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शहेनशहा
A story revealing all aspects of life of Aurangzeb.
715 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1970
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May 22, 2021
One of the famous Marathi novel. Amazing work done by N.S. Inamdar and beautiful translation by Vikrant Pande. This book is for those who want to understand Aurangzeb. I already have read Rau (Bajirao Mastani movie based on) translated by the same author.
A good, comprehensive Biography of cruel emperor Aurangzeb, the Mughal King who was practically the last of the bigoted Mughal. So basically this book is divided into 3 parts; Subedar of Deccan, King, Jihadi.
The book mostly goes through conversation which make it an easy and fast read. While the personal life of Aurangzeb and his "zenankhana" (wives and concubines and family) is well-depicted, his religious fundamentalism, the abrupt declaration of "Jihad" against Rajputs, Marathas and Sikhs, the re-imposition of Jizya (yearly taxes on non muslim) all mentioned in this book.
He murdered his own brothers, jailed his own father, daughter and son, behead Sikh guru Tegh Bahadur and villain of Shivaji and Sambhaji. He was the one who with his long lived life & an unclaimed, huge power over complete Hindustan is explored in this novel. Its where u get to know the cruelest and most extreme emperor of India. Emperor Aurangzeb, who had a very long rein and who did what he wanted to do, otherwise of situations. He was obstinate, he was politician who had learn politics through living it so would not move back in any of his decisions, even if it was hurting his own family.
This book also focuses on other side of Emperor Aurangzeb. The author has given a brief view on Aurangzeb’s early life too. He devoted himself completely to the affairs of his state, was ambitious, hardworking, clever, and a deeply religious person. He tried to establish Mughal rule all over India and somewhat succeeded too. But then due to some of his decisions, the cruelty by which he imposed those decisions on his people and of course due to Maratha military resurgence under Shivaji Maharaj, he had to see terminal decline in his reign. He tried to centralise power and so he had to throughout his life be on war field as one after another rebelled against him. His half the life went in over running Marathas, but till end of life he tried to defeat them but he couldn't. Even after killing Sambhaji Raje.
The death of Aurangzeb set in motion the beginning of the end of the mughal. He died without naming anyone as the successor. Much against his last wishes, the sons immediately took to fighting amongst each other as soon as Aurangzeb died. The same way Aurangzeb did with his brothers to become emperor of mughal empire. I guess karma work on its own way.
It was fast paced and the pace was maintained till the end.
Those who want to read real history should read History of Aurangzib by Jadunath Sarkar. It is the most authoritative account of Aurangzeb.
Now fact :
Aurangzeb responsible for GENOCIDE of 4.6 MILLION Hindus as Per NY TIMES data & research.
http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/201...
A good, comprehensive Biography of cruel emperor Aurangzeb, the Mughal King who was practically the last of the bigoted Mughal. So basically this book is divided into 3 parts; Subedar of Deccan, King, Jihadi.
The book mostly goes through conversation which make it an easy and fast read. While the personal life of Aurangzeb and his "zenankhana" (wives and concubines and family) is well-depicted, his religious fundamentalism, the abrupt declaration of "Jihad" against Rajputs, Marathas and Sikhs, the re-imposition of Jizya (yearly taxes on non muslim) all mentioned in this book.
He murdered his own brothers, jailed his own father, daughter and son, behead Sikh guru Tegh Bahadur and villain of Shivaji and Sambhaji. He was the one who with his long lived life & an unclaimed, huge power over complete Hindustan is explored in this novel. Its where u get to know the cruelest and most extreme emperor of India. Emperor Aurangzeb, who had a very long rein and who did what he wanted to do, otherwise of situations. He was obstinate, he was politician who had learn politics through living it so would not move back in any of his decisions, even if it was hurting his own family.
This book also focuses on other side of Emperor Aurangzeb. The author has given a brief view on Aurangzeb’s early life too. He devoted himself completely to the affairs of his state, was ambitious, hardworking, clever, and a deeply religious person. He tried to establish Mughal rule all over India and somewhat succeeded too. But then due to some of his decisions, the cruelty by which he imposed those decisions on his people and of course due to Maratha military resurgence under Shivaji Maharaj, he had to see terminal decline in his reign. He tried to centralise power and so he had to throughout his life be on war field as one after another rebelled against him. His half the life went in over running Marathas, but till end of life he tried to defeat them but he couldn't. Even after killing Sambhaji Raje.
