Review – Humayun in Persia
By Narendra Krishna Sinha
Summary
Sukumar Ray’s book on Humāyūn’s exile in Persia is the subject of this review. The reviewer observes that the author draws on Persian chronicles, Mughal records and European accounts to reconstruct the period between Humāyūn’s flight from India in 1540 and his return in 1555. The book details Humāyūn’s reception by Shah Ṭahmāsp, the military and diplomatic support he received, and the cultural exchanges that occurred at the Safavid courtfile:///home/oai/share/563025_compressed-177-251.pdf#:~:text=Humayun%E2%80%99s%20sojourn%2010%20Persia%2015,But%20any. Ray highlights how Humāyūn learned Persian administrative methods and patronized artists and scholars during his exile. The reviewer praises the meticulous research and the balanced portrayal of Humāyūn as a ruler shaped by his Persian experience. Minor criticisms include a dense narrative and occasional repetition. Overall, the book is considered a valuable contribution to Mughal studies and Indo‑Persian relations.
Conclusion
The reviewer applauds Sukumar Ray’s scholarly reconstruction of Humāyūn’s exile and return. By analyzing Persian and Mughal sources the book sheds light on the diplomatic alliances and cultural influences that shaped the Mughal emperor’s character and policies. Despite a dense narrative, it enriches our understanding of Indo‑Persian relations during the mid‑sixteenth centuryfile:///home/oai/share/563025_compressed-177-251.pdf#:~:text=Humayun%E2%80%99s%20sojourn%2010%20Persia%2015,But%20any.