Jahanara: Princess of Princesses, India, 1627

The Royal Diaries

by Kathryn Lasky

In the 1600s, the Mughal emperors of India were among the greatest rulers of the East. Jahanara is the daughter of one of these ultra-rich and powerful figures, Shah Jahan The Magnificent. The oldest and favorite of his children, she is showered with emeralds, diamonds, and rubies, and is attended by numerous servants and learned tutors. Yet, her world is not one of pure contentment. It is rife with intrigue and turmoil as her father fights for his rights to rule - and she struggles against the confinement her Muslim religion dictates. Jahanara's diary allows readers to witness the exotic splendor and unforgettable drama of this past great dynasty.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens, India

186 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2002

About the author

Kathryn Lasky, also known as Kathryn Lasky Knight and E. L. Swann, is an award-winning American author of over one hundred books for children and adults. Best known for the Guardians of Ga’Hoole series, her work has been translated into 19 languages and includes historical fiction, fantasy, and nonfiction.

Reviews

[Cecily Duffie · Rating 1 out of 5]

One star because I loved learning about such a different princess. But every time Lasky writes a non-white, non-European princess she completely whitewashes her and I hate it The only guy around this girl flirts with is a white guy with blue eyes who is supposed to be so handsome. It's completely unrealistic! She's been raised in a place with different cultural norms and standards of beauty and instead of trying to understand that and write it, Lasky ignores it. The same with Jahanara wearing a miniature of Queen Elizabeth all the time and cheating on fasts during a holy month. She wouldn't do those things. She would think Elizabeth ugly and she would honor her religious commitment.

If Lasky is so obsessed with Queen Elizabeth she needs to write only that and leave princesses of color to those who understand and care for them.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

CIP Summary:
The first line will grab the reader "My father has four wives, but I am the daughter of the one he loves most...", it sure grabbed me. The main character of this diary style book is Princess Jahanara, daughter of 17th century Indian Emperor Shah Jahan. As a female member of the royal family she leads a cloistered existence behind the opulent screens of the harem, yet her voice and her life feel surprisingly active. This book is part of the popular "Royal Diaries" series and like other books of this series it should be popular with tween girls (And their moms).


Beginning in 1627, Princess Jahanara, first daughter of Shah Jahan of India's Mogul Dynasty writes in diary about political intrigues, weddings, battles, and other experiences of her life.

From Hornbook:
The daughter of Moghul ruler Shah Jahan, Jahanara is surrounded not only by regal splendor but also by political intrigue. Her diary descriptions of exotic harem life and riches beyond belief are captivating, but the narrative founders at the book's end, attempting to summarize too many years in too few entries. A family tree, historical note, and archival photos add context.

From School Library Journal:
Gr 4-7-Lasky captures the opulence, intrigue, and practices that shape Princess Jahanara's life but distorts historical facts to simplify and heighten its drama. The daughter of Shah Jahan, famous for building the Taj Mahal, this princess lives a privileged yet restricted existence in purdah, secluded from the world with the rest of her father's harem.

[Jinny · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, (but I rounded up for Goodreads).

In comparison to the rest of the Royal Diaries series, it’s less exciting, however, I still find Jahanara to be an excellent book, especially as a starting point to get kids interested in Indian culture. I read this book for the first time in late elementary/early middle school and I remember it was this book that got me interested in the culture. For those who do not know who Jahanara is, she was the oldest daughter of the Indian emperor Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal.

In this book, Jahanara starts off living with her exiled family, but later on, are returned to their proper places. Her father becomes emperor and Jahanara is granted the title “Princess of Princesses”. As a royal female living in India, Jahanara and other ladies are always kept behind screens and are not allowed any contact (even eye contact!) with men, other than family members and eunachs. Still, Jahanara proves to be a valuable member of the family as she tries to keep harmony between her scheming brother, “evil” step-grandmother, and the rest of the family.

Much of the book revolves around Jahanara finding things out about her family and her relationships with her family. The events that do occur, like her father being crowned emperor, are exciting but happen rather infrequently. Much of the book seems to introduce pieces of Indian culture to the reader. I didn’t really mind that since it still flowed with the story and never did I feel like I was reading a textbook or anything. It did get me very interested in Indian culture, in the end! Story-wise, this one was a tad slow moving, but I still liked it quite a bit. I’m pretty excited to start reading more historical fiction about Jahanara because she was so well respected in her time, and from what I read online, is still well-known in India today.

