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India Builders of the Taj Mahal, Indian History, Mughal Empire, Mughal Harem, Taj Trilogy, The Great Mughals

Maryam’s tomb. Two of Emperor Akbar’s wives: The mysterious Maryam and the elusive Jodha–Part 1

by Indu Sundaresan October 21, 2024 5 Comments

(Part 1 of 3)

On the night before we leave for Agra, I mention to our driver that we’d like to stop at the town prominent in the Mughal Empire, Sikandra.

Deepak gazes at me long and in silence.

I explain. You know, it’s on the road into Agra. Akbar ka rauza aur Maryam ka rauza. Gesticulating. Lamba chauda. Road se dikhega. Vo thai Padshah, aur Maryam unki bibi. (For those of you who don’t understand my, er, abbreviated Hindi: Akbar’s and Maryam’s tombs, imposing monument, can be seen from the road. He was emperor, and Maryam was his wife).

His expression does not change. But, I’m not disheartened. Deepak’s a man of few words.

The Taj Mahal image for my talk on Power Behind the Veil, Life in India's Mughal Harems.

India, Lectures Builders of the Taj Mahal, Indian History, Mughal Empire, Mughal Harem, Taj Trilogy, The Great Mughals

Lecture for the Singapore Museums–Power Behind the Veil–Life in the Harems of India’s Mughal Empire

by Indu Sundaresan May 21, 2024 2 Comments

Inside the Khas Mahal and the harem apartments at Agra Fort

Power Behind the Veil: Life in the harems of India’s Mughal Empire (1526-1857 A.D.)

In a time when women were hidden away, faceless, and for the most part, voiceless, two women rose to become formidable players in the courts of the Mughal Empire. The bestselling author of the Taj Trilogy, Indu Sundaresan, presents an intimate view into the politics, religions, hierarchy, and structure of the Mughal harem.