This absolute cracker of a book is one that needs to be read from cover to cover as it is chock-a-block with evidence of the fascinating opulent internationalist culture of Mughal Hindustan 1556 – 1658.

Edited by Susan Stronge, The Great Mughals: Art Architecture and Opulence presents for the first time the age of its greatest emperors: Akbar 1556-1605, Jahangir 1605-1627 and Shah Jahan 1628-1658. Stronge sets out a compelling narrative which describes the origins of Mughal art; it explores the huge Iranian influence that permeated the sophisticated craft traditions of the Indian subcontinent to create a distinctively Mughal style, further modified by interactions with Jesuit missionaries and European traders.

All the arts of the Mughal court are included: from contemporary portraits to jewelled gold vessels and magnificent carpets. In chapters that conjure the unique dynamics of each reign, essays with historical sweep combine with texts focused on important objects to tell unexpected stories about a dynasty perhaps best known for commissioning the Taj Mahal.

As someone whose grandmother was Hindu, I find anything like this fascinating, but this book is broad enough in concept and presentation to enthral everyone, not just me. It is visually impressive, and promotes a train of thought that pursues the sheer magnificence and creativity of all that was produced during this epoch. But not just that, it is also the revelation of the absorption of the influence of outsiders such as Jesuit missionaries that reminds us that we have much to learn from one another.

A wonderful book, though that seems too narrow a term. Let’s say it is a cornucopia, a revelation, one which accompanies the V&A exhibition The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence to perfection. The exhibition is underway and closes Monday, 5 May 2025. V&A South KensingtonCromwell Road London, SW7 2RL. Gallery 39. £22.00Concessions apply. Advance booking recommended. The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence is available here and also the V&A Bookshop