Empress: The Astonishing Reign of Nur Jahan

Nonfiction, History, Asian, India, Biography & Memoir, Royalty
Cover of the book Empress: The Astonishing Reign of Nur Jahan by Ruby Lal, W. W. Norton & Company
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ruby Lal ISBN: 9780393635409
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company Publication: July 3, 2018
Imprint: W. W. Norton & Company Language: English
Author: Ruby Lal
ISBN: 9780393635409
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Publication: July 3, 2018
Imprint: W. W. Norton & Company
Language: English

**A Finalist for the 2018 Los Angeles Times Book Prize in History

Four centuries ago, a Muslim woman ruled an empire.**

When it came to hunting, she was a master shot. As a dress designer, few could compare. An ingenious architect, she innovated the use of marble in her parents’ mausoleum on the banks of the Yamuna River that inspired her stepson’s Taj Mahal. And she was both celebrated and reviled for her political acumen and diplomatic skill, which rivaled those of her female counterparts in Europe and beyond.

In 1611, thirty-four-year-old Nur Jahan, daughter of a Persian noble and widow of a subversive official, became the twentieth and most cherished wife of the Emperor Jahangir. While other wives were secluded behind walls, Nur ruled the vast Mughal Empire alongside her husband, and governed in his stead as his health failed and his attentions wandered from matters of state. An astute politician and devoted partner, Nur led troops into battle to free Jahangir when he was imprisoned by one of his own officers. She signed and issued imperial orders, and coins of the realm bore her name.

Acclaimed historian Ruby Lal uncovers the rich life and world of Nur Jahan, rescuing this dazzling figure from patriarchal and Orientalist clichés of romance and intrigue, and giving new insight into the lives of women and girls in the Mughal Empire, even where scholars claim there are no sources. Nur’s confident assertion of authority and talent is revelatory. In Empress, she finally receives her due in a deeply researched and evocative biography that awakens us to a fascinating history.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

**A Finalist for the 2018 Los Angeles Times Book Prize in History

Four centuries ago, a Muslim woman ruled an empire.**

When it came to hunting, she was a master shot. As a dress designer, few could compare. An ingenious architect, she innovated the use of marble in her parents’ mausoleum on the banks of the Yamuna River that inspired her stepson’s Taj Mahal. And she was both celebrated and reviled for her political acumen and diplomatic skill, which rivaled those of her female counterparts in Europe and beyond.

In 1611, thirty-four-year-old Nur Jahan, daughter of a Persian noble and widow of a subversive official, became the twentieth and most cherished wife of the Emperor Jahangir. While other wives were secluded behind walls, Nur ruled the vast Mughal Empire alongside her husband, and governed in his stead as his health failed and his attentions wandered from matters of state. An astute politician and devoted partner, Nur led troops into battle to free Jahangir when he was imprisoned by one of his own officers. She signed and issued imperial orders, and coins of the realm bore her name.

Acclaimed historian Ruby Lal uncovers the rich life and world of Nur Jahan, rescuing this dazzling figure from patriarchal and Orientalist clichés of romance and intrigue, and giving new insight into the lives of women and girls in the Mughal Empire, even where scholars claim there are no sources. Nur’s confident assertion of authority and talent is revelatory. In Empress, she finally receives her due in a deeply researched and evocative biography that awakens us to a fascinating history.

More books from W. W. Norton & Company

Cover of the book Ripley Under Water by Ruby Lal
Cover of the book Jonathan Swift: The Reluctant Rebel by Ruby Lal
Cover of the book Code of the Street: Decency, Violence, and the Moral Life of the Inner City by Ruby Lal
Cover of the book Inheritance: A Novel by Ruby Lal
Cover of the book Cræft: An Inquiry Into the Origins and True Meaning of Traditional Crafts by Ruby Lal
Cover of the book Ecoholic: Your Guide to the Most Environmentally Friendly Information, Products, and Services by Ruby Lal
Cover of the book Rhode Island: A History (States and the Nation) by Ruby Lal
Cover of the book The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story (Movie Tie-in) (Movie Tie-in Editions) by Ruby Lal
Cover of the book Jewish Comedy: A Serious History by Ruby Lal
Cover of the book The Magic Words: Writing Great Books for Children and Young Adults by Ruby Lal
Cover of the book First Principles: Five Keys to Restoring America's Prosperity by Ruby Lal
Cover of the book Reheated Cabbage: Tales of Chemical Degeneration by Ruby Lal
Cover of the book Forever on the Mountain: The Truth Behind One of Mountaineering's Most Controversial and Mysterious Disasters by Ruby Lal
Cover of the book Einstein's Mistakes: The Human Failings of Genius by Ruby Lal
Cover of the book Marabou Stork Nightmares by Ruby Lal
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy