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This powerful novel narrates the story of the Taj Mahal, a marble mausoleum of gold, silver and precious jewels, on two parallel levels. It tells the passionate love story of Shah Jahan and Arjumand Banu (Mumtaz-i-Mahal) till her death through the voices of three main characters-Arjumand, Shah Jahan and Isa, Arjumand`s favourite eunuch. The second recounts the later years of Shah Jahan`s reign, the building of the Taj Mahal and the bloody pursuit of the fabulous Peacock throne by his sons. Intertwined in the building is the story of Murthi, the Hindu master craftsman sent as a gift to the emperor to carve the famous marble jail around Arjumand`s sarcophagus.

Complex and fascinating, Murari has written more than a historical romance. He has skilfully recreated the period against which the story is set, the sensual opulence of the palace, the grinding poverty of seventeenth century India, the vicissitudes of Shah Jahan`s reign and the historical background of the conflict between men of different faiths.

Timeri N. Murari has written novels, as well as screenplays and stage plays. He lives in Chennai, India.