Daughters of the Sun: Empresses, Queens and Begums of the Mughal Empire

I love history and this book presented a whole new past (Mughal India) for me to learn about. It was wonderful that it was more about the women of the period than the men. Although I want to learn more about the men too.

The book was overall a good reading but boring in patches as the author keeps repeating herself. I wish she had given her own historic asides and truths along with information found in the mogul texts. This is because it glosses over and almost dismisses the fact that the mogul invaders did rob the rajput kingdoms and this is because of their mastery in the use of guns. Also many historic facts like Jahangir actually had Noor Jahan's husband killed to get her and so on were not mentioned. The author was trying to dispel the view of western scholars but most of the east intutively knows what goes on in zananas.

An exceptional masterpiece. Excerpts are taken from the various biographies and autobiographies. Ira Mukhoty has done a fabulous job of expressing the powerful jewels that was hidden behind the zenana. It also depicts that how a woman plays an important role in managing the household because it is the bastian of the empire. Exceptional examples are given of unconditional love too. It is rightly said that there's a role of a woman behind every man's success irrespective of the relation.-A must read book.-Very well written.

A gem of creative writing.Meticulously researched the writer spins a most engaging narrative which is at once fluid and very informative but not once pedantic.Well edited and does not have one dull moment.The collection of colour plates makes the book a must read for all interested in ancient history.Wish history books were as fascinating and interesting.

Very absorbing account of the times. We understand a bit more about the life of women in the Zenana. The Zenana too transformed from independent , decision making women to the dependant inhabitants of the purdah. The author is a compelling narrator and picks on the right details to tell compelling stories. Easy to read, enjoyed every moment, of being transported to another time.

Best book on the mughal harem. Must read heroines by the same author as well.