A detailed history of the long line of Mughal rulers from 1206 to1925; illustrated with exquisite paintings; manuscripts; and architecture.In the West "mogul" refers to a person of great power and influence. The word derives from the Persian "Mughal" or Mongol; the people who; initially under Genghis Khan; had an enormous impact as they set out to conquer the world.This book describes the rulers from the thirteenth to the twentieth centuries whose reigns and lands were affected by Mongol/Mughal power and who all shared the Muslim high civilization that flourished from Iran and Central Asia through Afghanistan to north and central India. Among the prominent leaders were Timur; or Tamerlane; who lived a life of remorseless conquest; Shah Abbas the Great; who brought the achievement of early modern Iran to its peak at Isfahan; Akbar the Great; who fostered an idea of inclusive government for India; and Shah Jahan; who gave India its finest monument; the Taj Mahal.In lively biographical portraits; illuminated by vivid quotations from contemporary chroniclers; these great men come back to life. We see them as administrators trying to meet the challenge of building strong central governments; as military leaders engaged in bloody and fratricidal struggles for succession; and as enlightened patrons of the arts and sciences. Women also play a prominent part in events; from court politics and artistic patronage to occasionally ruling. 260 illustrations; 140 in color.
#92717 in Books 2010-01-01Ingredients: Example IngredientsFormat: Closed-captionedOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 .60 x 7.90 x 9.90l; 1.75 #File Name: 0495571482432 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Interesting and detailed bookBy MThis is an extremely detailed book that goes in-depth on many different topics. It does a good job with setting down the basics and allows the professor to build on it. My history professor used the textbook as a guideline to build up on the material and make each topic a story. Since the class was a lecture; if I missed anything; I could always reference the book again.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Really nice book!By SamanthaThis book is really detail-oriented with vivid pictures and easy to follow writing. I am using this book right now for my History class. The questions at the end of the chapter reviews and the focus questions are really good at helping you stay focused on the "big picture" and challenging yourself to remember the material. This book is not the boring "history is just about learning the dates" kind of teaching. The author actually reaches into the era; and explains what was really going on. I definitely recommend this book; even for "History class haters."0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great BookBy S. GuestRequired for my Wes Civ class. I read it from cover to cover. Well written and flowed effortlessly from topic to topic. As with any history book; because there is so much information to cover; sometimes it was difficult to keep the time straight; but at the end of each chapter; Mr. Spielvogel; had a great summary and timelines. I actually learned some things from this book. Interesting and kept my interest.