The death of Aurangzeb set in motion the beginning of the end of the mughal. He died without naming anyone as the successor. Much against his last wishes, the sons immediately took to fighting amongst each other as soon as Aurangzeb died. The same way Aurangzeb did with his brothers to become emperor of mughal empire. I guess karma work on its own way.
It was fast paced and the pace was maintained till the end.
Those who want to read real history should read History of Aurangzib by Jadunath Sarkar. It is the most authoritative account of Aurangzeb.
Now fact :
Aurangzeb responsible for GENOCIDE of 4.6 MILLION Hindus as Per NY TIMES data & research.
http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/201...
March 29, 2017
268-232 BC . India was ruled by an emperor from the Maurya Dynasty - Ashok (usually hailed as) - The Great . An emperor who had a dream of a unified India - unified under the Mauryan banner . Ashok was the second son of the second emperor of the Maurya Clan - Bindusar . It is said that he shared a strained relationship with his father . Ashok was appointed as the viceroy of Ujjainyi and afterwards was sent to Taxila to supress a revolt which his elder brother and the eldest son of Bindusar , Sushim , failed to supress . After Bindusar's death the question of succession rose and the battle of succession broke out amongst the claimants of the throne . Which was eventually won by Ashok and after killing his brothers he became the emperor . He fought numerous wars throughout the nation and won all of them . The Mauryan banner was all over the land , except in the empire of Kaling (present day Orissa) . Ashok launched a military campaign and won the empire of Kaling . But Ashok's heart wrenched by seeing the lumps of corpses and heavy destruction in Kaling , Ashok decided to adopt the religion of Buddhism and vowed that he will never pick the wepons again .
1650-1707 CE . India was ruled by an emperor from the Mughal dynasty , born out of one of the most romantic relationship in the history - the son of Shahjahan and Mumtaz Mahal . A man considered as one of the cruelest emperors in the history - Aurangzeb . Sharing a strained relationship with his father Shah Jahan he was appointed as the subedar of one of the most troubled parts of the Mughal empire -Deccen . Sharing a bitter rivalry with his brothers he won the throne by killing his brothers in the battle of succession and house arrested Shahjahan in the Agra fort . He ruled the Mughal Kingdom for fifty-seven years . Relentlessly fought Marathas for the last twenty-six years of his life .
I have written about Emperor Ashok in this review because I find many similarities between Ashok and Aurangzeb . When I noticed these similarities I felt like time and history repeted themselves centuries after the reign of Ashok . Despite having many characteristic similarities , these two emperors stands in completely contradicting lights in the history . One is considered as "The Great" and other "The Cruelest" . I have a question regarding Ashok's adoption of Buddhism that why didn't Ashok's heart change in any of the wars he fought before the war of Kaling ? Why he never thought of adopting Buddhism before ? I think that the decision of becoming a Buddhist was more a political or tactical decision because after winning Kaling there was nothing left to win . When Ashok hid behind the veil of Buddhism he was hailed as - The Great .
On the other hand there is Aurangzeb , who throughout his life was never at ease , fighting was the only thing he learnt in his life . A man killing his own brother for the throne . Rebelling against his father ( by the way rebelling against father was nothing new in the Mughal Dynasty ) . But how many of us know that during the reign of Aurangzeb India holded 27% of world's Gross Domestic Product . It is true that Aurangzeb never successfully suppressed the Marathas , but we forget that till he ruled no one dared to attack Delhi directly . He was the man who stood with the stark nakedness of whatever he did , but refused to hide behind the veil of any relegion and went on to be called as - "The Great" . I think Aurangzeb and even Shivaji are victims of the filthiest form of politics in India - the relegious politics . There still many political lunatics who divides the people on the name of Shivaji and Aurangzeb .
'Shahenshah' by N.S. Inamdar is a wonderful account on the life of Aurangzeb . The book starts with the appointment of Aurangzeb as the Subedar of Deccen . The tension building on both fronts - personal and political , is perfectly built from the first page itself . I have read many historical fiction novels and majority of them were interesting but slow , but this book was an exception . It was fast paced and the pace was maintained till the end . The most interesting thing thing I found about the character building of Aurangzeb was that as the reader turns the pages the character contradicts itself . Sometimes Aurangzeb seems like a stunch Muslim and sometimes he looks like a wannabe secular emperor ( on some instances he points towards Akbar's reign , a subtle hint of Akbar being his inspiration ) . I think the author tried to portray the inner tussle of Aurangzeb about what he wants to do and what people around him making him do what he does . In a way it also reflects insecurity and fear of Aurangzeb of loosing his empire if mullahs and maulvis rebel against him . The third book largely covers his conquest for Deccen and his struggle to supress the Marathas . The third book also describes the call for jehad and how the call backfired him and how he stood against all those odds .
