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Book: The Moghul

Saima Shah September 24, 2003

Tags: book

Book Review

Author: Farzana Moon
Publisher:

This saga begins with a scene at Agra, where Humayun is trying to keep his empire intact against the everlasting intrigues of his brothers and of the Afghan lords in India. His caprice, mysticism and drunkenness render him sightless to the clouds of doom and treachery
looming over his very head.

His empire slips through his hands by the deceit and corruptions of his own brothers. Even mired in such tragedies, he falls in love with Hamida Banu, and weds her against her wishes. After the birth of their son, Akbar, the royal couple are compelled to flee. Akbar is captured by Humayun`s own brother, Kamran, who takes him to Kabul as a royal hostage. The Imperial couple find refuge in Persia.

The Persian Monarch greets the Moghul Exile with great pomp and ceremony, befitting the rich empire of Persia. Humayun visits the great tombs, mosques and colleges, and enjoys the wealth and splendor of the Persian courts. The Persian monarch, Shah Tahmasp, offers refuge and friendship to Humayun. Humayun, in return, presents him with the gift of his most precious diamond, Koh-i-Noor. Shah Tahmasp lends Humayun the troops and treasures to free Kabul from the yoke of his brothers and to reconquer India.

Humayun conquers Kabul, and acquires two more brides. Finally, he seals his destiny with his soul-bride, Mah Chuchak. Kabul is twice lost to him, and twice recaptured. Amidst these wars and adversities, Humayun`s brother Hindal dies, and his brother, Askeri, is sent on a pilgrimage to Mecca. Humayun returns to India at the head of a large force, and reclaims his throne at Agra. For two whole years, he experiences a semblance of peace.

But the Venus of his fortunes has fallen, it seems. While watching Venus in the sky, he falls from the steps of his balcony and dies.

Published historical and biographical sagas are:
Babur, the 1st Moghul of India.
Divine Akbar and Holy India.
Glorious Taj and Beloved Immortal,
The Moghul Exile

All these are available on BN, Blackwell and Amazon sites, and on many more sites for price comparison on AddAll.

Glorious Taj and Beloved Immortal is translated into Korean by Yacon
Publishers in Seoul, South Korea.

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