Mogul Dynasty: Synopsis

The first six Mogul emperors ruled in an unbroken succession for close to two hundred years on the subcontinent of India. The absence of a tradition of primogeniture, or passing the seat of power from father to son, often made the race for the throne a bloody one – hence the Mogul law of Takht Ya Takhta – “throne or coffin”. As direct descendents of the mighty Genghis Khan and Tamerlane, this barbaric way of life was genetic.

Their barbaric ways did not dull their love of beauty, or a keen sense of architecture. The evidence is in the magnificent forts and monuments they left behind – the Tomb of Akbar, the Red Fort of Agra, the glorious Taj Mahal; each one a timeless reflection of the Renaissance period of India.

The proposed program will take a close look at these fascinating Mogul emperors, who developed an omnipotent empire that was equal parts beautiful and cruel.