The largest and most enduring empire in Indian history is examined in The Mughals of India. Through four novel entry points?the origins of the Mughal state's legitimacy, the development and significance of court etiquette, the imperial Mughal family's world, and the interaction between folklore and court culture?this ground-breaking book analyses the Mughal presence in India from 1526 to the middle of the eighteenth century. The book considers both the tensions and harmonies within the court and the durability of the empire's structures, as well as the fleeting moments of the Mughals' world and its lasting legacy in modern-day India. It is based on a wide range of sources, including court chronicles, official documents, poetry, paintings, travelers' accounts, bazaar gossip, and folktales. Summary of Contents.