This perhaps the best novel based on the life of Aurangzeb . The translation by Vikrant Pande was also great .
Perfect 5 Stars .
1650-1707 CE . India was ruled by an emperor from the Mughal dynasty , born out of one of the most romantic relationship in the history - the son of Shahjahan and Mumtaz Mahal . A man considered as one of the cruelest emperors in the history - Aurangzeb . Sharing a strained relationship with his father Shah Jahan he was appointed as the subedar of one of the most troubled parts of the Mughal empire -Deccen . Sharing a bitter rivalry with his brothers he won the throne by killing his brothers in the battle of succession and house arrested Shahjahan in the Agra fort . He ruled the Mughal Kingdom for fifty-seven years . Relentlessly fought Marathas for the last twenty-six years of his life .
I have written about Emperor Ashok in this review because I find many similarities between Ashok and Aurangzeb . When I noticed these similarities I felt like time and history repeted themselves centuries after the reign of Ashok . Despite having many characteristic similarities , these two emperors stands in completely contradicting lights in the history . One is considered as "The Great" and other "The Cruelest" . I have a question regarding Ashok's adoption of Buddhism that why didn't Ashok's heart change in any of the wars he fought before the war of Kaling ? Why he never thought of adopting Buddhism before ? I think that the decision of becoming a Buddhist was more a political or tactical decision because after winning Kaling there was nothing left to win . When Ashok hid behind the veil of Buddhism he was hailed as - The Great .
On the other hand there is Aurangzeb , who throughout his life was never at ease , fighting was the only thing he learnt in his life . A man killing his own brother for the throne . Rebelling against his father ( by the way rebelling against father was nothing new in the Mughal Dynasty ) . But how many of us know that during the reign of Aurangzeb India holded 27% of world's Gross Domestic Product . It is true that Aurangzeb never successfully suppressed the Marathas , but we forget that till he ruled no one dared to attack Delhi directly . He was the man who stood with the stark nakedness of whatever he did , but refused to hide behind the veil of any relegion and went on to be called as - "The Great" . I think Aurangzeb and even Shivaji are victims of the filthiest form of politics in India - the relegious politics . There still many political lunatics who divides the people on the name of Shivaji and Aurangzeb .
'Shahenshah' by N.S. Inamdar is a wonderful account on the life of Aurangzeb . The book starts with the appointment of Aurangzeb as the Subedar of Deccen . The tension building on both fronts - personal and political , is perfectly built from the first page itself . I have read many historical fiction novels and majority of them were interesting but slow , but this book was an exception . It was fast paced and the pace was maintained till the end . The most interesting thing thing I found about the character building of Aurangzeb was that as the reader turns the pages the character contradicts itself . Sometimes Aurangzeb seems like a stunch Muslim and sometimes he looks like a wannabe secular emperor ( on some instances he points towards Akbar's reign , a subtle hint of Akbar being his inspiration ) . I think the author tried to portray the inner tussle of Aurangzeb about what he wants to do and what people around him making him do what he does . In a way it also reflects insecurity and fear of Aurangzeb of loosing his empire if mullahs and maulvis rebel against him . The third book largely covers his conquest for Deccen and his struggle to supress the Marathas . The third book also describes the call for jehad and how the call backfired him and how he stood against all those odds .
This perhaps the best novel based on the life of Aurangzeb . The translation by Vikrant Pande was also great .
Perfect 5 Stars .
December 14, 2025
Okay to read once
June 27, 2016
Magnificent and non-Judgmental..
April 30, 2023
“The life of Aurangzeb was one long tragedy- a story of man battling in vain against an invisible but inexorable Fate.”
- Jadunath Sarkar, A Short History of Aurangzeb
Title of the book: Shahenshah- The Life of Aurangzeb
Author of the book: N.S. Inamdar, translated from Marathi by Vikrant Pande
Genre: Historical fiction
Synopsis:
This book traces Aurangzeb’s life from his thirties to his death at eighty-eight. We see him transform from an ambitious, but much-maligned Shahzada to the ruthless, uncompromising Shahenshah of our history books. Death and distrust follow Aurangzeb throughout his life. He ascends the Peacock Throne after brutally murdering each of his brothers and imprisons his own father at the jail in Agra Fort. In the final years of his life, his actions come to haunt him as he is forced to deal with his own sons who seek to repeat history. Meanwhile, Aurangzeb’s nemesis, the great Shivaji, casts long shadows even after his death, and ultimately Aurangzeb dies with his jehad incomplete, and with the Marathas undefeated.
