3 Review(s)

A historical novel, Raiders From the North: Empire of the Moghul brings history alive as it narrates the story of the rise and fall of one of the greatest dynasties in India. Summary Of The Book Raiders from the North: Empire of the Moghul is based on Babur’s famed memoirs, the Baburnama. They give an insight into Babur’s social, political, and religious philosophy. Alex Rutherford has carefully recreated the events of centuries ago, using the memoirs as the base. The rise of the Moghul empire has fascinated historians over the ages. The genesis was in the small kingdom of Ferghana in the year 1494. The king dies and the prince Babur stands ready to succeed him. Babur is just 12 years of age, and given his young age and lack of experience, claimants to the throne rise in numbers. Plots are hatched, but the conspirators carelessly ignore Babur’s searing ambition. At the age of 12, Babur has grandiose plans. He aims to follow the footsteps of his great forefather, Timur the Warrior, who managed to control the rich lands between India and the Mediterranean. Even as his rivals realise that they had miscalculated while dismissing Babur as a young and pliant prince, Babur is instructed in the intricacies of statecraft by his military mentor Wazir Khan, grandmother Esan Dawlat, and mother Kutlugh Nigar. Together, they begin a campaign to prepare Babur on how to establish his reign, in order to ensure that he realises his dream of following Timur’s footsteps. With his trusted advisers and his canny mind, Babur soon achieves his objective. However, the journey is not an easy one. With the claimants to the throne proving to be powerful enemies, every step that Babur takes is fraught with danger. But destiny cannot be denied, and by the time his life comes to an end, Babur establishes a powerful and rich dynasty whose achievements remain to be talked about to this day. About Alex Rutherford The name Alex Rutherford is a pseudonym for the husband and wife team of Michael Preston and Diana Preston. The duo have travelled widely in India and across the world, totalling nearly 140 countries. They have written several non-fictional historical accounts. Both Michael and Diana are from Oxford University and have studied English and History, respectively. Some of their other books include A Kingdom Divided: Empire of the Mogul, Empire of the Moghul: Ruler of the World, Empire of the Moghul: Brother at War, and Empire of the Moghul: The Tainted Throne.