#Emperor Akbar

[vintagepromotions]

Pakistani Bureau of Tourism travel poster for Akber's Fort, Lahore (c. 1950).

#vintage poster #vintage travel poster #1950s #pakistan #lahore #akber's fort #akbar's fort #travel #tourism #holiday #Emperor Akbar

[royal-confessions]

“Hussein is often compared to Akbar. Akbar was brave, wise and uninfluenced. Most importantly he wanted to have friendly relationships with Rajputs after a tragic incident. You attract what you focus on. A's focus about a wife, was mostly about political stability, intelligence, talent, commerce etc. At the same time his soulmate Jodha had those qualities, but J wasn’t a Muslim. He took risk to marry her without converting to Islam. Everyone has soulmates or twinflames but not all of them end up together as they aren't brave to take risk. For Hussein, if his wife is not his perfect fit, here are the tips. He sould know his soul purpose to find his mate. Because both are born to fulfil this purpose. He must have gutts to marry her at any cost. If she is from another religion or have some restrictions, he should accept it. Then everything will happen automatically in his favour. Hussein is greedy like his mother. He is mama's puppet. He wanted wealth so he ended up with a wealthy wife. And I really don't see him as a risk takers or goal getter. He uses funds from some people and ideas of others. Nothing from his own effort. Not only him but many royals are like that (not all).” - Submitted by Anonymous

#crown prince hussein #princess rajwa #emperor akbar #mariam uz zamani

[little-desi-historian]

On this day in history...

#on this day in history #on this day #on this date #history #valentines day #world history #black history month #american revolution #european history #henry iv #black death #emperor akbar #mughals #brown history #desi tag #desi academia #astronomy #benjamin lincoln #18th century history #18th century #oscar wilde #the importance of being earnest #queer history #queer #lgbtq+ #dracula 1931 #bela lugosi #queue are made by history #antisemitism tw

[bookerplays]

Long-lived poetry mags: Spectator, Dreamcatcher, The Journal

I’m delighted to have poems out in three magazines which have proved to have real staying power. Granddaddy of them all is The Spectator (continuously published since 1828). Feisty York-based Dreamcatcher has been wowing its readership with poems, art and short stories for 28 years, and The Journal (formerly Contemporary Anglo-Scandinavian Poetry) has just celebrated an impressive 30 years in…

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#Berthold Brecht #Claire Booker #contemporary poems #Dream Catcher #Emperor Akbar #Hannah Stone #Hugo Williams #literary magazines #new poetry #Princess Gulbadan #Richard Moulton #Sam Smith #short stories #The Journal #The Spectator

[ganganews]

G20 Booklet Praises Mughal Emperor Akbar for Democracy

#g20summit #g20india #bharat #g20 presidency #akbar #emperor akbar #mughal

[internationalroyals]

𝑭𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑯𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒂 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒔 (5/?)

𝑱𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒅𝒅𝒊𝒏 𝑴𝒐𝒉𝒂𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒅 𝑨𝒌𝒃𝒂𝒓, 𝑴𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒂𝒍 𝑬𝒎𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒐𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝑯𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑱𝒐𝒅𝒉𝒂 𝑩𝒂𝒊, 𝑹𝒂𝒋𝒑𝒖𝒕 𝑬𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑯𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏

#jodha bai #jalaluddin mohammad akbar #rajput empress of hindustan #mughal emperor of hindustan #jodhaa akbar #favorite international historical drama couples

[lilly-white]

#jodhaa akbar #it's so gooooooooood #also i'm like 'oh no making my story too long wah wah' #this film is 3h33 and has an intermission lmao #and it's absolutely gorgeous all the way through #people who wanna take the time! will take the time to stay! #for context; he's a Muslim emperor and she is his Hindu bride #the dragon's concubine #movie recs

[abhinavsr]

Jodha Bai Palace - Fatehpur Sikri

Jodha Bai Mahal' also known as 'Jodh Bai Mahal' is the largest palace in Fatehpur Sikri commissioned by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1569 for his favourite queen consort, Mariam-uz-Zamani, commonly known as 'Jodha bai' . This Mahal is the largest complex of the zenana (palace for women belonging to the royal household ). It is a masterpiece of the fusion of Hindu and Persian architecture made with red sandstone...