[Tova · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am speechless with how bad that was. Technically, I skim read this because, after about page 28, I could not do it. Full rant review here!

[Mackenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book seemed a bit white-washed to me. Something I didn’t pick up on as a child

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one's a bit of a mixed bag. All the political intrigue and family bonding was great, but there were weird problematic plot points that bugged me.

The first was Jahanara's obsession with Elizabeth I after she receives a miniature medallion portrait of her. Elizabeth suddenly becomes a huge source of inspiration to Jahanara, so much so that she wants to know the tiniest details about Elizabeth and even begins wearing the portrait as a necklace. Her biggest inspiration is a white lady? I love Elizabeth, but ok.

Second was Jahanara's crush (however little explored) on an East India Company man. Granted, she's not exposed to many men outside of family or the eunuchs of the court, but the only man in the book she meets, flirts with, and fantasizes about is a white guy? Again, ok. The man, Robert Mundy, was apparently a real person in the EIC, but I don't know (and heavily doubt) if he ever actually interacted with Jahanara.

The ending was too abrupt for my taste as well. All in all, an interesting princess whose "diary" didn't live up to its full potential.

Last line:

Indeed there would be a splendor to my life no gold could ever match.

[Seher_E1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jahanara is the royal princess of India during the Mughal time. I loved this book so much because of the evil in the royal family, I found it so interesting that in such a beautiful and rich household there were still times when one family member plot to kill another. This book was a memory of my childhood because I remember getting told these stories by grandmas when I was younger of how Jahanara the princess was bathed in rose petals and given rubies from the west and how her father build the Taj Mahal! I often wonder how it would be like to live your everyday life as royalty, It has always been a sweet dream for me but after reading this book my thoughts have changed because it can be very evil and dangerous in he royal family.

[Chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know absolutely nothing about Jahanara or the culture. I think I got a small peak into the life of Jahanara and what her life was like. She tries to keep the peace with her grandmother, scheming brother, and everyone else. It's something hard to do, considering women are to be silent and can't even speak in the presence of men. She somehow is able to get around all this and finds out things about her family. I liked learning about her life through "her" words. There was a lot of rich history described and introduced, which I loved. Plus, the historical notes in the back made it even better.

[Cheyenne Langevelde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a feeling I read this before, a LONG time ago for school, but I enjoyed it just as much! The level of detail in these books really brings these eras and characters to life. I only wish it had gone on longer—I wanted to read more!

[Sanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book gave me the representation I wanted of a south asian descent character. i appreciated the effort.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

First let me start off by saying that I've always loved Kathryn Lasky's moving stories that capitivate me, drag me in, and ultimately leave me with true emotional feeling.
Jahanara: Princess of Princesses was a novel written in a series by various authors specifically written about historic girls born into noblity's ruling families and such. The series contains stories about Eleanor of Aquitaine, Cleopatra, Anastasia, and more.
This particular novel tells the tale of Jahanara, Shah Jahan's (the king who build the famous Taj Mahal in India) oldest daughter and a spirited girl living during the time of the Mogul emperors. The story, like all stories in the series, is told in diary entries and allows the reader to seek the speaker's truest wishes, beliefs, and emotions. Jahanara was born with regal jewels floating about her, but it seemed to hide the darkness that surrounded her. For example, her younger brother was Aroungzeb, the boy who would become one of the most cruel Mogul emperors to be seen. Even as a child, Jahanara portrays the hardships that surround the boy including his hatred and intolerance for Hindus. Whereas Jahanara and her older brother Dara are interested in Hinduism and are steadfast in their beliefs of openness. But Aroungzeb grows to be a constant dark in the light, despite the fact that the story portrays him at ten.
Jahanara retells her story from the eyes of herself at fifteen through Lasky's best interpretation. She gives emotion by explaining her love for her parents and her growing ideas as a young Muslim princess. She's an enjoyable heroine who as a lot to bring to the table. Lasky's story allowed me to learn all about this princess, living during a period of rich history for India. Jahanara's a girl who I'd have liked to call my friend and this story is one that can be cherished by children and adults alike.

[Marika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like Kathryn Lasky, and this book is no exception. I remember falling in love with these books in elementary school, mostly due to their beautiful covers. This particular book was one I borrowed multiple times, and I have fond memories of reading it by a bon fire on a camping trip. I found it again in a used book store, and enjoyed revisiting a nostalgic and beautiful story again as an adult.

