Ruler of the great Mughal Empire, son of Emperor Jahandar Shah, and father of Akbar, Shah Alam presides over an era of great change and turmoil.
A chess player and poet, he was once a great warrior until he was blinded fighting the Company at the Battle of Buxar. Proud of his lineage, but concerned for the future of the kingdom that he will pass on to his son, Shah Alam faces many difficult decisions as attempts to confront the insatiable greed of the Company.
Despite his blindness he is a great tactician, and John will have to tread carefully if he is to win the Emperor's favour and establish himself in Delhi.
