King of the World by Michael Edwardes

Description

King of the World by Michael Edwardes is a biography of Shah Alam II, the last great Mughal emperor of India. The book was first published in 1971 and has been praised for its meticulous research and its sympathetic portrayal of Shah Alam.

Edwardes begins the book with a brief overview of the Mughal Empire, which was founded in the 16th century and reached its peak in the 17th century under the rule of Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. He then goes on to describe the reign of Shah Alam, who ascended to the throne in 1759 at the age of 11.

Shah Alam’s reign was marked by a decline in the Mughal Empire’s power and influence. The empire was weakened by internal conflicts and by the rise of the British East India Company. Shah Alam was forced to cede territory to the British and to accept their control over much of his empire.

Despite his misfortunes, Shah Alam remained a dignified and respected figure. He was known for his intelligence and his learning. He was also a patron of the arts and sciences.

King of the World is a well-written and informative biography of a complex and fascinating figure. It is a valuable contribution to the study of the Mughal Empire and of Indian history.