This story focuses on Jahanara, the oldest daughter of Shah Jahan (the Indian emperor who built the Taj Mahal in honor of her mother). It follows Jahanara as her family goes from exile, back into power, through familial drama, and growing up. It depicts and teaches many things from Indian culture, which is fun to learn and make the world seem colorful and interesting beyond just the characters. Jahanara was a strong female lead, and her story in history is interesting. I really wanted her to have a happy ending, but since it is based on a real person, the ending reflects reality. I love this story, and it makes me want to pick up other Royal Diary books, but this one will always be my favorite.

[Alivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

If your into history and long lost opinions then you'll love reading the royal diaries by Kathryn Lasky. Jahanara will expand your mind to the unknown suspicions of a royal family. You'll find that even in the circle of trust some of your own will become corrupt to the lust for power. Jahanara will describe the treasures and glory of being a royal. having gems gifted would be an everyday thing. And owning more than a couple elephants is normal. The immensely different but intriguingly similar trials of a teenage girl, should you be at all interested, can intrigue even the more traditional of us. Enjoy the historic and clever wit of those in power and the strange and cruel reality of being a princess.

[Ruby · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is boring, nothing happens, and it ends abruptly. There are distasteful or gruesome descriptions of some things, and the history Lasky is trying to put in the words of this unrealistic-sounding princess is either dull, violent, or both. That said, I don't recommend it at all, and the same goes for all other Kathryn Lasky books. I have read a couplel of the Guardians of Gahoole books, and they too are violent and slightly creepy to a point where it doesn't matter that the characters are owls: I don't want to read this anymore. In both those books and this one, the story is either distasteful or boring to a point where switching series or books is highly preferable.

[Kelsey Hanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was very interesting, particularly because it focuses on a culture that I do not know much about. Jahanara had a very unique position and was surrounded by court intrigue even though she was still relatively young. It was interesting to see how these political leaders were able to navigate the different cultures and religions.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is okay. It's nonEurocentric, which is nice, and has an engaging story. Unfortunately, I don't think it was structured very well. However, the details are lovely and Jahanara has an engaging voice. Good for kids interested in princesses not European.

[Jenna Jakubowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!!!!!!!!!!! I really like the Princess Diaries Series.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about a princess. His father is emperor of Indian Shah Jahan. The granddaughter of Akbar, the greatest Moughul of Indian. She has everything but she doesn't have the freedom to live her life freely. Very Interesting story!

[Ana Mardoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jahanara, Princess of Princesses / 0-439-22350-4

This is a fascinating look at another culture. Jahanara is "Princess of Princesses" because she is the favorite daughter of her father. As such, and unlike the princesses of Europe, she will never marry, remaining unwed and under her family's roof all her life, serving as a counselor and entertainer for her father and brothers. As such, she is a beloved and famous princess, but there are no portraits or pictures of her, for she was only ever seen by the women of her father's harem! This life is one of ease and leisure, but she is saddened by a life of isolation that stretches before her, sheltered as she is from all men who are not her immediate family. I found myself torn in two by this idea - on the one hand, she is protected from the political marriages and intrigues that, say, poor Katherine of Spain or Marie Antoinette were forced to endure, but on the other hand, how lonely would it be to never marry or have children?

There is an issue here at stake of freedom. The women are not free - they cannot leave the harem, they cannot be seen by men, nor can they interact with them in any meaningful way. They are, in some ways, complete slaves under the whim of their ruler. However, under a wise and intelligent ruler such as her father, the women are solicited for their opinions on politics, and relied upon heavily for their intelligence and wit. In this manner, they are trusted courtiers, and they take pride in their work. This is a razor-edge, though, subject to the whim of the ruler, and their fortunes change when the younger son stages a successful rebellion and cloisters the women even further than before.

This idea is explored in detail, along with a theme of religious freedom and tolerance that radiates throughout the book. Though her father is Muslim, she has "mothers" who are Christian, Hindu, and many other religions. Jahanara believes that what truly matters is the state of your heart, and all else will follow - causing her to clash with her younger brother who torments people who fail to be the same religion as he.

