diana preston

When Babur came to India, he brought with him the tandoor. For an army on the march, it was a kitchen that could be carried around. That’s a direct legacy of the Mughals, said authors diana preston and Michael Preston, who are collectively known as Alex Rutherford.

Alex Rutherford — both of them — says they have seen nothing in translations of the Baburnama that would suggest that the first Mughal emperor knew about a temple in Ayodhya.

On their recent visit to India, author Michael and diana preston, better known by their pen name Alex Rutherford, spoke to the TOI Books about their literary journey.

When Babur came to India, he brought with him the tandoor.

Author-couple Diana and Michael Preston are known for writing under the pen name Alex Rutherford. And now their novel 'Empire of the Moghul' is being adapted for screen.

Two sessions at the Times Litfest Kolkata, titled ‘The Outsider’s view: Foreigners writing on India’ and ‘Empire of the Moghul: Epic Rise & Fall of a Dynasty’, were such refreshing eye-openers to several in the audience.

In a city where “thought for food” is more biryani than continental, this was bound to happen. The city’s collective “food for thought” has also gone the same direction , and for bibliophiles, the flavour of the season is — you guessed it right — Mughlai.

Engage with over 145 authors of multiple nationalities, and take part in a slew of workshops this weekend.

If Saturday morning is one of a pair of bookends, make Sunday evening the other. In between, pack in a weekend of books of all shades and covers, engage with over 145 authors of multiple nationalities, and take part in a slew of workshops.

The MasterChef Australia 2017 winner was in Bengaluru recently showcasing her culinary skills