Shah Jahan: The Rise and Fall of the Mughal Emperor

A riveting read. Shows the many facets of this enigmatic king. Not that all these facets are admirable, but the book does an excellent job in revealing them in a manner that makes for an engrossing read. Like his days as a renegade prince abandoned to oblivion and powerlessness. And then his subsequent rise to the helm of the wealthiest and most powerful empire in the 17th century. Would recommend to a friend.

Learn the glorious muslims rule and mixed with the society, built india and finally died in the same soils, they never steal properties and send those to their back home like British did. The mughals became the son of the soil of india. that was the main different between other foreign rulers.

A wonderful book! I never knew the extent and power of the Mughal Empire. This story has it all: the inter-family struggles, the assasinations, the power grabs. Beautiful layout and a story told brilliantly.

The media could not be loaded. Welcome friends to my second online book meeting. As you all know that this session will be recorded and will be shared on various socia media platforms. Thanks a lot for taking time from your busy schedules and joining us. I am Dr. Afshan Hashmi the organizer of this book club meeting. The views/opinions presented in this meeting are solely those of the person sharing those views and do not represent those of the moderator/ organizer of this meeting.So lets start friends our intellectual journey in an unique stylish and glam way.I am fascinated by Mughal dynasty and have become an expert in teaching Mughal dynasty to a vast audience.Mughal dynasty was famous for their royal costumes jewelery and cuisine besides good administration.I will tell you first in brief about Shahjahan and fashion in the mughal era and bring you all in the mood of Mughal period before discussing today's book.Shah Jahan, a title meaning 'King of the World January 1592 -- 22 January 1666 was the fifth Mughal Emperor of India. He ruled from 1628 until 1658. Born Prince Khurram, he was the son of Emperor Jahangir. He was chosen as successor to the throne after the death of his father in 1627. He is considered one of the greatest Mughals. His rule has been called one of the most prosperous ages of Indian civilization the golden age He was passionate to expand his vast empire. In 1658, he fell ill and was confined by his son Aurangzeb in Agra Fort until his death in 1666.Fashion in Mughal era: : Mughal emperors encouraged creativity and Innovation. The harem women were not only beautiful but also very creative. Their mantra to please the emperor had given rise to many new discoveries. Men wore long gowns, as well as decorated sashes, pearl necklaces and jewelled turban ornaments.Women wore long, gown worn over tight trousers is remarkably similar to men costumesitr-Jahangir one of the finest perfume was created during the Mughal period. Mughal women wore beautiful necklaces made of gold and silver studded with gems and pearls A large number of ornaments were made out of gold , silver and copper which hung down from the ears.Nurjahan wrote poetry, blended perfumes and designed clothes and fabrics, dresses in a style that established the fashion for many years to come. She introduced the delicate art of white embroidery chikankari now associated with Lucknow, to the Mughal court, where it became the height of fashion. Velvets, printed cottons and embroideries were also used in the portable tents and furnishings used by the emperor when on the move, either on a military campaign or a hunting expedition.This moveable court was almost as luxurious as the permanent one,I have visited Taj Mahal many times and every time I visited it I learned something new about this monument.The book we are discussing today is:Shah Jahan: The Rise and Fall of the Mughal Emperorby Fergus NicollHardcover: 280 pagesPublisher: Haus Publishing;Publication Date: June 1, 2009My review and thought after reading the book:I loved and enjoyed reading this book a lot. It is a very well written book. I was mesmerized the way author has depicted Shahjahan as a son, grandson, father and husband.. The bibliography and maps are beautifully depicted and the pictures well- connected to the text. Reading of the planning and consecutive building of the Taj Mahal is a treat. The love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal has attracted the author's special attention. A marvelous work of literature which is rich,in facts that are woven interestingly into the life of Shah Jahan, one of the illustrious emperors of India.Here are some questions which I have put forward now for the audience to discuss:. I will put these questions on Goodreads forum to have a very interactive discussion:Shahjehan is one of my favorite Mughal emperor and what are your thoughts about Shahjahan after reading this book?Did reading the book evoke any strong emotion in you? Was there one event in the book that resonated with you deeply?Have you visited Taj Mahal and what memories comes to you associated with that visit ?Please join my online book club in Goodreads also and start posting your comments also on the discussion questions I have posted there. I am going to put these questions also there.Goodreads Link:https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1856585-shahjahanYou Tube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2euRavjFpkPodcast Link: http://drafshanhashmipodcat-1.podomatic.com/entry/2014-06-08T18_23_31-07_00Enjoy and Cheers!!Dr.Afshan Hashmihttp://drafshanhashmi.com/

I like this book a lot. This is a bit racy in the manner in which it has been written, but that does not detract from the drama of the story of the Emperor. I disagree with his assessment of Shah Jahan at the end, wherein he seems to rate him lowly. He was a great Emperor, in my view. The manner of his death is sad, very sad and this has been written very well at the end.The road to the throne was dramatic, and this too has been told extremely well. I wish he had spent some more detail on the administrative improvements made by Shah Jahan. However, there is much in this book that I like, in that he adds in quotes at good intervals, throws light on a lot detail that I did not know much about, and brings the road to the throne to life.This is a well-written book, and one that I do recommend

The starting pages of the book give one the impression that it is a well researched one and I am looking forward to reading it with much delight.

The product quality is not upto the mark. Quality of paper is mediocre. Received the book with scratches on it.

Mongol lifestyle.

Lots of misinformation on basic details of Shah Jahan as well as Mughal.

The Best I've ever ready about shajahan and his reign ,this book has detailed explanation of shajahans birth to deathI love it