Some parents may be concerned about introducing the issue of polygamy and multiple wives and concubines to young children. There is some small discussion of torture as punishments for spies and enemies of the kingdom which may unsettle small children. Not being very familiar with Indian culture, I cannot speak to the historical or cultural accuracy here. I believe that Lasky's efforts here are very polite and respectful, but I do not feel that I can speak with authority, so it would be reasonable to pair this book with, say, another book on Indian culture written by someone with more authority on the matter.

~ Ana Mardoll

[Anna Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I think of my favorite female historical figures, they seem for the most part to fit into two categories: the badass, independent women who do what they want and don't care about consequences (Anne Boleyn, Cleopatra, Elizabeth I), and the tragic, doomed women who were victims of their circumstance and time period (Marie Antoinette, Anastasia Romanov). Of the five women I just named, the latter four have installments in the Royal Diaries, the sister series of Dear America. I loved this series when I was younger, and so for my re-read project I could have chosen one of those four women I have read about extensively, but instead chose to start with a woman I knew little to nothing about: Jahanara, Princess of India.

I see now why my category system seems to work for me - Jahanara doesn't fit into one of them and is not very interesting by consequence (at least in this fictional diary). Kathryn Lasky did a great job describing India and the lavish riches someone in Jahanara's position enjoyed, but beyond that there was little to no plot. Jahanara bathed in her wealth or worried about her mother and brother. She didn't really do anything of importance herself. Even in the epilogue, it was mentioned that she was unsuccessful in trying to appeal to her brother against his ruthless treatment of the Hindus, but that's her grand (non) achievement. It seemed like the other members of her family had way more going on and were much more interesting than she was, judging by what is presented in this diary. The fictional Jahanara here even has a fascination with Elizabeth I, a historical figure with a seemingly much more exciting life to Jahanara than what is presented here as her own.

I think there is definitely a reason that some members of royalty are well remembered in history and some aren't. The most well-known thing about Jahanara outside India is probably that the Taj Mahal was built by her father to be her mother's tomb (cool fact, but doesn't have anything to do with Jahanara herself, just her family members). I think many of the Royal Diaries installments were written as a way to view different cultures, countries and time periods through the eyes of royalty, rather than because their subjects were very important people to history. I don't feel like I wasted my time because the written atmosphere was nicely done, but I also don't feel like I really know much about Jahanara now that I'm finished.

[Emily Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I Liked

Recently I ordered a handful of these Royal Diaries books because they were some of my favorite as a kid. I remember Jahanara being one of my favorites, probably due to the lavish and yet unbelievably private qualities of her life. Jahanara was forbidden to marry, forbidden to be seen by men other than her close relatives, and she could only view the outside world from behind a screen.

Despite the fact that Jahanara is essentially a prisoner throughout the novel, she lives in luxury that is almost unimaginable. She has easy access to jewels the size of her "pinky toe" or a large "beetle." She has eight elephants of her own and an allowance of more than 600,000 rupees per year. Her father was the one who had the Taj Mahal built in all of its extravagance for his true love, Jahanara's mother.

The descriptions of 17th century Indian royalty is fascinating to me and I enjoyed re-exploring this beloved childhood story.

What I liked about Aba giving the pendant of Elizabeth I to Jahanara was the fact that this gives recognizable historical context to Jahanara's life. I was wondering this myself - trying to picture what time period of the western world in which she lived. The East India Trading Company's involvement helped and so did the pendant.

What I Didn't Like

The story seemed a little lacking. The ending was so abrupt that I found myself turning back to the last page again and again, wondering if perhaps the last few entries had been marked out. There was less of a story arc than what I was hoping to see.

Some of the dialogue between the children seemed unbelievable to me. Jahanara's younger brother, Aurangzeb, is incredibly precocious for a ten-year-old boy. He is scheming against the throne, memorizing 2/3rds of the Quran, and speaking in language that a university student would use to their professor. Seeing historically the devotion and treachery of Aurangzeb, I can understand what Lasky was trying to portray here, but it came across as unrealistic to me to have him so well-read and established at such a young age.

