208. Humayun Reconquers India

In this episode of Empire, William Dalrymple and Afua Hirsch delve into the life of Humayun, focusing on his exile, personal life, and eventual return to power. They discuss his love for poetry, his relationship with his wife, and his reliance on his library. The discussion covers Humayun's interactions with his treacherous brothers, his journey to seek help from the Safavids in Persia, and the pivotal role of the Babur diamond in securing Persian support. The hosts also touch on Humayun's interest in astrology, his introduction of Hindu customs to the Mughal court, and his patronage of the arts, which led to the foundation of the Mughal miniature tradition. The episode concludes with Humayun's accidental death and his lasting architectural legacy through the design of his tomb, which foreshadowed the Taj Mahal. The hosts tease the next episode, which will focus on Emperor Akbar.