207. The Stargazing Hippie vs The Lion King

In this episode of Empire, Anita Arnon and William Dribble delve into the reign of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor, following the death of his father, Babur. They discuss Babur's last advice to Humayun regarding his brothers and how Humayun's forgiving nature becomes a crucial flaw in his rule. They explore Humayun's character, his interests in astronomy and mathematics, and his early military successes, including capturing the Koh-i-Noor diamond. The hosts also examine the challenges Humayun faces, such as dealing with rebellious brothers, the threat of Sher Shah, and the instability of the newly conquered Hindustan. They touch on Humayun's defeat by Sher Shah, his exile, and his eventual meeting with his future wife, Hamida, who gives birth to Akbar the Great during their flight. The episode sets the stage for the next installment, promising to continue the saga of Humayun's struggles and eventual restoration of Mughal fortunes.