Guest Blogger and Howard fan Barbara Barrett informs us about a familiar Howardian vibe in a recent TV program:

BARBARA: Almanac on the International History Channel ran a program last Saturday evening 8-10pm: Warrior Empire: The Mughals. It went into great depth regarding their weapons and war tactics and conquests. Brought to mind a lot of REH’s writings, of course, but — shades of REH — they showed the inside of one of the palaces, digitally restoring the gems, gold and lapis lazuli on the ceilings. It was right out of a Conan story and awesome to see what REH wrote recreated in all its splendor, with gems the size of your fist sparkling in all colors like the night sky. Everything as REH described it! They also recreated the making of their short bow — an art which was passed down from father to son, and died out without the knowledge being passed on, and then compared its use to the English long bow. Here is a synopsis of the program:

From 1526 to 1858, the Mughals, a dynasty of nomadic Asian rulers, created a massive and powerful empire covering much of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, passing along an appetite for territory expansion and brutality. But they were also technological innovators and builders of some of the most enduring architecture in South Asia. Through their conquests and achievements, we learn about their military innovations like composite bows, matchlock guns, rocketry, chain mail, and cannons. We explore their feats of archery on horseback and use of elephants as fearsome weapons. And we examine their culture and enduring architecture, including palaces, forts, water systems, gardens, and the Taj Mahal — a tomb that took 22 years to build in honor of the most beloved of the sultan’s wives. Join us for a sweeping history of the military ambition, innovative weapons and battle strategies, material excess, architectural wonders, and cultural flowering that shaped modern India.

You can keep an eye out for it to play again if you missed it and are interested….