Tiger Slayer

More than four centuries ago in India, a Muslim woman ruled a magnificent empire: Nur Jahan, whose name means ‘light of the world’. Nur led troops into battle atop an elephant, hunted tigers, designed public buildings, and issued coinage and royal decrees in her own name. In a world dominated by men, her astute handling of court politics and affairs of state propelled her to the position of co-sovereign of the vast Mughal Empire—and made her mighty enemies, who would plot to bring about her downfall. Tiger Slayer combines the gifts of historian Ruby Lal and artist Molly Crabapple to uncover the vibrant and diverse culture of Mughal India and tell the compelling story of a daring, brilliant woman who achieved unequalled power and fame. ‘Historian Lal demonstrates exemplary historical methodology throughout as she traces the life of Nur Jahan … Crabapple’s full-colour illustrations transform the pages into windows onto Mughal India’s opulent world … a product of Lal’s extensive research for her adult biography, lending additional credibility to an already well-documented narrative that successfully combines scholarly rigor with engaging storytelling. Sets a new standard for works celebrating overlooked historical figures’ – Kirkus ‘Nur would say: Ruby Lal is a fountain of light, Molly Crabapple the prism of the age’ – Irwin Allan Sealy ‘Adulatory, deeply satisfying, well documented, and filled with strikingly gorgeous illustrations, this is a fitting tribute for an empress’ – Kathleen McBroom ― BOOKLIST Advance Review ‘Sometimes when creative souls come together for a project and pour their passion into it, the end result is a product that is utterly perfect. This is one of those rare gems’ – Jaya Bhattacharji Rose, Ace Literary Consulting ‘Celebrated historian Ruby Lal and award-winning illustrator Molly Crabapple put the spotlight on the awe-inspiring true story of empress Nur Jahan, the only woman to ever rule the Mughal Empire. With Tiger Slayer, get on board an immersive journey through Nur Jahan’s world, full of ancient rivers and rose gardens, whispered poems and fearless power plays’ – Farah Khatoon, T2 Goodlife