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#abhinavsr #specs #face #photooftheday #photography #hair #happy #smile #lenskart #likesforlike #blue #love #eyes #fashion #instagram #beautiful #song

#. #incredibleindia #travel #uttarpradesh #tourism #abhinavsr #photooftheday #photography #trending #red #love #fatehpursikri #akbar #jodhabai #king #queen #emperor #mughal #palace #handsome #Abhinavsr in red #Abhinav Srivastava #Abhinavsr style #Abhinavsr handsome

[easelstories]

MUGHAL PAINTINGS AND ART

#mughal #mughal architecture #emperor #European #Akbar #humayun

[novelemporiumonline]

Mughal Emperor Coins

Indian Mughal emperor coins refer to the coins that were issued during the reign of the Mughal emperors in the Indian subcontinent. Mughal coins were typically made of copper, silver and gold.They often depicted the name and titles of the ruling emperor, as well as various symbols, The coins issued by different Mughal emperors varied in design, composition, and denominations.

During their reigns, Mughal emperors such as Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb issued their own coins. These Mughal coins came in various types, including Gold Mohur and Silver Coins, which reflected the diverse range of rulers and historical periods within the Mughal Empire.

To Buy now

visit our website: www.novelemporium.com

Call: 88670 29800

Email: [email protected]

#Akbar Coins #Akbaold Coins #Mughal Emperor Coin #Shah Jahan Coins #Gold Mohur Coins. #Mughal Silver Coins #Aurangzeb Coins #Indian Mughal Coins

[royal-confessions]

“Akbar was the great Mughal emperor who ruled all people with love and faith. He also founded the religion " Din-i-Ilahi " means divine faith. He never forced anyone to follow his new religion. Because it was created combining the morals of other religions like Hinduism, Christianity and Zoroastrianism. He is truly great.” - Submitted by Anonymous

#emperor akbar

[greatestwarriors]

شہنشاہ اکبر کی عظیم فتوحات

مغل بادشاہ شہنشاہ اکبر نے ہمسایہ ریاستوں پر حملے کر کے انہیں اپنی سلطنت میں شامل کر لیا۔ فتوحات کے بعد شہنشاہ ا کبر نے اپنی رعایا سے فیاضانہ سلوک کیا۔ گونڈوں کی ملکہ ورگاوتی کو شکست دینے اور اس کے خزانہ پر قبضہ کرنے کے بعد شہنشاہ اکبر نے چتوڑ کی طرف توجہ کی۔ جونہی اکبر اپنی فوجیں لے کر چتوڑ کی طرف روانہ ہوا، چتوڑ کا رانا ادوے سنگھ وہاں سے بھاگ نکلا۔ اس پر جمیل راٹھور نے چتوڑ کی حفاظت کا ذمہ لیا۔ شہنشاہ اکبر کی تمام توپیں چتوڑ کے قلعہ کو فتح کرنے میں ناکام رہیں۔ ایک دن اکبر نے دیکھا کہ ایک پرشکوہ انسان ان شگافوں کی مرمت کرا رہا ہے جو گولہ باری کی وجہ سے قلعہ میں پیدا ہو گئے تھے۔ اکبر نے شست لگائی، پر شکوہ انسان زمین پر تھا۔ تھوڑی دیر بعد شہر کے بعض حصوں سے آگ کے شعلے اُٹھتے دکھائی دیئے۔ 

راجہ بھگوان داس نے بتایا کہ جوہر کی رسم ادا ہو رہی ہے۔ معلوم ہوا کہ اکبر نے جس شخص کا نشانہ کیا تھا وہ جمیل راٹھور تھا۔ چتوڑ کے لئے راجپوت سپاہیوں نے بہادری سے لڑنا شروع کیا۔ مرد اور عورتیں ایک ہی صف میں حملہ آوروں کا مقابلہ کر رہی تھیں۔ آٹھ ہزار بہادر راجپوت چتوڑ کی حفاظت میں کام آتے۔ اکبر پر وہی وحشت سوار ہوئی جو کبھی سکندر یونانی کو گھیر لیتی تھی۔ اکبر کے حکم سے چتوڑ میں قتل عام کیا گیا۔ راجپوتوں کی بہادری سے اکبر اس قدر متاثر ہوا کہ اس نے جمیل اور اس کے نوجوان بیٹے کے بت بنوا کر دہلی میں نصب کرائے۔ اکبر اپنی سلطنت کو ایک سمندر سے دوسرے سمندر تک پھیلانا چاہتا تھا۔ اب اس نے مغرب کا رخ کیا۔ سمندر اور اس کی سلطنت کے درمیان گجرات حائل تھا۔

