A Lamp for the Dark World: Akbar, India's Greatest Mughal

Akbar the Great is a contested figure in Indian history, hailed as a brilliant warrior and administrator but mysterious. This biography provides psychological insights into his complex personality, revealing his ideas and ideals of kingship, megalomania, doubts, and yearning for justice. It brings him alive as never before, ruling for fifty years and living in the Indian imagination for half a millennium.

Format: Hardback
Length: 396 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Akbar the Great, a renowned figure in Indian history, is celebrated for his remarkable achievements as a warrior, administrator, and visionary ruler. His ideas of pluralism and tolerance aimed to unite India's diverse peoples and religions, making him an increasingly contested figure in the national discourse. Despite his familiarity, Akbar remains a mystery, shrouded in his own legend. This biography seeks to unravel the complexities of his character, exploring his childhood, fatherhood, relationships, and ascent to power.

As a thirteen-year-old fatherless boy, surrounded by ambitious advisors and warlords, Akbar's journey to becoming one of the world's most powerful monarchs is intriguing. How did he navigate the challenges and seize opportunities? Was he a sceptic or did he believe in divine powers? Parvati Sharma's biography offers revealing psychological insights into Akbar's complex personality, shedding light on his moods, passions, and aspirations.

Through his reign, Akbar's ideas and ideals of kingship evolved, concentrating both political and religious authority in himself. He exhibited instances of megalomania, doubts, and a yearning for justice. The biography vividly portrays the world Akbar lived in, filled with rich detail and unforgettable characters.

Parvati Sharma's meticulously researched and beautifully written portrait of Akbar the Great brings him to life in a way that has never been done before. The book delves deep into his life, exploring his imperfections and extraordinary achievements. Akbar's reign lasted fifty years, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence Indian culture and history to this day.

In conclusion, Akbar the Great remains a captivating figure in Indian history, and Parvati Sharma's biography offers a fresh perspective on his life and legacy. Through psychological insights and vivid storytelling, the book sheds light on the complexities of a man who ruled for fifty years and continues to be celebrated for his contributions to India's cultural and political landscape.

Weight: 680g
Dimension: 229 x 165 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538177891