History has taught us that it easier to conquer new lands than to keep them.
This is the third book in the Empire of the Moghul series whose progenater is Akbar the Great. Together with Ashoka he is the second ruler to given the accolade of greatness. As a Muslim, his achievements of conquest, leadership, architecture, laws, and developed have been unsurpassed and miles ahead of any contemporary. The book does great justice to his character. It portrays a dyslexic Akbar who is keen to complete his grandfathers dream of establishing a great Moghul kingdom in Hindustan. This third book has given me a completely different concept of haram as a place of pleasure and intrigues. The women of the haram are actively engaging in affairs of the government, justifying or berating the Emperor but always supportive.
Unfortunaty Akbar's greatness is shrouded by the reluctant Hindu dominated India and a defiant Muslim only Pakistan. It is indeed a shame as the great Moghul is the only example of eclectic secularism in the subcontinent revered by all under his command.
The book contains an intriguing description of inter religious debates in the 'Ibadan khana' headed by the Great. Akbar felt confident enough to invite representatives of all faiths to come come and convert him thus demonstrating that he was above all religions.
Almost half of the story is about the cold and fraught relationship between Akbar and Salim. The story seems to be more ficussed on Salim rather than Akbar, which I found incongruous with the first two novels on Babur and Humayun. It's because the authors intended to explain the importance of takhti or takhta in the Royal family. The deep desire in all Moghul prince to grab power and glory of face death in trying. I believe the focus on Salim was important to explain this complex family dynamics.
Onwards to the next novel in the series.
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