Gods, Guns, and Gold: The Mughal Empire's Real Story

We all know the Taj Mahal, a stunning symbol of love. But what about the empire that built it? The Mughal Empire was more than just magnificent buildings; it was a complex tapestry of conquest, culture, and controversy that shaped modern South Asia. From the ambitious warlord Babur who thundered down from Central Asia, to the syncretic genius of Akbar who sought to unite a diverse populace, and the pious austerity of Aurangzeb whose policies sowed the seeds of decline. This is the story of how a dynasty of outsiders created one of history's wealthiest empires, exploring:

• The political vacuum that allowed their rise.
• The administrative genius that held it together.
• The cultural fusion that produced breathtaking art.
• The pressures that led to its eventual fall.