Taj: A Story of Mughal India by Timeri N Murari [Paperback]

This novel by Murari offers a richly layered historical romance centered on the creation of the Taj Mahal, symbolizing Shah Jahan's undying love for his queen, Mumtaz Mahal. The narrative unfolds on two parallel tracks: one focuses on the intimate love story between Shah Jahan and Arjumand Banu, told from the perspectives of Shah Jahan, Arjumand, and her loyal eunuch Isa, revealing their deep bonds and personal sacrifices. The second storyline explores the later years of Shah Jahan's reign, marked by the monumental construction of the Taj Mahal, political intrigue, and the violent power struggles among his sons for control of the Peacock Throne. Interwoven into this tale is the journey of Murthi, a Hindu craftsman brought to carve the intricate marble lattice around Mumtaz's tomb, highlighting the era's artistic achievements and the religious tensions of 17th-century India. This novel goes beyond romance, immersing the reader in the grandeur and hardship of the Mughal period, capturing both the splendor of royal life and the stark poverty of the time.