THE EMPRESS OF INDRAPRASTHA – Entering Kuruvansh
Book Ingredients
Title: THE EMPRESS OF INDRAPRASTHA – Entering Kuruvansh
Author: Sonali Raje
Publication Date: 26 July 2022
Publisher : Vishwakarma Publications; First edition (26 July 2022)
Pages: 140
Genre: Mythological Fiction
Conspectus
Draupadi’s mother, Maharani Prishati, was influential in building her charismatic daughter’s strong character as a proponent of human rights and a shrewd politician. Why would such an independent thinker blindly follow something Ma Kunti said accidentally? Did all the Paandav brothers agree to marry her immediately? The brilliant Sahdev and the far-sighted strategist Draupadi collectively argued for a partition to give Duryodhan his rights to half the kingdom. The intricate complexities of a dynamic polyamorous marriage and a sibling bond promoting gender equality are showcased through the series. Over five parts unfurl – the untold memoirs of an Empress…
Who is Sonali Raje ?
Sonali Raje – Author of The Empress of Indraprastha entering Kuruvansh, works as an associate professor of Chemistry Education at Towson University. An alumnus of IIT Mumbai, she graduated in 1995, with a master’s in Chemistry. She was a U.S. Fulbright Scholar at the Homi Bhabha Center for Science Education in 2017. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two kids. She has debuted her career as an author with this book. I wish her all the success in her life.
The Empress of Indraprastha Entering Kuruvansh by Sonali Raje is a captivating historical fiction that takes the reader on a journey through the ancient Indian kingdoms of Indraprastha and Kuruvansh. It’s a uniquely presented story of Draupadi in her own words.
My Thoughts
Though the story primarily revolves around Draupadi, the author has done justice to each character in the book by giving them due importance and weightage in the story.
There are emotions of love, anger, resentment, and jealousy. Her love for Arjun and the way they communicate in a subtle manner sometimes without saying a single word to each other, melted me down.
The politics and the power games, the dilemma between righteousness and desires, the sibling love, and the childhood incidents that have an impact on one’s life are well documented in this book.
The Empress of Indraprastha entering Kuruvansh at a glance
The book is a debut novel by Sonali but she has penned it like a seasoned writer. The book begins with arrangements for the Swayamvar of Princess Draupadi and follows her journey as she gets married to Arjuna – the third Pandava, and becomes a part of the complicated Pandava family.
The leading character in this book is Draupadi. She is presented as she actually was – a strong woman raised by strong parents. The story is written from her viewpoint. The author has not only presented the beautiful and kind side of Draupadi, but she has also described her intelligent and virtuous face.
The narration is easily flowing and yet it is very powerful. Sonali has brilliant storytelling skills that can briskly take the readers to that era and keep them hooked till the very last word of the book.
Lines from the book, that I liked the most
“It is fine to make a mistake. Everyone does that. But it takes the bravest and most courageous person to admit a fault and fix it right away. ” – Krishna
“Every situation is just that – a temporary situation at that point in time. It may or may not be the best or worst situation in your life because no human being has the power to see the future.” – Krishna
“We all have our weaknesses. As long as a person knows when to stop, whether it is consuming madira or gambling, a habit does not become a vice” – Yudhisthir
Final Words
Overall, The Empress of Indraprastha entering Kuruvansh is a must-read for fans of mythological fiction and romance. Sonali has created a compelling and engaging story that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good love story with a political twist.
Not a fan of Mythology but it seems something nice.
This is a good one
This looks like an interesting book
Sounds interesting