Ira Mukhoty

My works of non-fiction, largely Mughal history

Used as temporary accommodation for a Persian warlord as he waited to visit the Mughal emperor and by a British gov Gen as an insult to a later emperor, who can name this once magnificent Mughal garden?

An 18th c mosque in Delhi that was part of a much larger imperial garden complex. It was built by a woman who began her career as a courtesan, or tawaif, before marrying an emperor. Any thoughts on her name?

Akbari era (16th c) Athpulla bridge in Lodi garden Delhi

This is the view that emperor Shah Jahan and the imperial family would have of the Taj Mahal as they approached the monument only from the river. At this time the entire Yamuna riverfront at Agra was a series of beautiful gardens Randolph Holmes, DAG, early 20th c

The last rays of the day stream into the Chausath Khamba in Nizamuddin, which contains the grave of Mirza Aziz koka, emperor Akbar’s turbulent milk brother.

The grave of a rebellious son in Nizamuddin, who caused the British a lot of worry in the 19th c. His mother started the phoolwalon ki sair as a vow for his safe return from exile to Delhi. Is he forgotten or do we remember his name?

This lovely 18th c Mughal India object was made of wood with ivory panels shaped like the delicate stone jaalis of stone buildings. But what was it used to store? A. Qalams, or pens B. Set of itr vials, or perfumes C. ‘Singing’ crickets

What stories these flagstones could tell.. Safdarjang’s tomb was a favourite halt on the late Mughals’ regular journeys from Shahjahanabad to Mehrauli, esp during the monsoon. A large encampment was set up for al fresco banquets amongst the lush greenery of the tomb

The Lodhis knew a thing or two about tomb building too.. Lodhi gardens at dusk

Safdar Jung’s tomb at a monsoon dusk

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Very disappointing from @amazonIN

Terribly pleased to find my Akbar on this list too 🌺👇🏽

1st year of the reign of the last Mughal emperor Seal of emperor Bahadur Shah ‘Zafar’ , Ghulam Ali khan, 1838, sold at auction

🙏🏼💕

In which I speak to the magnificent Ruby Lal about her new book 🌸

Follow the water Tracking down the water sources- baolis and wells- in Mehrauli that once made this area so forested and pleasant, a beloved retreat for the later Mughals

The tasbih-khana, 200 years apart This intimate chamber in the Red Fort overlooking the Yamuna was favoured by the Mughal emperors for their private Darbars Today the canal is paved over, the marble is grubby, the curtains and screens removed Painting by Mazhar Ali K, 1840s

Do go listen to the terrific Neha Dixit, US friends