Royal Tombs of India, the first book of its kind on the Islamic royal tombs of India, focuses on the Tughluq and Lodi Tombs, Qutb Shahi Tombs and Mughal Tombs (of Humayun, Akbar, Aurangzeb, Jahangir and Nur Jahan, Bibi-ka-Maqbara, and the Taj Mahal). These tombs are among the most magnificent pieces of Islamic architecture and grandeur. The existence of Hindu and Persian Safavid influences in the pre-Mughal and Mughal tombs is the central theme of the book. They are described in the broader historical and architectural context of the reign of Tughluq, Lodi, Qutb Shahi and Mughal dynasties. The book also discusses the controversy surrounding the location of Babur’s tomb.
Besides describing the tombs and dynasties, the book traces the history of royal tombs, from the ancient Egyptian pyramids, the Greek/Roman mausoleums and the Chinese royal tombs to the Islamic tombs of Central Asia, Pakistan and India. It provides rare insight into lesser known facts about the history and evolution of tomb architecture.
About the Author
A S Bhalla is an author and editor. He had a long career in the United Nations Civil Service and has held academic positions at Cambridge, Oxford, Yale, Manchester and Nottingham.