[Vibina Venugopal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teenage ramblings of princess Jahanara , she is the daughter of Moghul emperor Shahjahan..Jahanara had everything she ever desired for jewels studded with precious gemstone, luxury in short a life of opulence and splendor ..Being the favorite daughter of her father, she could have anything even before she wished...But then when the emperor Shah jahan lost a battle life wasn't that good as a prisoner but then winning back the throne and being crowned as the king are quite entertaining...The interesting part is the family tree that goes by through which we get a glimpse of the Moghul Dynasty..Living a life behind harem with strict rules imposed upon women she desires for her freedom, blessed with everything draped in grandeur and glory...She had a good eye , she observed keenly about the proceedings of state affair even as a teenager and she could record them..Her acceptance of other religion and treating all as equal made her stand out..We also get a personal touch through her observation of the family sharing her happiness when her baby sibling were born , her mother's pregnancy and through her step brother's rudeness...Her step brother Aurangazeb later was known as the most cruel emperor among the Moghul rulers, he threw away his father from throne and imprisoned him he also killed his brother to strengthen his stand as a ruler..Even as a kid his intolerance for the Hindu is evident...A total set up of Moghul palace comprising mistress, wives (who are Hindu , christian and Muslim) and many eunuch under harem is beautifully portrayed...Glimpses of Moghul architecture can also be read though nothing is dealt in detail...The book was an interesting read...
For a person like me who had read in length about Moghul empire, kingdom and palace with precious gems and setting the book didn't offer anything striking ...Though I enjoyed reading it something in it failed to impress me...

[PurplyCookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steeped in period detail and related with immediacy by an intelligent, sensitive, 14-year-old princess, this entry in the Royal Diaries series transports readers to seventeenth-century India during the Moghul Dynasty.

Jahanara, favorite daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan and the most beloved of his four wives, writes about family jealousies, court intrigues, and war strategies, as well as the extravagant lifestyle of her royal family, who live in a setting where wall murals of flowers crafted in gemstones glitter by lamplight as though in bloom. The story begins when they are prisoners under an evil woman, Nur Mahal, who has Jahanara's two brothers separated from them. Then Jahanara's father tricks everybody and regains the throne and Jahanara's family is free.

However the curse of Nur Mahal, and her constant plotting is never far. However Jahanara soon realized that not all things would be the same again. Her brother Aurangzeb has been tranfered into a power-hungry radical Muslim boy and hates anything not Muslim, even poisoning their father's third wife who was Hindu. Jahanara begins to realize that Aurangzeb might do anything to become emperor, evening killing his two older brothers. Readers encounter historical figures, such as Empress Mumtaz Mahal, for whom the Taj Mahal was built, as well as fictional characters introduced to explore the practices of the times.


Book Details:

Title Jahanara: Princess of Princesses, India, 1627 (The Royal Diaries)
Author Kathryn Lasky
Reviewed By Purplycookie

[James Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of royalty in pre-British India, at a time when it was ruled under its own people. The country was still divided into Muslim and Hindu, something which tended to result in problems in that time and even in the present time. How hate-filled some people can become in the name of their religion does not seem to have changed at all over time.

As often happens in stories of royalty, there is love, loss, betrayal, hate and pretty much everything else going on. There is also some unusual customs, such as Jahanara having to remain behind screens so she can't be seen by non-royal people. There are different foods, also, and riding by elephant is not something you see every day, either.

This all makes this a good book to learn about a different culture than our own, one not necessarily brought up in the "western traditions" that most of the other books in the series are based on.

It's also, basically, the story of a young girl who has to find a way to deal with a world that has a lot of demands on her as far as her behavior and personal feelings go. That she triumphs despite all the dangers and hardships shows how strong of a person she really was.

As always, there's a historical section with lots of photos, and a glossary of Indian terms. Another good book in the series.

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating fictional (yet researched) account of court life of Jahanara, first daughter of Shah Jahan (Emperor of India) and his beloved wife Mumatz Mahal (for whom he built the Taj Mahal). Interesting to read about the life of women, even princesses and empresses, in India where they were not to be seen by men outside of the court and could be attended to only by eunuchs. Very interesting was the description of how doctors (who were all male) were not allowed to see the royal women, so in order to examine their patient, they had to stretch only their hands through a curtain that separated them from their patient, and have the servant women explain to him, through the curtain, what his patient looked like. Somewhat eerie. Also portrayed was the danger of conspiracies to gain the throne, the tension between religions, and the threat of war. Richly described setting; makes the reader want to visit India to see the famous Moghul water gardens and the amazing, architectural wonder, the Taj Mahal. The timelines and historical notes at the end are nice (though the age of one of the characters in the story does not match the dates on his timeline, which was a bit annoying). Otherwise, well-researched and written account.

