A Brief History of the Great Moghuls
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15
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Average rating3
Bamber Gascoigne's classic book tells of the most fascinating period of Indian history, the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, when the country was ruled by the extraordinarily talented dynasty of emperors known to European travellers as 'the Great Moghuls', for their almost limitless power and incomparable wealth. Here is a unique picture of the way of life of India's most flamboyant rulers - their sublime palaces, their passions, art, science and religion, and their sophisticated system of administration that stabilized the greater part of India and was later adopted by the British. Acclaimed by travellers and scholars alike, and beautifully illustrated in colour, this is a book for anyone with an interest in India's glorious past and achievements.
Reviews with the most likes.
My reading knowledge of Indian history is limited to A History of India, Vol. One by Romila Thapar, which I had read just recently.
My review. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4357568255
I had previously read an excellent William Dalrymple travel book called The Age of Kali.
My review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1378421738
After those 2 books, the reading of this “a Brief History” is an attempt to read further on the subject of India and an attempt to understand this behemoth of a nation. There are 3 millennia of history to cover, and so far I have touched but the tip of an iceberg. There is going to be no rhyme or reason how I go about this, as I will mix in Indian themed novels as well.
The Impressionist by Hari Kunzru can be added to recently read Indian themed books. As I said, no rhyme or reason.
My review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2927582604
If I have a little bit of criticism of the book, it tends to struggle to cover the entire Great Moghuls. Six only, but then the author seems to think they are the only 6 worth covering. If a brief history, a short page or two on the less great may have been worthwhile, though a few get a mention in a very short epilogue.
The Moghuls covered are as follows and in order of their reigns:
Barbur. Gascoigne writes that his credentials as an oriental conqueror “...could hardly be improved upon...” Along with his ability to conquer, he was a keen gardener. He is presently buried in Kabul and his burial gardens are a well visited destination.
Hamayun. It was said that his father Babur's last words were “Do naught against your brothers, even though they may deserve it” Gascoigne writes that it was “...fatal advice...” for a man of “...childish...” qualities.
Akbar. Enthroned as a 13 year old was Akbar the greatest of the Great Moghuls? Gascoigne writes as such. A tolerant ruler towards many religions including Hindus, Jains, Zoroastrians and even Jesuits to the point they were included in his religious discussions.
Jahanghir. Though considered as being “...debauched, spineless and susceptible to women...” by many historians, Gascoigne has sympathies towards his perceptions of science, nature and art and an obsessive desire to analyse and record what he saw.
Shah Jahan. Famous for the magnificent Taj Mahal, the mausoleum built for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Architecture was his joy and he was active in many projects from as young as 15 years old.
Aurangzeb. A brutal religious fundamentalist, who overthrew his father, had his brothers ruthlessly eliminated. In his time, any simmering sectarianism in the empire began to rear its ugly head.
Another good read in the “A Brief History” series, though in this review's opinion, it probably lacks a certain seamlessness in delivery of each of the selected emperor's essay like biographies. I am never keen on comments by figures far into the future, such as using a Kissinger comment about the Vietnam War as a comparison to events in Aurangzeb time, for example.
A full biography of all the emperors would be worthwhile to anyone that wishes to immerse themselves in the Moghuls. The notes and sources are of great use in this area.
Recommended as a good primer to those that know little to nothing on the Great Moghuls.
