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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