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The Lotus Queen
Soon after the beautiful young Padmini becomes Queen of Chittor – the most important city in Rajputana – she finds her happiness clouded by an ancient curse. Her life is then torn apart when the scheming Sultan of Delhi becomes obsessed with possessing her and her kingdom.When the Sultan besieges the city, the Rajputs are pushed to the brink of destruction, and Padmini is faced with a terrible decision - one that will determine the fate of her home, her people, and her loveSet in the backdrop of 14th Century Rajasthan, The Lotus Queen richly blends fact and fiction and weaves together a tale of love, friendship, and inner courage, in the face of extreme adversity.
250 pages, Paperback
First published February 3, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 28, 2011
Set in Chittor OF 1303 AD, The Lotus Queen is the story of Rani Padmini. Married to Rawal of Chittor, Padmini is considered to be the most beautiful woman in the world. Known across borders for her beauty there were fables associated with her.
Pulled in by the talks of her beauty, Ala’uddin Khijli the then ruler of Delhi sends a proposal to the King of Chittor. “…..all the precious stones he possesses, he has yet to see the real treasure of the Almighty. The mighty one, whose fame will be everlasting, has news that Chittor holds just such a treasure. Appointed by God & chosen by man, he wishes but a glimpse of the wonder of Chittor, known as Padmavati, who is thy queen….”
To accept his request would be a dishonor for the Queen but not agreeing to it would mean making a enemy out of Ala’uddin Khijli thus the Rajput’s of Chittor decide to dupe him by showing someone else’s reflection in the same of Rani Padmini. But circumstances have something else in hold for them.
The Rajput’s who believe in the saying “death before dishonor” take up the challenge of a battle with the Sultan who is mightier than them. To most it would look like an act of suicide but for them it was about honor. What follows next forms the crux of the novel.
My View
When I started reading the book, I remembered nothing about this chapter of history but as I read along I started getting some hazy memories about it. The thought of goggling and finding about it passed through my mind but I controlled myself because I was enjoying the book.
Written from different perspectives the book works for me. The narrative keeps moving from past to present and the author uses the voices of Rani Padmini or her best friend Deepika or the king or the man who has lost his brother in battle thus giving us many perspectives’ of the story.
I liked the book because the story was interesting & very well told. My only question was had I known the story would I have enjoyed it as much?
Author’s note in the beginning answers my question
The Lotus Queen is my imagining of one of the most famous legends in India. Although the novel is based on historical events, places, and persons, it should be very much considered a work of fiction.
I hardly read historical novels and this has come as a welcome change. Written quite well the book transports you to that era. I especially liked the portions where the battle has been described, I liked it because it made me cringe & it made me hate it. If words can garner such an emotion then it says a lot about the writing.
However at some places I felt that the author has gone over board with the poetic description of things & places but then that’s entirely my opinion (read it as - I hate anything that is poetic as it goes over my head) and it doesn’t take away the fact that he has retold us a story which we have forgotten. It reminds us of the era where people were ready to lay their lives for their rulers an era where honor presided over anything & everything.
A must read for people who love Historical novels & for people like me who remember none of the famous fables & stories. This one gives you a peep in the history, culture & keeps you glued as well with thrills. A racy page turner from the walks of history.
Pulled in by the talks of her beauty, Ala’uddin Khijli the then ruler of Delhi sends a proposal to the King of Chittor. “…..all the precious stones he possesses, he has yet to see the real treasure of the Almighty. The mighty one, whose fame will be everlasting, has news that Chittor holds just such a treasure. Appointed by God & chosen by man, he wishes but a glimpse of the wonder of Chittor, known as Padmavati, who is thy queen….”
To accept his request would be a dishonor for the Queen but not agreeing to it would mean making a enemy out of Ala’uddin Khijli thus the Rajput’s of Chittor decide to dupe him by showing someone else’s reflection in the same of Rani Padmini. But circumstances have something else in hold for them.
The Rajput’s who believe in the saying “death before dishonor” take up the challenge of a battle with the Sultan who is mightier than them. To most it would look like an act of suicide but for them it was about honor. What follows next forms the crux of the novel.
My View
When I started reading the book, I remembered nothing about this chapter of history but as I read along I started getting some hazy memories about it. The thought of goggling and finding about it passed through my mind but I controlled myself because I was enjoying the book.
Written from different perspectives the book works for me. The narrative keeps moving from past to present and the author uses the voices of Rani Padmini or her best friend Deepika or the king or the man who has lost his brother in battle thus giving us many perspectives’ of the story.
I liked the book because the story was interesting & very well told. My only question was had I known the story would I have enjoyed it as much?
Author’s note in the beginning answers my question
The Lotus Queen is my imagining of one of the most famous legends in India. Although the novel is based on historical events, places, and persons, it should be very much considered a work of fiction.
I hardly read historical novels and this has come as a welcome change. Written quite well the book transports you to that era. I especially liked the portions where the battle has been described, I liked it because it made me cringe & it made me hate it. If words can garner such an emotion then it says a lot about the writing.
However at some places I felt that the author has gone over board with the poetic description of things & places but then that’s entirely my opinion (read it as - I hate anything that is poetic as it goes over my head) and it doesn’t take away the fact that he has retold us a story which we have forgotten. It reminds us of the era where people were ready to lay their lives for their rulers an era where honor presided over anything & everything.
A must read for people who love Historical novels & for people like me who remember none of the famous fables & stories. This one gives you a peep in the history, culture & keeps you glued as well with thrills. A racy page turner from the walks of history.
April 8, 2012
Hmmmm I have heard the legend but never read about it seriously, so was looking forward to this one. I wasn't disappointed but wasn't too enthused by it as well.. Maybe because the book never allowed me to really get to know the Lotus queen
What made her who she was.. Why was her beauty so unparalleled, and a personality to match.. Her relationship with her Rawal.. So much that could have been explored and yet... Wasn't..
What made her who she was.. Why was her beauty so unparalleled, and a personality to match.. Her relationship with her Rawal.. So much that could have been explored and yet... Wasn't..
December 15, 2014
I loved this book. Written with a mood that captures the essence of the traditions, landscapes and emotions & values of the Rajputs quite nicely, it also gives you a peep into the rich history. A delightful read that makes you keep turning the pages till the end.
read full review here - https://dreamzandclouds.wordpress.com...
Rikin Khamar
read full review here - https://dreamzandclouds.wordpress.com...
Rikin Khamar
November 5, 2016
I enjoyed it.It was heart wrenching and soulful..
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews