Exploring India: Kings & Queens - Subhadra Sen Gupta

I have been fascinated by historical figures, years and dates since childhood.So, when I received a mail from Rupa Publications to review the book ‘Kings and Queens’ & ‘Battles and Warriors’ by Subhadra Sen Gupta, I just grabbed the opportunity. I received this book in exchange for my honest review from Rupa Publications.

The Book Cover, as well as the Book Title, is apt. The book cover depicts the Indian King Krishnadevaraya standing majestically against an artistic backdrop of his capital Hampi. The blurb more or less gives an idea about which of the ‘Kings and Queens’ we can expect to read the book.

India is a land of magnificent palaces of grandeur-housing the royalty; invasions, stories of extraordinary valor with lots of surprises and twists.All this and more can be found in ‘Kings and Queens’. The descriptions of the life and struggles of the ‘Kings and Queens’, wars, the strategies used by the warriors and the planning behind the conquests have been written so effortlessly and in a required quantity that the readers -especially children will understand, enjoy and be awed by the rich Indian History!

I particularly loved the illustrations by Tapas Guha. Be it the garb of the warriors or the coins, each of these have been illustrated so well that the reader need not refer to other resources for clarity or details.The pictures are eye-capturing, colorful and self-explanatory. The maps of the ancient Indian kingdoms are so simple and clear that children are bound to understand after just one glance.

This book makes an interesting read for adults and is a good source to know much more about the unchronicled glory of our country.During my school days, I had not read much about Razia Sultana or Nurjahan but this book helped me to widen my horizon about these women warriors! These stories go on to show that even Kings and Queens do not have it easy!

Also, the add-on ‘Books you can Read’ section induces the reader to look out for further reading material. Overall, this book is sure to kindle a child’s appetite to know more about Indian History by being the perfect appetizer! By the way, do you know the connection between Mumtaz Mahal and Nurjahan? If not, do grab a copy of this book to know about it and to read many more such unknown facts about ‘Kings and Queens’!

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Kings and Queens — By Subhadra Sengupta is great book to read when you travel,

Kings and Queens book author are Subhadra Sengupta, Illustrator by Yapas Guha and Publisher by Rupa publication.

I have read many books like amar chitra khata and school history books and books like Kings and queens of India, I liked this book while I am on travel it keeps my mind alert. I bought this book from Amazon for 197 its nice to read I really enjoyed this book while traveling.

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The first thought which I had after reading Kings and Queens by Subhadra Sen Gupta was that if history books were so interesting, I would have done better in history while I was in school. Kings and Queens is about two Kings Chandragupta Maurya and Krishnadeva Raya and two Queens Razia Sultan and Nurjahan.

The book sets forth the lives of each of these historic personalities in an objective manner. This is not just a story book for children. All the historic references are quoted at the apt places. The book not only tells us about the lives of these great men and women, but it also sheds light on the social scenario which prevailed during their lifetimes. It tells us about how men and women dressed at those times. It tells us about architecture of those times. It tells us about currencies and farmans and also visits by foreigners.

The language of the book is simple yet riveting. It succeeds in keeping you engrossed in the lives of these historic personalities. Needless to say it educates you as well. The little nuggets which come at the end of each chapter are interesting too. The colourful illustrations by Tapas Guha deserve a special mention too. Each chapter gives a list of reference books for further reading. I am sure after reading this book, every reader will want to know more about the lives of these men and women. So this list of references will be of great help.

To conclude Kings and Queens is a book which will be liked by both the young and the old. I eagerly look forward to other books in this Exploring India series.

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