Vagabond Princess: The Great Adventures of Gulbadan

The first-ever biography of Princess Gulbadan, a charismatic adventurer and a key figure in the Mughal Empire, explores her migratory childhood, life in a walled harem, and an unprecedented sailing and overland voyage to Arabia. Despite political tensions and a dramatic shipwreck, she wrote a book that reflects the women's conviviality, adventure, and autonomies of her time.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 27 February 2024
Publisher: Yale University Press

A Captivating Biography of a World-Renowned Adventurer: Princess Gulbadan

In the early years of the magnificent Mughal Empire, a captivating biography emerges, shedding light on the remarkable life of Princess Gulbadan. This groundbreaking work, the first ever to chronicle her story, offers an enthralling portrayal of a charismatic adventurer and provides unique insights into the multicultural society in which she lived.

Princess Gulbadan's journey began with a migratory childhood that spanned Kabul and northern India. Her formative years were spent in a walled harem, established by her nephew Akbar, as a symbol of his authority as the Great Emperor. Despite her longing for the vibrant itinerant lifestyle she had known, Gulbadan was confined within the walls of the harem. However, with Akbar's blessing, she embarked on an extraordinary expedition that would redefine her destiny.

Guided by her unwavering spirit, Gulbadan led an unprecedented sailing and overland voyage, showcasing her courage and determination. Along the way, she guided harem women on an extended pilgrimage to Arabia, where they experienced a world beyond their imagination. However, their journey was not without challenges. As political tensions escalated, the womens "un-Islamic" behavior forced their return, prolonging their journey through a dramatic shipwreck in the Red Sea.

Upon her return, Gulbadan penned a remarkable book, the only extant work of prose by a woman of her era. Unfortunately, a significant portion of her memoir remains missing, either lost to history or redacted by officials who sought to suppress her voice.

In "Vagabond Princess," the author delves into the story of the missing pages and breathes new life into the daring historical figure of Princess Gulbadan. Through meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, the book offers a portal to a richly complex world, filled with movement and migration. It highlights the conviviality, adventure, and autonomy of women in a society often dominated by male-dominated narratives.

Princess Gulbadan's life serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of women who defied societal expectations and pursued their passions. Her journey reminds us of the power of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom, even in the face of adversity. By reclaiming her story and sharing it with the world, "Vagabond Princess" contributes to our understanding of the rich tapestry of history and the remarkable contributions of women who have shaped our world.

Weight: 548g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300251272