What stood out about this book was its focus on women; Aurangzeb’s zenankhana provided us with a different perspective on Aurangzeb, one far more tender than the one we know. Yet Aurangzeb’s ruthlessness, bigotry and insensitivity to his subjects were real aspects of his life, and the book does not shy away from portraying the darker, more well-known side of Aurangzeb either.
My opinion:
I enjoyed the way this book portrayed Aurangzeb, for I had feared it would turn him into some sort of tragic, misunderstood anti-hero while dismissing all his vices. This book instead managed to instil in the readers a small amount of empathy with Aurangzeb without diluting or justifying any of his actions.
However, I cannot say I was fond of the writing, and this may be because I was reading the translation. The dialogue seemed mildly anachronistic. The book was also interspersed with typing errors, much to my annoyance.
The book also lacks drama, and at times may feel anti-climactic. In the end, though, I enjoyed this effect for I am rather tired of the way modern entertainment seems to make everything seem overly dramatic.
Recommendation: I’d recommend this book to all those who love Mughal culture and history.
- Jadunath Sarkar, A Short History of Aurangzeb
Title of the book: Shahenshah- The Life of Aurangzeb
Author of the book: N.S. Inamdar, translated from Marathi by Vikrant Pande
Genre: Historical fiction
Synopsis:
This book traces Aurangzeb’s life from his thirties to his death at eighty-eight. We see him transform from an ambitious, but much-maligned Shahzada to the ruthless, uncompromising Shahenshah of our history books. Death and distrust follow Aurangzeb throughout his life. He ascends the Peacock Throne after brutally murdering each of his brothers and imprisons his own father at the jail in Agra Fort. In the final years of his life, his actions come to haunt him as he is forced to deal with his own sons who seek to repeat history. Meanwhile, Aurangzeb’s nemesis, the great Shivaji, casts long shadows even after his death, and ultimately Aurangzeb dies with his jehad incomplete, and with the Marathas undefeated.
What stood out about this book was its focus on women; Aurangzeb’s zenankhana provided us with a different perspective on Aurangzeb, one far more tender than the one we know. Yet Aurangzeb’s ruthlessness, bigotry and insensitivity to his subjects were real aspects of his life, and the book does not shy away from portraying the darker, more well-known side of Aurangzeb either.
My opinion:
I enjoyed the way this book portrayed Aurangzeb, for I had feared it would turn him into some sort of tragic, misunderstood anti-hero while dismissing all his vices. This book instead managed to instil in the readers a small amount of empathy with Aurangzeb without diluting or justifying any of his actions.
However, I cannot say I was fond of the writing, and this may be because I was reading the translation. The dialogue seemed mildly anachronistic. The book was also interspersed with typing errors, much to my annoyance.
The book also lacks drama, and at times may feel anti-climactic. In the end, though, I enjoyed this effect for I am rather tired of the way modern entertainment seems to make everything seem overly dramatic.
Recommendation: I’d recommend this book to all those who love Mughal culture and history.
March 24, 2016
Brilliantly written book!!! I never felt like reading this book just b'coz it was based on Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. But dunno how, I suddenly decided up to read it. Almost many of us know Aurangzeb as a cruel emperor who ascended throne by defeating his brothers and imprisoning his father and not to mention as an enemy of Shivaji Maharaj.
This book focuses on other side of Emperor Aurangzeb. The author has given a brief view on Aurangzeb’s early life too. In many aspects you can say, Aurangzeb was a remarkable man. Among the Mughals, he possessed extraordinary qualities. He devoted himself completely to the affairs of his state, was ambitious, hardworking, clever, and a deeply religious person. He tried to establish Mughal rule all over India and somewhat succeeded too. But then due to some of his decisions, the cruelty by which he imposed those decisions on his people and of course due to Maratha military resurgence under Shivaji Maharaj, he had to see terminal decline in his reign.
After reading this book, you can’t change your opinions completely about him but it surely gives you a wider perspective of his character. Recommending it to all of those who love history !!!
This book focuses on other side of Emperor Aurangzeb. The author has given a brief view on Aurangzeb’s early life too. In many aspects you can say, Aurangzeb was a remarkable man. Among the Mughals, he possessed extraordinary qualities. He devoted himself completely to the affairs of his state, was ambitious, hardworking, clever, and a deeply religious person. He tried to establish Mughal rule all over India and somewhat succeeded too. But then due to some of his decisions, the cruelty by which he imposed those decisions on his people and of course due to Maratha military resurgence under Shivaji Maharaj, he had to see terminal decline in his reign.
