Title: Tiger Slayer: The Extraordinary Story of Nur Jahan, Empress of India
Author: Ruby Lal
Illustrator: Molly Crabapple
Publisher: Penguin India (an imprint of Penguin Random House)
Type: Paperback
Length: 192 pages
Recommended Age: 13 years+ (YA) – 12 years+ for History buffs
This review is written by my 14 year old son, Medhansh Dwivedi.
Tiger Slayer by Ruby Lal is a powerful and eye-opening biography that brings to life the remarkable story of Nur Jahan, one of the most influential women in Mughal India. The book vividly portrays Nur Jahan’s early life, her rise to power, and the lasting impact she had on the Mughal Empire. Unlike many history books that focus mainly on kings and wars, this book highlights the strength, intelligence, and leadership of a woman who helped shape an empire, drawing readers into the complexities of court politics, palace intrigue, and the daily lives of people in the Mughal era. With each chapter, Lal brings forth new details, offering a fresh perspective on the world Nur Jahan inhabited and the obstacles she overcame.
The book explores Nur Jahan’s journey from her early life to becoming the wife of Emperor Jahangir and eventually one of the most powerful figures in the Mughal court. Ruby Lal presents Nur Jahan not just as an empress, but as a skilled administrator, political strategist, and cultural leader. The biography delves into the challenges Nur Jahan faced as a woman in a patriarchal society, highlighting her resilience and determination to carve her own path.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is how Nur Jahan broke traditional gender roles. She issued royal orders, appeared on coins, and even led military decisions—things that were extremely rare for women at that time. Lal’s research uncovers moments when Nur Jahan’s voice directly influenced matters of state, diplomacy, and even the arts, making her a multifaceted figure whose legacy endures.
The writing style is detailed and informative, but it can feel slow in some parts, especially when the author goes deep into historical background. However, this thoroughness also helps readers understand the time period better and fully appreciate how extraordinary Nur Jahan truly was. The title Tiger Slayer is a fitting metaphor that symbolizes her courage and confidence, and it effectively represents her fearless personality throughout the book.
In particular, what caught my attention most was the very first chapter, ‘Miracle Girl Born on the Road’. It talks about Nur Jahan’s parents journey from Persia to India and how she was born while they were travelling in a Caravan. In between tired travellers, burdened horses a beautiful baby girl was born and she was named Mihr, who later became the empress of Mughal India. Then the story progresses on how the baby Mihr was nurtured and her early childhood days. This part surely will keep the reader engaged and one would enjoy all that weaved in the background as the author explained every detail.
What makes this book stand out is how it challenges the idea that women in history were always powerless. The author uses rich anecdotes and careful analysis to show that Nur Jahan held real authority and influence. After reading this book, it becomes clear that Nur Jahan was not just a queen standing beside the emperor—she was a ruler in her own right, with a legacy that continues to inspire readers today.
Overall, Tiger Slayer is an inspiring and important read for anyone interested in history, particularly students seeking to learn about strong leaders often overlooked in textbooks. It proves that real power comes from intelligence, determination, and courage, not just a crown.
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