A new interpretation of the Mughal Empire explores Mughal state formation through the pivotal role of its princes.

This work, based on Persian and non-Persian sources, contemporary and later, is an impartial study of the rise and fall of the Nizam Shahi Kingdom of Ahmadnagar, founded in 1490 A.D., conquered by Shahjahan and annexed to the Mughal empire in 1636 A.D. From the very beginning, Nizam Shahis, struggled against the neighbouring states of the North, the Daccan and the South, the rising power of the Portuguese and then against the expansionist designs of the Mughal Emperors, to preserve the local cultural traditions, political independence and also to maintain balance of power between the imperial power of the North and independent states of the Daccan. In their struggle against the Mughals, they were supported by the Portuguese, and the states of Bijapur and Golkunda, by the Marathas and Abyssinians. For a while they successfully resisted the forward movement of the Mughal forces. A complete account of it has been given. Apart from the political achievements and failures of the Nizam Shahi kings, their cultural contributions and political institutions have been closely examined in proper perspective.

Aurangzeb Alamgir (r. 1658-1707), the sixth Mughal emperor, is widely reviled in India today. ... While many continue to accept the storyline peddled by colonial-era thinkers--that Aurangzeb, a Muslim, was a Hindu-loathing bigot--there is an untold side to him as a man who strove to be a just, worthy Indian king.