“Suzanne Toren ably narrates Lal's well-researched account of the Indian cosovereign's life—from her birth to aristocratic Persian parents to her short-lived first marriage and life as the twentieth wife of Emperor Jahangir.” —AudioFile

“The author's descriptions of Agra are superb, and her detailed explanations of Nur's upbringing reflect her long study, deep understanding, and modern take on a little-explored subject. . . . [Nur] must be held as one of history's great independent, powerful women. A page-turning, eye-opening biography that shatters our impressions of India as established by the British Raj. ” -Kirkus Reviews Starred

“Lal makes clear her subject’s relevance. . . . Closely researched and vividly written, this telling finds that the truth is as fantastic and fascinating as myth.” -Publishers Weekly Starred

“A vivid look at [Nur Jahan] and where she lived. An excellent choice for popular history readers interested in women rulers.” —Library Journal

“An engrossing tale of female power.” —Shelf Awareness

Ruby Lal is professor of South Asian history at Emory University. She is the author of Coming of Age in Nineteenth Century India: The Girl-Child and the Art of Playfulness and Domesticity and Power in the Early Mughal World.