After reading this book, you can’t change your opinions completely about him but it surely gives you a wider perspective of his character. Recommending it to all of those who love history !!!
September 3, 2016
This is a biographical fiction based on the life of Aurangzeb. The story is divided into 3 parts; Subedar (of Deccan), King, Jihadi.
The book consists mostly of conversations, which make it an easy, fast read but lacks in insights. While d personal life of Aurangzeb and his "zanankhana" (wives and concubines and family) is well-depicted, his religious fundamentalism has been deliberately underplayed by d author. Also, d abrupt declaration of "Jihad" against Rajputs, Marathas and Sikhs, the re-imposition of Jizya after a century was surprising as no reasoning at all was given. This was bizarre as author should have given a one-sided thought process atleast.
Also missing is a sort of smartness, some twists and turns, surprises ; A sort of polishing which I find is absent in Marathi books. Maybe bcoz the book is a little old.
Finally, thanks to d translator Vikrant Pande for giving a v.good English translation from Marathi. Couldnt have read this without the Kindle ebook option.
The book consists mostly of conversations, which make it an easy, fast read but lacks in insights. While d personal life of Aurangzeb and his "zanankhana" (wives and concubines and family) is well-depicted, his religious fundamentalism has been deliberately underplayed by d author. Also, d abrupt declaration of "Jihad" against Rajputs, Marathas and Sikhs, the re-imposition of Jizya after a century was surprising as no reasoning at all was given. This was bizarre as author should have given a one-sided thought process atleast.
Also missing is a sort of smartness, some twists and turns, surprises ; A sort of polishing which I find is absent in Marathi books. Maybe bcoz the book is a little old.
Finally, thanks to d translator Vikrant Pande for giving a v.good English translation from Marathi. Couldnt have read this without the Kindle ebook option.
January 9, 2017
Aurangzeb- One of the most controversial and barbaric of the Mughal rulers, also, one of the most successful(by the number of years he ruled and also by how he was able to rule in the barbaric era as the last influential Mughal heir). Anyone who is intrigued about the Mughal history and the Dark age of the Mughal Era(so to speak), this is a book that does most justice to understand his character as- a staunch Muslim, an incurable romantic, a loving father and an influential warrior.
I personally have been quite intrigued about this understood/misunderstood Mughal ruler and whether he was well deserving of all the iniquitous deeds, the book takes you by a confusing surprise while unfolding the not-much-talked about facets of his mighty self. The retrospection of his devout self, the never-ending quest of his father's love/forgiveness and his weaknesses as well as fears has answered all that I was looking for in this biography of yet another unforgettable ruler.
I personally have been quite intrigued about this understood/misunderstood Mughal ruler and whether he was well deserving of all the iniquitous deeds, the book takes you by a confusing surprise while unfolding the not-much-talked about facets of his mighty self. The retrospection of his devout self, the never-ending quest of his father's love/forgiveness and his weaknesses as well as fears has answered all that I was looking for in this biography of yet another unforgettable ruler.
July 23, 2015
Its one book where u get to know the cruelest and most extreme emperor of India. Every adjective for him is lesser and every extreme word is smaller. Emperor Aurangzeb, who had a very long rein and who did what he wanted to do, otherwise of situations. He was obstinate, he was politician who had learn politics through living it so would not move back in any of his decisions, even if it was hurting his own family.
He came to power defeating his father and brothers and then terminating them so there will be no other power centre. He tried to centralise power and so he had to througout his life be on war field as one after another rebelled against him. His half the life went in over running Marathas, but till end of life he tried to defeat them but he couldn't. Even after killing Sambhaji Raje.
He came to power defeating his father and brothers and then terminating them so there will be no other power centre. He tried to centralise power and so he had to througout his life be on war field as one after another rebelled against him. His half the life went in over running Marathas, but till end of life he tried to defeat them but he couldn't. Even after killing Sambhaji Raje.
January 3, 2017
Aurangzeb ruled India for 49 years, one of the most cruel Mughal. Vikrant Pande has done a great job by translating for non Marathi readers ( read English readers). The Story has glimpses of Jenankhana or Living Quarters of Royal Ladies as they lived and influenced the Mughal India.
Aurangzeb was tough Emperor and lived in tents fighting the "kafirs" ( Marathas or Rajputanas) and also Islamic forces of Deccan for most of his life.
Father , Brothers, Sisters , Wives , Sons or Daughters he punished most of them.
Must Read.
