Supriya Gandhi, author of "The Emperor Who Never Was: Dara Shukoh in Mughal India," sheds light on the intense sibling rivalry between Dara Shukoh and his brother Aurangzeb during their father's illness. Dara, a luxurious Sufi and advocate for interfaith dialogue, contrasts sharply with the puritanical and calculating Aurangzeb. The discussion dives into their complex characters, the political landscape of the Mughal dynasty, and the implications of familial duty on their ambitious pursuits, painting a vivid picture of a critical moment in Indian history.
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A Delhi Connection
William Dalrymple and Supriya Gandhi met in Delhi when they were 16 and 24 respectively.
They bonded over Sufi teachings and masala chai in the Anglo-Arabic school.
insights INSIGHT
Dara Shukoh: The Misunderstood Prince
Dara Shukoh, a Mughal prince, is often stereotyped as naive and mystical, unsuited for the throne.
However, he was a prominent figure in court, enjoying his father's trust and wielding considerable power.
insights INSIGHT
Dara's Depiction
Dara Shukoh's striking resemblance to his father, Shah Jahan, is evident in miniature paintings.
These portrayals highlight his youthful features and suggest both spiritual and worldly potential.
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In 'City of Djinns', William Dalrymple delves into the rich and complex history of Delhi, uncovering its layers from the Partition of 1947 to the Mughal Empire and beyond. The book is a personal and historical narrative, enriched by Dalrymple's interactions with various characters, including his landlady Mrs. Puri, his taxi driver Balvinder Singh, and other inhabitants of Delhi. It explores the city's resilience and the legend of the djinns, fire-formed spirits believed to protect and regenerate the city. The narrative is interspersed with historical accounts, personal anecdotes, and the author's observations of contemporary Delhi life.
The Emperor Who Never Was
Dara Shukoh in Mughal India
Supriya Gandhi
This book by Supriya Gandhi provides a nuanced and deeply researched biography of Dara Shukoh, the eldest son of Emperor Shah Jahan. It delves into the political and social milieu of the Mughal court, challenging common views that portray Dara Shukoh as either an absolute interfaith inclusivist or a failed political aspirant. The biography draws on a wide range of primary sources to present a complex and multifaceted portrait of Dara Shukoh, highlighting his role as a Sufi, his studies of Hindu thought, and his significance in the context of Mughal succession and the eventual rise of Aurangzeb. The book also explores the influence of Mughal women and the broader cultural and intellectual landscape of the time[2][3][4].
The battle of succession that erupted during a severe illness of Shah Jahan is often regarded as one which determined the fate of India.
The eldest of Shah Jahan’s sons was Dara Shukoh—the Glory of Darius. Contemporary miniatures show that Dara bore a striking resemblance to his father, and like him he was luxurious in his tastes and refined in his sensibilities. He preferred life at court to the hardships of campaigning; he liked to deck himself in strings of precious stones and belts studded with priceless gems; he wore clothes of the finest silk and from each ear lobe he hung a single pearl of remarkable size. Dara was a tolerant Sufi and composed a study of Hinduism and Islam, ‘The Mingling of Two Oceans’, which stressed the affinities of the two faiths and what he believed to be the Vedic origins of the Quran.
Then there was Aurangzeb, unloved by his father, a bitter and bigoted puritan, as intolerant as he was grimly dogmatic. He was a ruthlessly talented general and a brilliantly calculating strategist, but entirely lacked the winning charm of his predecessors.
Listen as William and Anita are joined by Supriya Gandhi, author of The Emperor Who Never Was: Dara Shukoh in Mughal India, to discuss the brothers who fought for the crown, and with it the future of India.
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