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Shahenshahs, Begums and Shahzadis
Historians have largely focused on the Mughals’ grand campaigns and imperial splendour. Yet, the true course of the empire was often shaped behind palace walls, moulded by the decisions, desires and dynamics of its kings, queens and royal households.
Shahenshahs, Begums and Shahzadis steps into these inner chambers of power, offering a sweeping and intriguing portrait of the dynasty, uncovering the personalities, temperaments and contradictions that shaped an empire.
Shahenshahs, Begums and Shahzadis steps into these inner chambers of power, offering a sweeping and intriguing portrait of the dynasty, uncovering the personalities, temperaments and contradictions that shaped an empire.
512 pages, Hardcover
Published May 5, 2026
About the author
Tanushree Podder
66 books59 followersA BRIEF BIO
Born at New Delhi, she worked in the corporate sector for eight long years before Tanushree quit the rat race to wield her pen and found her calling.
A well know travel writer and novelist, she is also known for the hundreds of ‘Middles’ that entertained readers of almost all English dailies in the country for over a decade. Tanushree is passionate about travelling and writing. If the lady is not packing her bags to zip around the world, she is sure to be found tapping the keys of her computer.
Among her bestselling books in non- fiction genre are Death of a Dictator - The Story of
Saddam Hussein, Secrets of Happiness, The Ultimate Food for Body, Mind and Soul, The
Power of Relaxation. The book Smart Memory has also been translated into Tamil and Spanish.
She has published 15 novels till date. Nurjahan’s Daughter, Boots Belts Berets, Escape from Harem, On the Double, Solo in Singapore, I fell in love with a soldier, Cakewalk Murder, No Margin for Error, A Closetful of Skeletons, The Breath of Death, Decoding the Feronia Files, The Teenage Diary of Rani Laxmibai, The Girls in Green, Spooky Stories, An Invitation to Die, are a few novels written by her.
Boots Belts Berets and On the Double - are soon to be adapted into web series.
She lives with her husband in Pune.
Tanushree can be contacted by email via her website at http://www.tanushreepodder.com. on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/tpodder
Instagram
@poddertanushree
Twitter
@tanushreepodder
Her travel stories can be found at http://tanushreez.wordpress.com
Born at New Delhi, she worked in the corporate sector for eight long years before Tanushree quit the rat race to wield her pen and found her calling.
A well know travel writer and novelist, she is also known for the hundreds of ‘Middles’ that entertained readers of almost all English dailies in the country for over a decade. Tanushree is passionate about travelling and writing. If the lady is not packing her bags to zip around the world, she is sure to be found tapping the keys of her computer.
Among her bestselling books in non- fiction genre are Death of a Dictator - The Story of
Saddam Hussein, Secrets of Happiness, The Ultimate Food for Body, Mind and Soul, The
Power of Relaxation. The book Smart Memory has also been translated into Tamil and Spanish.
She has published 15 novels till date. Nurjahan’s Daughter, Boots Belts Berets, Escape from Harem, On the Double, Solo in Singapore, I fell in love with a soldier, Cakewalk Murder, No Margin for Error, A Closetful of Skeletons, The Breath of Death, Decoding the Feronia Files, The Teenage Diary of Rani Laxmibai, The Girls in Green, Spooky Stories, An Invitation to Die, are a few novels written by her.
Boots Belts Berets and On the Double - are soon to be adapted into web series.
She lives with her husband in Pune.
Tanushree can be contacted by email via her website at http://www.tanushreepodder.com. on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/tpodder
@poddertanushree
@tanushreepodder
Her travel stories can be found at http://tanushreez.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
July 15, 2026
Shahenshahs, Begums and Shahzadis by Tanushree Podder offers a refreshing way of looking at Mughal history. Instead of focusing only on battles, conquests, and political milestones, it explores the personal lives, relationships, ambitions, and emotions that shaped one of India's most influential dynasties. Covering the period from Babur to Aurangzeb, along with a few rulers who came after him, the book presents a detailed yet engaging account of the Mughal Empire through both its emperors and the women who stood beside them.
One of the things I appreciated most was how accessible the writing is. Mughal history can often feel overwhelming because of the sheer number of rulers, family members, and political events, but Tanushree Podder manages to keep the narrative crisp and well-paced. Despite the amount of information packed into the book, I never felt lost. Instead, I found myself pausing every now and then to picture the magnificent courts, sprawling palaces, battlefields, and private chambers where these lives unfolded.
Read the full review on:
https://readreactreview21.wordpress.c...
One of the things I appreciated most was how accessible the writing is. Mughal history can often feel overwhelming because of the sheer number of rulers, family members, and political events, but Tanushree Podder manages to keep the narrative crisp and well-paced. Despite the amount of information packed into the book, I never felt lost. Instead, I found myself pausing every now and then to picture the magnificent courts, sprawling palaces, battlefields, and private chambers where these lives unfolded.
Read the full review on:
https://readreactreview21.wordpress.c...
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review