Aurangzeb was tough Emperor and lived in tents fighting the "kafirs" ( Marathas or Rajputanas) and also Islamic forces of Deccan for most of his life.
Father , Brothers, Sisters , Wives , Sons or Daughters he punished most of them.
Must Read.
February 2, 2017
For me it was foremost a good introduction to the history of India. It was written in a way to be as historicaly accurate as possible, since the history of Mughgal rulers is well documented. So if you are a history freak you'll enjoy it to the core, but in other cases it was slightly lacking in depth, escpecially the romance and personal relations parts were really shallow and still way to formal and seemed like the personal historian of the badshah has written them.
December 27, 2016
A good, comprehensive Biography of Aurangzeb, the Mughal King who was practically the last of the great Mughals. He is not found occupying place of pride in public consciousness but reading a book on him has made him better understood for me. Well written, though the character had limited scope of exploration being quite dour and devout.
October 10, 2014
Still about to finish it, but people in love with history, please do read it. We always know Aurangzeb as an enemy of Shivaji and killer of Sambhaji, read this book to understand this character better...
December 23, 2017
Excellent writing. He's still a total asshole though. Would recommend if you aren't prone to boiling fits of rage over how the author tries to make Aurangazeb justify his actions as the 'will of Allah'.
June 7, 2016
Most inspiring..
September 3, 2020
🅱🅾🅾🅺 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆: Shahenshah: The Life of Aurangzeb by N.S. Inamdar
‘Let me clarify: only one of the four Shahzadas is going to survive. This has been the Mughal tradition for generations. No one can change it even if one wants to. If you are not willing to fight for the throne you will have to accept defeat and death. It will be a pity if all the people who have shed their blood for Islam feel their sacrifices were in vain.’
Aurangzeb, named as the cruellest ruler of Indian history has no need for further introduction. Almost all of us in some point of time in our life had read/heard about him, be it in a school textbook or in tv/ big screen. Aurangzeb, the 3rd son of emperor Shahjahan, shunned by his father and antagonized by his eldest brother Darashikoh who was his father's favourite, rebel against his father. He murders his own brothers and keeps his father in house arrest to become the shahenshah of India and sit on the Peacock Throne. During his 50 years of the long reign, he re-imposed the Jizya, conquered the southern Muslim sultanates, expands Mughal rule all over India and called Jihad against the non-muslims which ultimately backfired against him.
Shahenshah is a 1970 Marathi historical fiction novel that unravels the inner life of the formidable Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and the twists of fate and duty that come with the throne. The book is divided into three parts: The 1st part begins with Aurangzeb's Subedari of Deccan and ends with his victory in the war of succession. The 2nd part starts with Aurangzeb's coronation in Delhi, follows the events of his 24 years of reign, and end with him calling jihad. And the 3rd part begins with Aurangzeb Deccan's campaign, follows his 26 years of jihad and end with his life.
‘Yes. It does not surprise me any more. The Badshah has not favoured me for the last few years. In fact, I would have been surprised had he not acted in this fashion. He has sent me here to take charge of the Deccan with all the liberties of a prisoner. And... The Badshah does not trust me. He fears I will revolt once I take charge of the Deccan and he feels he can keep me in check holding my family back in Agra as a hostage. He has taken such a step under political pressure.’
Initially, I was anxious that N.S. Inamdar, being a Maharashtrian might be tempted to patronize Shivaji, Sambhaji, and generally the Marathas and end up being biased. But many kudos to him for not falling prey to this sentiment and staying true to the character. The book mostly goes in conversation which makes it an easy and fast read. The use of Urdu words in the narration gives you a flavour of the era. Vikrant Pande had done a commendable job in retaining the essence of original work in his translation.
The book well depicted Aurangzeb's personal life - his zenankhana, his personal relations with his queens, concubines and children and his affinity and camaraderie with his several officers and generals of the empire. The books also portrayed the human side of Aurangzeb. Yes, he was a cruel, fanatic, zealot, shrewd, Hindu-hating emperor, but he was also a lover who grieves for months on his lover's death, a husband who was very protective about his wives, a son who wanted his father's forgiveness, a helpless father who banished/imprisoned his own children, a vulnerable heartbroken man who unburdens his anxieties and failures to his daughter.
‘We have till date worked in a manner not to disturb the peace of the country. But there is a limit to my patience. After all, Allah has put me on this throne to do my duties. I have no option to call for jihad now. Adil Shah of Bijapur and Qutub Khan of Golconda are using Shivaji to attack us. We will have to find another way to tackle them. We had pardoned them till date but we cannot tolerate their sins any more.’