[Nicole Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fictional diary of a young and famous princess named Jahanara, other wise known as the ‘Princess of Princesses’. At the age of fourteen, Jahanara faces many challenges. Moving back into the palace after years of exile, her father becoming king, her brothers return from captivity, and the change she sees in them are only naming a few. Every day she struggles with the feeling of being trapped in the confines of the palace and having to be masked by the veils of purity when out in public or having anyone over for a feast. Jahanara feels women have no power in her kingdom of India during the 1600’s. Through the example of her mother, she learns that women have a great influence on there husbands when it comes to ruling. She grows up into her teenage years and becomes the future queen of India.

I didn’t like this book very much because of how different the culture was compared to my own. It was hard to understand the traditions and the language used. There was a dictionary in the back of the book so that you could refer to it, but I didn’t enjoy that at all. Also there were a very large amount of characters whose names I could never learn to pronounce, which made it difficult to keep track of who was who in the plot.

[Carrie Slager · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first introduction to the splendor that was India and I have to say it was great! Kathryn Lasky obviously did her research and included many little details that tween readers will love, however I cannot and will not comment on the accuracy of Jahanara: Princess of Princesses. Unlike with ancient Egypt and ancient Rome, I know next to nothing about India and I’m certainly not about to pretend I do.

Jahanara herself is a very good character that many readers will look up to. She believes that women in India have no power, but eventually she is taught that she was wrong. She has family troubles, like many people do and worries constantly about the radical religious streak she sees in her older brother.

Political intrigue, romance, war and death make Jahanara: Princess of Princesses a bit more mature than many of the other books in The Royal Diaries, so I would recommend it for older tweens and young teens. However, there really isn’t all that much to worry about because the violence isn’t explicit and there is no sex (obviously).

I give this book 4.5/5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads rating purposes.

[Mena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until I did a search for the Royal Diaries books I hadn't had a chance to read when I was a child, I'd never heard about Jahanara. But as soon as I got a look at the cover and read the premise, it was quickly on its way to me in the mail.

I adore reading about the strong women that lived in harems, and books that show readers that no, harems are not just where sultans/emperors/etc kept their pampered bedmates to be called upon whenever it tickled his fancy. Jahanara is a wonderful protagonist and it was amazing to see her world of splendor and intrigue from her eyes.

As I just mentioned, harem life is of great interest to me. I love to read about the women behind the men, and the intrigue filled lives these veiled women lead. More drama than any programming on Bravo, let me tell you. This is officially my favorite Royal Diaries book. If only the series wasn't over! I'd love to read a Royal Diaries book from Taj's perspective. Perhaps someday my dreams will come true and they'll get picked up again...

[Caitlin W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daughter of Shah Jahan, who would later build the Taj Mahal, Jahanara is an Indian princess surrounded by wealth and beauty. This book, written as though it were her diary written in her early teenaged years, lets us peek into her world-- a world of gems, gold, delicious food, and no hard labor, but also a world of political maneuverings, occasional poisonings, and isolation. She and her father's wives and harem are not allowed to be seen by the outside world, and spend their lives looking out at the world through screens that shield them from the eyes of others. Since she is a princess, most people are not allowed to touch her, nor she they. The sincere voice of the princess makes history come alive a little, and may shed some light onto what life was like for royalty in India in the 1600s. Following the diary portion of the book are further historical notes, a family tree of the Moghul Dynasty, and pictures of architecture of India, as well as some paintings of the princess and her parents. Recommended for grades 6-8.

[Rachel Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jahanara is not a Royal Diaries book I remember reading in my youth, although I must have, but when I recently reread it, I felt indifferent about it. I thought the constant themes of belonging and family were a good thread to connect the entire book with, not to mention the running motif of Nur Mahal's evilness. All of those stories helped keep the story moving.

Like most of the Royal Diaries books, though, Jahanara moved too fast. There was too much time that would pass between diary entries and even they weren't always clear about a linear progression or when events would happen.

Still, Jahanara the woman is told with a very good eye for detail and (I hope) accuracy to the real person hundreds of years ago. I get the sense that Jahanara is much wiser than she seems — she's a quiet, clever type, always observing and listening. Still, I didn't feel like I completely understood the context of her life. The politics and circumstances of her "imprisonment" and even the relation she had with her family was a bit unclear at times.