Where The Crows of Agra fell absolutely and embarrassingly flat on its face was in the research part of it. The mystery is interesting, and Mahesh Das's investigation of it is intriguing. The characterization, too, was good, especially when it came to the central character, Mahesh Das, and the women in the tale. The court intrigue, the constant hide-and-seek between one faction and another. And Mahesh Das receives an order from Akbar: find the culprit. Fortuitously enough, because soon after, Bairam Khan-on the eve of setting out for Mecca at Akbar's orders-is found stabbed to death in his chamber. When Akbar encounters a quick-witted Brahmin, Mahesh Das, in an episode involving bandits, the emperor ends up taking Mahesh Das back to court with him. And there are others close to Akbar: his empress Ruqaiya, who has so far not been able to bear an heir to the throne his old aunt Gulbadan and Bairam Khan's young wife, Salima, who has been in love with Akbar these past few years. On the other side are Akbar's ambitious foster mother, Maham Anga, and her son Adham Khan, also looking to take power into their own hands. On the one side is the regent Bairam Khan, who has been beside Akbar all these years guarding his throne for him-but who now seems to be wanting the throne for himself. The Mughal emperor Akbar, just twenty years old, is caught in court intrigue. Three stars for the plot, one star for the horrifyingly bad historicity).Īgra in the 16th century. On the other side are Akbar's ambitious foster mother, Maham Anga, and her son Adham Khan, also looking to take power into the (A word about that rating.
Three stars for the plot, one star for the horrifyingly bad historicity). One false step could cost them their lives.more But in the insidious Mughal court - a hotbed of intrigue and suspicion - danger lurks at every step. With the help of Mahesh Das - a Brahmin who Akbar has befriended - Akbar must find out who killed Bairam Khan. On the eve of his departure, Bairam Khan is found murdered in his chamber. Akbar forgives him, and forces upon him a pilgrimage to Mecca. After an exchange of blows and wits, Bairam Khan is subdued. Just into his twentieth year, Akbar readies himself to emerge from behind the veil and stake his claim to the Mughal throne.īut the figure of his regent, Bairam Khan, looms large in his path. On the eve of his departure, Bairam The year is 1562 A.D. But the figure of his regent, Bairam Khan, looms large in his path.
Just into his twentieth year, Akbar readies himself to emerge from behind the veil and stake his claim to the Mughal throne.