The Humayun Nama by Gulbadan Begum [Hardcover]

The Humayun Nama is a unique and invaluable historical account of the early Mughal Empire written by Gulbadan Begum, the daughter of Babur, sister of Humayun, and aunt of Akbar.

Unlike official court chronicles that focus on military campaigns and political achievements, this memoir offers an intimate, personal view of life inside the Mughal court. Gulbadan writes about family relationships, rivalries, marriages, journeys, migrations, and the important roles played by women in the imperial household.

The book also highlights the mobility, influence, and agency enjoyed by many Mughal women, challenging common assumptions about women's lives in medieval India. Her narrative provides a rare, firsthand perspective on the human side of the Mughal dynasty and the formation of one of India's greatest empires.

This modern edition also celebrates the work of Annette Susannah Beveridge, whose 1902 English translation brought the manuscript to a wider audience, along with an introduction by historian Ruby Lal.