Parvati Sharma

Parvati Sharma's book on Akbar is good - well researched - and easy to read. The book is a chronology of the events of his life. While reading the book, you see what made him a great king - imperfect but great.
You also get a glimpse into the influence his mother had on him and the power of the women in the Mughal Empire.
I believe she could have done more to explain the administrative changes he made to his kingdom's administration and analyse his impact on society. In addition, you do not get a deep understanding of how he established his power and built a powerful empire.
Barring this lacuna, this is an excellent book.… (more)

This is an interesting book. I would not call it an intimate portrait, but it does present a good portrait of Jahangir. I have not read much about Jahangir, and Parvati Sharma's book does indeed give me a solid enough foundation to go on.

It could have been deeper, more analytical. However, I would also think that this would defeat the purpose that I assume that the author had in mind.

It's good. It's an easy read, and does provide the lay reader with enough material to go on for further reading.… (more)