Overall, Shahenshah: The Life of Aurangzeb was a good read. The book is certainly a treasure trove of historical information for the history lover. Reading it didn’t change my opinions about Aurangzeb but it surely gives me a wider perspective of his character. Highly Recommending it to all the history lovers.
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐
‘Let me clarify: only one of the four Shahzadas is going to survive. This has been the Mughal tradition for generations. No one can change it even if one wants to. If you are not willing to fight for the throne you will have to accept defeat and death. It will be a pity if all the people who have shed their blood for Islam feel their sacrifices were in vain.’
Aurangzeb, named as the cruellest ruler of Indian history has no need for further introduction. Almost all of us in some point of time in our life had read/heard about him, be it in a school textbook or in tv/ big screen. Aurangzeb, the 3rd son of emperor Shahjahan, shunned by his father and antagonized by his eldest brother Darashikoh who was his father's favourite, rebel against his father. He murders his own brothers and keeps his father in house arrest to become the shahenshah of India and sit on the Peacock Throne. During his 50 years of the long reign, he re-imposed the Jizya, conquered the southern Muslim sultanates, expands Mughal rule all over India and called Jihad against the non-muslims which ultimately backfired against him.
Shahenshah is a 1970 Marathi historical fiction novel that unravels the inner life of the formidable Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and the twists of fate and duty that come with the throne. The book is divided into three parts: The 1st part begins with Aurangzeb's Subedari of Deccan and ends with his victory in the war of succession. The 2nd part starts with Aurangzeb's coronation in Delhi, follows the events of his 24 years of reign, and end with him calling jihad. And the 3rd part begins with Aurangzeb Deccan's campaign, follows his 26 years of jihad and end with his life.
‘Yes. It does not surprise me any more. The Badshah has not favoured me for the last few years. In fact, I would have been surprised had he not acted in this fashion. He has sent me here to take charge of the Deccan with all the liberties of a prisoner. And... The Badshah does not trust me. He fears I will revolt once I take charge of the Deccan and he feels he can keep me in check holding my family back in Agra as a hostage. He has taken such a step under political pressure.’
Initially, I was anxious that N.S. Inamdar, being a Maharashtrian might be tempted to patronize Shivaji, Sambhaji, and generally the Marathas and end up being biased. But many kudos to him for not falling prey to this sentiment and staying true to the character. The book mostly goes in conversation which makes it an easy and fast read. The use of Urdu words in the narration gives you a flavour of the era. Vikrant Pande had done a commendable job in retaining the essence of original work in his translation.
The book well depicted Aurangzeb's personal life - his zenankhana, his personal relations with his queens, concubines and children and his affinity and camaraderie with his several officers and generals of the empire. The books also portrayed the human side of Aurangzeb. Yes, he was a cruel, fanatic, zealot, shrewd, Hindu-hating emperor, but he was also a lover who grieves for months on his lover's death, a husband who was very protective about his wives, a son who wanted his father's forgiveness, a helpless father who banished/imprisoned his own children, a vulnerable heartbroken man who unburdens his anxieties and failures to his daughter.
‘We have till date worked in a manner not to disturb the peace of the country. But there is a limit to my patience. After all, Allah has put me on this throne to do my duties. I have no option to call for jihad now. Adil Shah of Bijapur and Qutub Khan of Golconda are using Shivaji to attack us. We will have to find another way to tackle them. We had pardoned them till date but we cannot tolerate their sins any more.’
Overall, Shahenshah: The Life of Aurangzeb was a good read. The book is certainly a treasure trove of historical information for the history lover. Reading it didn’t change my opinions about Aurangzeb but it surely gives me a wider perspective of his character. Highly Recommending it to all the history lovers.
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐
April 11, 2018
This biographical novel is an interesting read. The character was very well and unbiasedly depicted by the author. The book is written from Aurangzeb's point of view. I know I am stating the obvious, but this comment serves the Anti-Aurangzeb zealots as a general reading guideline. I was worried that the author being a person of Maharashtra might be tempted to patronize Shivaji, Sambhaji and generally the Marathas and end up being biased. Many kudos to the author for not falling prey to this sentiment and staying true to his objective. Only grumble I have is the avoidable lengthy cheesy discourses about Aurangzeb's harem. Hence the 4 stars.
A general gripe I have about historical novels which applies to this book is that as a reader one is never sure about the transgressions made by author between fact and fiction. For an authentic discourse related to Aurangzeb would be Jadunath Sarkar's treatise.