گجرات کی راجد ھانی احمد آباد تھی۔ اب اکبر گجرات کی طرف روانہ ہوا۔ گجرات پر قبضہ کرنے میں اُسے زیادہ مشکلات کا سامنا نہیں کرتا پڑا۔ اکبر نے پہلی مرتبہ اس سمندر کو دیکھا جو ہندوستان اور یورپ کو ملاتا ہے۔ اس کے ذہن میں مغل بحریہ بنانے کا خیال نہ آیا۔ اکبر سمندر کی موجوں کو گن رہا تھا کہ ابراہیم حسین میرزا نے سرنال میں بغاوت کر دی۔ اس بغاوت کو دبانے اور میرزا کو شکست دینے کے بعد اکبر نے سورت کی بندر گاہ کا محاصرہ کیا۔ جب اُسے معلوم ہوا کہ سورت کی مدد پرتگیزی کر رہے ہیں تو اس نے پرتگیزوں سے صلح کے لئے بات چیت کی۔ پرتگیزی وائسرائے نے انطونیو کو اکبر سے تصفیہ کے لئے بھیجا۔ سورت نے ہتھیار ڈ��ل دیئے۔ پرتگیزوں سے اکبر نے اپنا تعلق اس طرح قائم کیا۔ وہ پرتگیزوں سے ان کے مذہب اور ان کی معاشرت کے متعلق معلومات حاصل کرنا چاہتا تھا۔ اکبر آگرہ پہنچا۔ گجرات میں بغاوت ہو گئی۔

اکبر پھر گجرات کی طرف روانہ ہوا۔ دوسری مہم میں اکبر نے فوجی قابلیت اور بہادری کا ثبوت دیا۔ ایک ایک دن میں پچاس پچاس میل کا سفر کیا۔ آگرہ سے احمد آباد میں وہ گیارہ دنوں میں پہنچ گیا۔ چھ سو میل ! اکبر کے ہمراہ صرف تین ہزار سپاہی تھے۔ محمد حسین میرزا بیس ہزار سپاہیوں سمیت اکبر کے خلاف اٹھا۔ جونہی اُسے شاہی فوجوں کی آمد کا پتہ چلا تو میرزا چلایا’ ہمارے جاسوسوں نے اطلاع دی ہے کہ اکبر چودہ دن پہلے فتح پور سیکری میں تھا۔‘ انہیں اکبر کی آمد کا یقین نہیں تھا۔ اکبر نے ایک شدید حملہ کیا۔ میرزا کی فوج کو شکست ہوئی۔ بنگال میں شہزادہ داؤد نے بغاوت کر دی۔ بہار پر افغان سرداروں کا قبضہ تھا۔ دائود نے اپنی طاقت پر بھروسہ کرتے ہوئے اکبر سے لڑنے کی تیاری کر لی۔ اکبر اس وقت گجرات میں تھا۔ 

اس نے بوڑھے جرنیل منعم خاں کو بغاوت فرو کرنے کے لئے بھیجا۔ لیکن اسے ناکامی ہوئی۔ اب اکبر بنگال کی طرف روانہ ہوا۔ اکبر کی ساری گزشتہ مہموں سے یہ مہم نرالی تھی۔ کیونکہ اس مہم میں گنگا کو ٹرانسپورٹ کے لئے استعمال کرنا تھا۔ شہنشاہ نے اپنی فوج کا ایک حصہ خشکی کے راستے بھیج دیا اور باقی فوج کو ایک بیڑے پر سوار کیا۔ یہ بیڑہ بہت زیادہ شان وشوکت رکھتا تھا۔ بعض کشتیوں کو باغوں میں تبدیل کر دیا گیا تھا۔ دائود کے خواب و خیال میں بھی یہ بات نہیں آسکتی تھی کہ اکبر برسات میں اتنی بڑی مہم کو جاری رکھ سکے گا۔ اکبر نے پٹنہ پر قبضہ کر لیا۔ پٹنہ سے واپسی پر شہنشاہ کے ذہن میں عبادت خانہ بنا نے کا خیال پیدا ہوا۔ جہاں وہ مختلف فرقوں کے مسلمان علماء سے تبادلہ خیال کر سکے۔ چنانچہ اس نے شیخ سلیم چشتی کے مقبرہ کے قریب ایک شاندار عمارت بنوائی…بہار اور بنگال میں پھر بغاوت ہو گئی۔ 

