, mother and daughter learn valuable lessons from each other's strengths. The tragedy is that there is so little time left to overcome a lifetime of grievances and sorrows stitched together between them.
'Nur Jahan's Daughter' is a gripping, fascinating and brave story of loneliness, ambition and love during the Mughal era, and the dark depths to which people in powerful positions stoop to in order to stay infallible and undefeated.
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