A general gripe I have about historical novels which applies to this book is that as a reader one is never sure about the transgressions made by author between fact and fiction. For an authentic discourse related to Aurangzeb would be Jadunath Sarkar's treatise.
February 29, 2020
Fiction. Not history.
A historical novel based on the life of the last of the Great Mughals.
The Aurangzeb that we have come to remember is a cruel, fanatic, Hindu-hating emperor.
Inamdar’s novel portrays the other side of Aurangzeb. Cruel and fanatic, yes. But there is also the human side of him. A husband who grieves in the death of his favourite wife. A vulnerable father who unburdens his anxieties and failures to his daughter.
Inamdar may have taken certain liberties with historical facts. But as a novelist he is entitled to that.
Overall, a good novel to read.
It inspires the reader to go for the history of one of the most controversial rulers of India who has inexorably influenced the course of the nation’s history.
Jadunath Sarkar’s A Short History of Aurangzeb is a logical next step.
A historical novel based on the life of the last of the Great Mughals.
The Aurangzeb that we have come to remember is a cruel, fanatic, Hindu-hating emperor.
Inamdar’s novel portrays the other side of Aurangzeb. Cruel and fanatic, yes. But there is also the human side of him. A husband who grieves in the death of his favourite wife. A vulnerable father who unburdens his anxieties and failures to his daughter.
Inamdar may have taken certain liberties with historical facts. But as a novelist he is entitled to that.
Overall, a good novel to read.
It inspires the reader to go for the history of one of the most controversial rulers of India who has inexorably influenced the course of the nation’s history.
Jadunath Sarkar’s A Short History of Aurangzeb is a logical next step.
March 25, 2022
Wonderful book. It is indeed an eye opener that such a great book exists in India’s vernacular languages and which to now have been inaccessible to the lay readers.
I would strongly recommend this book to any serious Indian history buff.
The translation however is passable and the beauty of the prose (if any since I cannot read Marathi) has all been lost, hence the four stars.
Aurangzeb was a pious, hardworking and sincere ruler of india. However his reign led to the demise of the Mughal empire in the subcontinent and led to the advent of the Maratha, Sikh and the British empires. For any thinking person this needs to be a cautionary tale about good intentions gone wrong.
I strongly recommend this book
I would strongly recommend this book to any serious Indian history buff.
The translation however is passable and the beauty of the prose (if any since I cannot read Marathi) has all been lost, hence the four stars.
Aurangzeb was a pious, hardworking and sincere ruler of india. However his reign led to the demise of the Mughal empire in the subcontinent and led to the advent of the Maratha, Sikh and the British empires. For any thinking person this needs to be a cautionary tale about good intentions gone wrong.
I strongly recommend this book
April 1, 2023
Well written book. Enjoyed it but not for true history buffs.
Predictable, not many surprises.
Gives a watered down version of the emperor who assassinated his own brothers esp Dara who was very popular with masses, imprisoned his father, no Mughal princess ever married, and tortured Sambhaji and the other notable princes before killing them.
If you want history- Jadunath Sarkar it is.
Predictable, not many surprises.
Gives a watered down version of the emperor who assassinated his own brothers esp Dara who was very popular with masses, imprisoned his father, no Mughal princess ever married, and tortured Sambhaji and the other notable princes before killing them.
If you want history- Jadunath Sarkar it is.
July 24, 2019
In marathi, there are very few books available on Aurangazeb. This is one of the best and must read book for those who love history as it was...
Beautifully written and presented. Everybody must read.
Beautifully written and presented. Everybody must read.
July 12, 2023
One time read.
Pro: Good insight into why Aurangzeb was what he was. Shows his intelligent and diligent side as well as his bad luck in life
Con: Some of the incidents appear too stretched or too quick, which end up breaking the flow.
Pro: Good insight into why Aurangzeb was what he was. Shows his intelligent and diligent side as well as his bad luck in life
Con: Some of the incidents appear too stretched or too quick, which end up breaking the flow.
Want to read
June 6, 2019This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2019
Shahensha book must read if you are the good reader. I very much like this. Thanks to inamdar sir for this book. Rajesh bhujwa surat
Want to read
March 31, 2020Excellent....book....
March 18, 2022
The book is all about personal life of Aurangzeb.. There is little on strategy of battle..
November 14, 2022
Best book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2023
Top notch
April 4, 2024
A good read to understand Aurangazeb.
November 7, 2025
if you want know the history from Shivaji Maharaj to starting of Peshwai... you must read it. it is not a book who made aurangjeb hero ....this is real marks to maratha emperiors
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