This book is set in the Mughal times and is a portrait of Jahanara, the daughter of emperor Shah Jahan who is famous for building the Taj Mahal, in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The book begins with the death of Mumtaz and the shift of her power and responsibilities to her daughter Jahanara, who is devoted to her father and supports him through his subequent depression and withdrawal from court life. The book is perfectly titled "The Shadow Princess" as the princess realizes that she and her sister will be forever shadowed by the memory of their mother. Even today, everyone remembers Mumtaz Mahal because of the Taj, the most beautiful monument ever made purely for love.
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| Jahanara and Shah Jahan (http://www.exoticindiaart.com) |
The book offers an interesting glimpse into the politics of the Mughal court life. The young princes vie for the throne, trying to prove themselves to their father. The sisters have their own power struggle for the control of the zenana, and their love for the same courtier, Mirza Najabat Khan. Each pledges their loyalty to one of the brothers realizing that their power will be determined by whoever ascends the throne after their father. The women yield a different kind of power, shaping loyalties, veiled in secrecy and taking lovers.
The personal and the political clash in Jahanara's life as she strives to shoulder her responsibilities but has a secret liaison with Mirza Najabat Khan. There are also hints of an incestuous relationship with her father, though in the book they are accrued to a rumor started by her sister Roshanara, in order to ruin Jahanara's reputation. Even though she sacrifices much of her personal life, she makes some strong choices and retains her power and position despite the vacillations of court life.
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| The beautiful Taj Mahal |
Parallel to her story is Shah Jahan's undertaking of building the Taj Mahal. Interestingly, his inspiration for the white tomb comes from the tomb Mehrunissa built for her father. (Mehrunissa, popularly known as Nur Jahan was his step mother and caused him to be exiled and hunted by his father till the time he seized power and banished her from his kingdom). It is ironic that despite his enmity with her, it was her idea and creativity that inspired the Taj which became a wonder of the world and immortalized Shah Jahan.
Overall the book is an engaging read. It is a political thriller, a love story, a portrait of the Mughal royal family and a wonderful piece of historical fiction. I highly recommend this book and will definitely be reading Indu Sunderesan's "The Twentieth Wife" which is based on the life of Nur Jahan.
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