The Moghul Exile

Poetic and dreamy, Humayun is more a prince of Kabul than the emperor of India, loving his palaces and gardens. His passion for astronomy supersedes his love for his Mountain brides. The intrigues of the Afghani lords, and of his brothers, shatter the fabric of his empire into warring factions. He is compelled to flee into Persia, while his brother holds his son hostage in Kabul. Humayun is welcomed by the Persian monarch, reciprocating this welcome with a gift of his precious diamond, Koh-I-Noor. Humayun’s exile ends after he re-conquers Kabul and returns to India. Indulging once again in his love for astronomy, Humayun seeks the Stars of Fate. But the Venus of his fortunes is fallen as he falls from the steps of his balcony while watching Venus in the sky. Humayun’s death is as poetic as the pine-valleys of Kabul, where his own youth nurtured him to seek beauty beyond the ugliness of war and ambition.