This is a fascinating book, and the book is fascinating because it is a brilliant book about a woman who was talented, brilliant, ambitious and a capable ruler. She was, as per information, very beautiful as well. It is not surprising that Jahangir fell in love with her. The book does indeed do justice to Nur Jahan, as it revealed all sorts of hidden facets about the lady, and is full of details that are absolutely interesting.

It is good for the Mughal Empire that Jahangir fell in love with her, and while she and the "junta" may have concentrated power in themselves, it is also conceivable that were it not for her, Jahangir would have been ousted as a ruler, and that would have been the end of the Mughal Empire in India.
I did not know that she was a trader, as was Jahangir's mother. This makes her even more fascinating as a person, as is her skill in the hunt, and is also her patronage of the arts.

When I first went to her father's tomb in Agra, I was fascinated by the design; when I went back, I was fascinated by the fact that this design marked a turning point in Mughal architecture, and would have definitely influenced the design of the Taj Mahal.

While Ellison Banks writing style is a bit dry, I must say that she presents a rather balanced view of Nur Jahan. The lady deserves more recognition in our history books, and the author has done us a great service in writing this book. ( )