بعض درباریوں نے اکبر کے بھائی مرزا محمد حکی��، حاکم کا بل کو دعوت دی کہ وہ ہندوستان پر حملہ کر کے اکبر کی جگہ خود بادشاہ بن جائے۔ مرزا محمد حکیم کو اکبر نے شکست دی۔ شہنشاہ اکبر نے پھر سے فتوحات کی طرف توجہ کی۔ کشمیر اور سندھ کی فتح کے بعد اس نے اڑیسہ، بلوچستان اور قندھار کو اپنی سلطنت میں شامل کیا۔ دکن ابھی باقی تھا۔ شہنشاہ کا خیال تھا کہ دکن کی ریاستیں اس کی فتوحات سے مرعوب ہو کر اس کی قیادت کو مان لیں گی۔ اکبر نے عبدالرحیم خان خانان اور شہزادہ مراد کو احمد نگر فتح کرنے کے لئے بھیجا۔ احمد نگر کی ملکہ چاند بی بی نے ڈٹ کر مقابلہ کیا۔ مغل اُسے شکست نہ دے سکے۔ چاند بی بی اور اکبر میں صلح ہو گئی۔ اب اکبر خود دکن گیا۔ احمد نگر کو فتح کرنے کے بعد اس نے خاندیس کو فتح کرنا چاہا۔ 

ایسر گڑھ کے قلعہ کا محاصر ہ کر لیا گیا لیکن بے سود۔ آخررشوتوں کو کام میں لاکر اکبر نے اس قلعہ پر قبضہ کر لیا۔ دکن کی مہم پر روانہ ہوتے وقت اکبر نے سلیم کو آگرہ میں انتظام سلطنت کے لئے چھوڑ دیا تھا۔ سلیم نے بغاوت کے لئے اچھا موقع پایا۔ الہٰ آباد پہنچ کر اس نے اپنی بادشاہت کا اعلان کر دیا۔ بہت بڑی فوج جمع کرنے کے بعد وہ آگرہ کی طرف بڑھا۔ اکبر دکن سے واپس آچکا تھا۔ اس نے شاہی قاصدوں کو فرمان دے کر سلیم کے ہاں بھیجا۔ اس فرمان کی رو سے شہنشاہ اکبر نے اپنے بیٹے سلیم کو بنگال اور بہار کا گورنر مقرر کیا تھا۔ لیکن سلیم نے ایک نہ سنی۔۔۔آخر کار کسی نہ کسی طرح سلیم کو ترغیب دلا کر آگرہ میں پہنچا دیا۔ اکبر کی والدہ سلیم کا استقبال کرنے کے لئے آگرہ سے کئی میل دور گئی۔ اس کی کوششوں سے باپ بیٹے میں ملاقات ہوئی۔ سلیم نے معافی مانگی۔ اکبر نے اپنا عمامہ سلیم کے سر پر رکھ دیا۔

باری علیگ

بشکریہ دنیا نیوز

#Akbar #History #Mughal #Mughal destiny #Mughal emperors #Mughal Empire #Wars #World

[cheriecelestial]

Batboys as Desi Films

𝐃𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐬𝐨𝐧

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)

Raj and Simran meet during a trip across Europe and end up getting stranded in the middle of nowhere after they miss their train. Despite their initial clashing, they fall in love. However, Simran’s traditional father has arranged her marriage elsewhere. Raj must win over Simran’s family to marry her, leading to a series of heartfelt moments, comedic misunderstandings, and ultimately, a dramatic climax where love conquers all as the couple fights for their happiness against societal norms.

Dick is so raj coded with his quips and charisma. Their chaotic banter and chemistry is off the charts. Any Indian who hasn’t watched this gets their desi card revoked immediately, I don’t make the rules. This movies fits Dick’s dramatic flair perfectly.

𝐉𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐝

Goliyon ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013)

The modern adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” set in rural Gujarat, India. It follows the love story of Ram, from the Rajadi clan and Leela, from the Sanera clan, who belong to rival gangster clans engaged in a long-standing feud. Despite the enmity between their families, Ram and Leela fall deeply in love, leading to a tragic and tumultuous journey filled with passion, violence, and sacrifice.

