A fast, engaging and compelling account of Humayun, the Moghul Emperor.
This is the second book in series of Empire of the Moghul by Alex Rutherford .. a series of books on the Moghul Empire in India. After the “Raiders of the North” on Babur, this book chronicles the story of Humanyun.
He was bequeathed the empire of Hindustan by his father, Babur. But immaturity and his frivolous desires makes him lose the entire empire and flee from Hindustan for his life and safety.
For 15 years, he bides his times, battling his half brothers Kamran, Askari and Hindal and at last, with huge efforts, ingenuity and solid determination and courage, marches back to Hindustan to reclaim his old throne in 1555.
The book is a great read for anyone curious and desirous to know the history of that period. Of course, there are some fictional accounts, but it is actually a great history lesson for those interested.
The battle scenes are described in graphic detail …..the attention to these details are amazing, though a little too expansive at times.
All the characters are so well-etched with great detail to their feelings and gestures.
Humanyun comes across as a man who learns and evolves into a better ruler and statesman through extremely harsh and bitter experiences.
The book brings to light the tough hardships of those days. In today’s time of instant communication, it seems surreal that messages or letters would take weeks to reach. I think such challenges of weather, distances made the rulers and people of those times ingenuous and sharp thinkers.
Credit goes to the author for the incredible research.
Am looking forward to reading the next in series.
Preeta Chag 