A Teardrop on the Cheek of Time: The Story of the Taj Mahal [Import] [Hardcover]

Diana Preston (Author), Michael Preston (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday (April 2, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385609477
• ISBN-13: 978-0385609470
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.1 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,420,703 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptionally Good, October 9, 2009

By 

N. M - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: A Teardrop on the Cheek of Time: The Story of the Taj Mahal (Paperback)

There is something especially remarkable about reading a well written history book. Oh, you must know the feeling. You find it hard to come back to reality. You walk around for days wishing desperately for a time machine in your basement. You look at things and say "Gosh, that would have been different in so and so's time". I have spent the past week reading the story of Taj Mahal and have been so mesmerized by the Moguls' realm that its all I can talk about for the time being (my family members, who were genuinely interested with the tidbits of info I gave them every now and then have been reduced to ho-humming now). The book follows the Moguls' rule in India, since Babur first ruled and down to Aurangzeb, whilst giving special emphasis on Taj Mahal, that majestic architecture of eternal love.

Let's see, did you know that there have been accounts that mention Shah Jahan (the ruler who built the Taj for his wife) intended to build a similar mausoleum for himself across the river from Taj, only he wanted it to be black? Also, during the British rule of India, a lot of the garden plans were changed, and a lot of the precious stones used to decorate the Taj were looted?

Whilst I can not judge its historical accuracy, since this is the first book I read about India and the Moguls, I have certainly enjoyed reading it. The book is so reader friendly and captivating that it is literally difficult to put it down. I highly recommend this book to those interested in either history or india.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Taj Mahal - The Crown Palace, August 17, 2008

By 

Jane Austen "Sumita CDM" (New Delhi, India) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Teardrop on the Cheek of Time: The Story of the Taj Mahal (Paperback)

A teardrop on he Cheek of Time. A name given by Rabindranath Tagore for Taj Mahal.

Taj Mahal - a beautiful mausoleum made by an emperor, Shah Jahan, for his beautiful wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Their was an undying love for each other, so much so that Mumtaz held a special place not only in Shah Jahan's life, but in his court too. Mumtaz accompanied Shah Jahan in all his conquests and was always besides him.

This book presents the Mughal Sultanate right from the time of Babur till Aurangzeb. However, this book lays emphasis on Shah Jahan and Mumtaz's life and the construction of Taj Mahal after the death of Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan gave the name Taj Mahal after shortening Mumtaz's name to Taj. Taj Mahal also means Crown Palace.

The amazing beauty of this mausoleum is unparallel. To know more about Taj Mahal through this book has been an enriching experience. The authors have seamlessly weaved the facts in this well written book.

A must read for people who want to know more about one of the seven wonders of the modern world - Taj Mahal.