It fits Jason’s love for guns and classics. An absolute visual treat with cinematography and all the songs are absolute bangers.

𝐓𝐢𝐦 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐤𝐞

Jab We Met (2007)

Aditya, a heartbroken business tycoon, someone who was dwelling in the lowest ebb of his life and was almost on the brink of giving it all up, aimlessly boards a train to escape his depressing life. On his journey he meets Geet, a talkative and vivacious young woman. Geet is on her way to meet her boyfriend, but her plans go awry, and she ends up stranded. Aditya, feeling sorry for her, decides to help her get to her destination safely. Along the way, they encounter various adventures and challenges that bring them closer together. Despite their contrasting personalities, they develop a deep connection. However, when they part ways, Aditya realizes his love for Geet and sets out to find her. In the end, they reunite, realizing they are meant to be together.

Grumpy x sunshine. The OG green flag. Epitome of ‘if he wanted to,he would’. Makes my chatterbox heart happy because of how much I relate to the FL. Favourite comfort movie of all time. ML kinda looks like Cillian Murphy’s scarecrow. “I like you a lot but that is my problem, you don’t need to worry about it.” Their fights and his little sassy comebacks and rants were so cute and fun to watch.

𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐧𝐞

Jodhaa Akbar (2003)

The Mughal emperor Akbar, seeking to forge political alliances, marries Jodhaa, a Rajput princess. Initially a marriage of convenience, their relationship evolves as they learn to respect and love each other. Jodhaa struggles to adapt to Mughal customs, especially with their cultural and religious differences but her courage and integrity win Akbar's admiration. Despite conspiracies and opposition, including from Akbar's own court, their love prevails. The film explores the transformation of a young ruler, initially groomed for ruthlessness by his mentor Bairam Khan, into a wise and compassionate emperor who values mercy, diplomacy, religious harmony and cultural acceptance. Akbar's realization of the importance of religious tolerance, showcased through his abolition of discriminatory policies and his respect for all faiths.

The arranged marriage tag and the ‘raised as a weapon but softens and shows more compassion out of respect and love for his empress’ tag fits demonhead!Damian so much. The way he said mashallah after he pulled off her veil in the middle of a sword fight >>>>. I love how it captures the essence of India’s rich heritage and diversity. “Why seek paradise ? It is before me now.”

𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐧𝐞

Khoobsurat (2014)

Milli, a free-spirited and eccentric young woman becomes the physiotherapist for a royal family. She brings her lively yet clumsy personality into the conservative royal household, shaking up their structured lives. It clashes with the formal atmosphere of the palace, especially with the stern matriarch, Nirmala Devi. Despite initial resistance, Milli's unconventional methods bring joy and laughter into the lives of the family members, including the brooding prince, Vikram. As Milli navigates the challenges of fitting into the royal household, she also finds herself falling in love with Vikram, leading to a series of comedic and heartwarming moments.

Very cliched (well it is a Disney film) and the second hand embarrassment is unreal but sometimes after a long day all you need is a feel-good cheesy rom-com. Oh to sit next to Fawad Khan in a red convertible while gazing lovingly at him. I like how she emphasises on improving the patient’s mental health to help him heal. Incase you haven’t noticed already, cold brooding™️ x silly goose is my favourite character dynamic.

𝐀/𝐍 - I’ll be honest with y’all, this was to satiate my desire of writing x desi! reader cuz I don’t have enough motivation or time to do it T^T

#batman #batfam #dick grayson #nightwing #dick grayson x reader #jason todd #red hood #red hood x reader #tim drake #red robin #tim drake x reader #damian al ghul #damian wayne #robin #damian wayne x reader #batboys #bruce wayne #batman x reader #bollywood #movies #bruce wayne x reader #ddlj #dilwale dulhania le jayenge #jab we met #khoobsurat #jodhaa akbar #ram leela

[whencyclopedia]

Urdubegis

The urdubegis were a group of female warriors in the Mughal Empire, who protected the zenana, the harem of the emperor. Although the origins of female bodyguards go back to the beginning of Indian civilizations, the urdubegis were a Mughal creation. The only member of the urdubegis known by name is Bibi Fatima, who served in Humayun's and Akbar's court.

