Subject
India -- History -- 1526-1765 -- Fiction Books
Best books
Thomas Hoover
The Moghul
"The Moghul" by Thomas Hoover is a historical novel written in the early 1980s. The narrative unfolds during a tumultuous period around the year 1620, focusing on the adventures of Brian Hawksworth, an English ship captain navigating the complex political and cultural landscape of Moghul India as he aims to establish trade routes and secure England’s interests against Portuguese dominance. The book promises a vivid portrayal of the clash between empires, blending action with themes of love and the allure of an exotic land. The opening of the novel introduces Brian Hawksworth as he commands his ship, the "Discovery", through a treacherous sea battle against Portuguese galleons near India. Following a hard-fought victory, Hawksworth arrives in India, where he is quickly captivated by the beauty and mystique of the Moghul Empire. As he ventures inland, he faces conflicts of loyalty, desires for power, and the idea of a forbidden love. With vivid descriptions of the era's intrigue—complete with battles, the courtiers, and the lavish lifestyle of Indian royalty—this initial chapter sets the stage for an epic tale that combines historical adventure with deeply personal stakes.
Meadows Taylor
Tara: A Mahratta Tale
"Tara: A Mahratta Tale" by Meadows Taylor is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story explores the life of a young Brahmin girl named Tara, living in India during a time when she faces societal challenges and personal struggles after becoming a widow at a young age. The tale delves into themes of duty, spirituality, and tradition, set against the backdrop of Mahratta culture and the complexities of familial expectations. The opening of the novel introduces us to Tara and her family life, highlighting her beauty, her relationship with her parents, particularly her father, Vyas Shastree, who is a learned Brahmin with a deep commitment to his religious duties. As Tara prepares for a visit to the temple with her mother, we understand the weight of her mourning status as a widow and the societal pressures surrounding her. The narrative paints a vivid picture of Tara's inner conflict between societal expectations and her personal aspirations, setting the stage for her eventual transformation into a priestess. This beginning establishes not only Tara’s character but also the rich cultural and spiritual environment of the Deccan region of India, inviting readers into a profound exploration of identity and faith.
Lady (Sydney) Morgan
The Missionary: An Indian Tale; vol. II
"The Missionary: An Indian Tale; vol. II" by Lady Morgan is a historical novel written in the early 19th century. The story revolves around a Christian missionary, Hilarion, who grapples with his faith and the complexities of love as he becomes intertwined with Luxima, a devoted Indian priestess. Their relationship is strained by cultural tensions and the conflicting demands of their respective spiritual beliefs. At the start of the narrative, the protagonist experiences emotional turmoil as he contemplates his feelings for Luxima while feeling the weight of his religious duties. He strives to convert her from her Hindu faith while struggling with a growing attachment that challenges his vow of celibacy. The tension escalates when Luxima expresses her deep connection to him, leading to a dangerous intersection of love and faith as external threats loom in the form of a rival, the Mogul prince Solyman Sheko. The opening sets a tone of introspection, exploring themes of passion, spirituality, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals caught between conflicting worlds.
Lady (Sydney) Morgan
The Missionary: An Indian Tale; vol. I
"The Missionary: An Indian Tale; vol. I" by Lady Morgan is a historical novel written in the early 19th century. The story takes place during the tumultuous period of the early 17th century, following Hilarion, the young Count d'Acugna. He is a deeply religious and enthusiastic monk of the Order of St. Francis, engaged in a mission to India, where he seeks to convert souls amidst the conflicts between Christianity and Hindu beliefs. The opening portion of the novel introduces Hilarion's background, detailing how he was raised by his noble family but chose the ascetic life of a monk. As he prepares for his mission to India, he is marked by a fervent desire to save souls and uphold the purity of his faith. The narrative vividly portrays the setting of 17th-century Portugal and India, while Hilarion's character is developed as one of idealism and spirituality, aspiring to live a life wholly devoted to goodness despite the tumultuous and oppressive socio-political climate of the time. His journey to India begins filled with hope and ambition, setting the stage for encounters with the vibrant culture and complex religious beliefs he will confront in his mission.
Lady (Sydney) Morgan
The Missionary: An Indian Tale; vol. III
"The Missionary: An Indian Tale; vol. III" by Lady Morgan is a historical novel written in the early 19th century. The narrative follows the tumultuous journey of Hilarion, a Christian missionary, and Luxima, a beautiful Indian neophyte, as they navigate the challenges of love, faith, and cultural conflict in their strained relationship. The story delves into themes of devotion, sacrifice, and the complexities of human emotions against the backdrop of British-Indian society. At the start of the story, Hilarion and Luxima find themselves on a perilous journey, wandering through the lush and enchanting Valley of Floating Islands. As they immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings, their relationship deepens, revealing Hilarion's inner turmoil as he grapples with his spiritual duties and burgeoning feelings for Luxima. Amidst moments of tranquility, they confront the dangers posed by both nature and their evolving emotions, setting the stage for a conflict that threatens their ideals and addictions to each other. The opening highlights the contrast between their initial idyllic surroundings and the lurking perils that come with their unguarded affection for one another.
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