Author: Annemarie Schimmel
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Year: 2005
Language: English
Pages: 352
ISBN/UPC (if available): 0195673344
Description
Here is the world of the Mughals-that exotic, treasure-filled empire ruled by the mightiest
Islamic dynasty in the history of India-set forth in a superb account by Annemarie Schimmel. The Empire of the Great Mughals explores the political, military, and economic rise of the Mughals in the early sixteenth century, their system of rule, the remarkable unfolding of their power and splendour, and their gradual collapse, until they were finally supplanted by the British colonial empire in 1857.
Annemarie Schimmel paints a detailed picture of life at the Mughal court. She discusses the nature of rank and status in this strictly hierarchical society, women's lives, the various religions, languages and literatures that enriched the Mughal era, and the munificent patronage of the arts by successive rulers. Who has not heard of the Taj Mahal, the glittering mausoleum that Shah Jahan built for his wife, at Agra? This spectacular edifice of white marble, inlaid with a filigree of precious stones, is an impressive demonstration of the refined sense of beauty of the Mughal rulers. Indeed, the entire court culture of the Mughals painting, literature, and landscape architecture as well as buildings testifies to an aesthetic sensibility within which they strove to harmonize all aspects of life.
The Empire of the Great Mughals is a richly illustrated and fascinating portrait of an advanced South Asian civilization, the historical and cultural legacy of which still inspires universal admiration today.
Contents
FOREWORD BY FRANCIS ROBINSON
EDITORIAL NOTES
MAP OF THE MUGHAL EMPIRE
THE MUGHAL DYNASTY
PROLOGUE
Historical introduction
At Court
The Empire
Religion
Women at Court
The Imperial Household and Housekeeping
The Life of a Mirza
Languages and Literature
The Arts
Epilogue
References
GLOSSARY
BIBLIOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
INDEX