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#History #Urdubegis #MughalEmpire

[metmuseum]

Hawk Coin of the Emperor Akbar. dated 963 AH/1556 CE. Credit line: Bequest of Joseph H. Durkee, 1898 https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/444864

#aesthetic #art #abstract art #art museum #art history #The Metropolitan Museum of Art #museum #museum photography #museum aesthetic #dark academia

[fatehbaz]

what does your username mean?

Cat ghost.

As child. Would go to library, to look at books about creatures, with a pen and notepad. Or sit before a television watching "nature" documentary stuff, with a pen and notepad. Was fixated on habitats. The context. Did not like to isolate an individual creature from the wider ecological community. This led to interest in geography, distribution range maps. Was aware that, in popular perception, some creatures were strongly associated with a particular place. "Lion is an African animal. Tiger is an Asian animal." Allegedly. And other stereotypes (many of them, I would later come to learn, due to chauvinism, exoticism, Orientalism, colonialism, etc.). Came across a kind of large textbook on wild cats. Saw the historical distribution maps. Only a few centuries ago, tigers were in Anatolia, the Caucasus, near the shores of the Black Sea. Was intrigued. From the middle of the twentieth century onward, the lion and cheetah were so closely associated with Africa, where like over 99% of their range was located. And yet. There remains a small remnant population of nearly-extinct Asiatic lions far away within India''s borders. And there remains a small remnant population of nearly-extinct Asiatic cheetahs within Iran's borders. And all that space, in between, where both cats were now extinct. Only 100 years ago, tiger, lion, leopard, and cheetah all lived generally near each other, still, in eastern Anatolia, near Mesopotamia, etc. And now, only a few dozen wild native cheetah remain on the entire continent of Asia.

"Cheetah". The word for this cat is from South Asia. Through Hindi, from Sanskrit.

"What happened?" I read on. Cheetahs were present within the national borders of what is now India, along with tigers, lions, and leopards. By the 1500s, there was a tradition in South Asia, where some in the Mughal aristocracy enjoyed using cheetahs as companions in sport hunting. The cats would be captured in the wild, and then trained, and then brought along on royal hunts. The cat was the star athlete, goaded into chasing down prey, for the entertainment of the hunting party. There are elaborate paintings, commissioned by Mughal courts and some now displayed in collections of European museums, depicting trained cheetah hunts. It has since been popularly said that Akbar was particularly fond of cheetahs. (Akbar the Great was the "emperor" who is credited often for consolidating Mughal state power across India, solidifying regional power by building administrative systems/structures in India ["forging an empire out of fiefdoms"] that would later eventually be manipulated and overtaken by the British Empire. According to some tellings of the historical narrative.)

Accurate or not, it was said that at any one time, Akbar possessed one thousand cheetahs. A vast royal menagerie. The names of several of the most celebrated cheetahs are still known. In some stories, when he was still young, Akbar was presented with a gift. His very first cheetah: Fatehbaz.

This disturbed me. A child, reading this book, I was upset by the idea of such a vast menagerie of wild animals. Large wild animals, with great need for food, space, enrichment. I was upset by the exploitation of captive wild animals as displays of aristocratic wealth, not just in the Mughal state(s), but also those menageires and exhibitions elsewhere, both earlier and later in time: the royal hunts of Assyrian kings, the Roman arenas, Charlemagne's elephants, European circuses.

So, as a child, I imagined that Fatehbaz resisted the captivity. Like in a daydream, a fantasy. I imagined a royal menagerie breaking free from restraint. I imagined elephants and rhinos and tigers and lions and leopards and jackals and crocodiles. I imagined the beasts attacking an emperor's court. But there are now less than one hundred cheetahs which survive in the wild in Asia. And when Mughal statecraft gave way to European statecraft, when Britain moved into South Asia, the bounty hunting specifically targeted big cats. And, meanwhile, the cats were confronted indirectly with habitat destruction, commodity crop monocultures, industrial-scale resource extraction. So I came to imagine the ghosts of cats. The ghost of a cheetah like Fatehbaz on the Indus plain. The ghost of a jaguar in the Sonoran desert. The ghost of a lion on the Mediterranean coast. The ghost of a tiger on the Amu Darya shore beyond Bukhara, where even the Aral Sea itself has vanished.