The Mughal Emperors: And the Islamic Dynasties of India, Iran and Central Asia, 1206-1925

This illustrated volume is a fascinating, thorough history covering dozens of Middle Eastern and Indian leaders from the 13th century on, each struggling with the problems of maintaining strong central power among a wide-spread, pre-industrial society. When not conquering and pillaging, the profiled rulers-who exhibit tremendous passion and curiosity-experimented with the use of paper currency, built monuments that still stand today and fostered advancements in calligraphy, poetry, architecture, painting, mathematics and astronomy. Each emperor's tale is unique, but among this span of rulers several constants remain: Islam and the range of ideas it offers are constantly subordinated by the demands of power, substance abuse is widespread, and women are given a surprising role in architecture, business and political ventures. Just as commonplace are illicit affairs, strained alliances, ascendancy struggles and morbid deaths (Il Khan leader Teguder is killed ""by having his back broken, a form of execution which, like being kicked to death in a carpet, avoided the spilling of noble blood""). These stories, accompanied by full-color illustrations, capture beautifully the glory, excess and tragedy at the heart of these illustrious Islamic dynasties.