The Royal Rajputs: Strange Tales and Stranger Truths

by Manoshi Bhattacharya

616 (27 Color Illustrations & 10 B/W Illustrations)

Preface
The Royal Rajputs Strange Tales And Stranger Truths renders

in simple language and in a concise form the story of

Rajasthan. Dr. Manoshi Bhattacharya has worked at untangling a

web of myths, legends and folklore skillfully woven by the

bards of Rajasthan one that would test the skills of many a

reputed scholar. She has also read many learned narratives on

the subject and produced a fine book.
Nepoleon once what is history but a fable agreed

upon, where history fails one turns to legends. Epics are

passed down from generation to generation with a certain

element of truth, weaving a fabric that holds a people

together. The celebrated bards of Rajasthan kept this tradition

alive. It was this tribe of wandering minstrels who recited and

sang the tales of glory with vigour and passion infusing the

haughty Rajputs blood with a surge of adrenaline and boundless

pride driving them to acts of reckless gallantry. Fuelled with

the traditional cup of fiery spirits and a formidable adversary

capable of prodigious feats of valour. They yearned only for

victory or death. Glory was assured in any case.
This book will help the tourist both Indian and foreign to

understand the history and legends of Rajasthan, the proud

traditions and customs of the Rajputs. Those with a greater

interest in history will perhaps be enthused to read and

appreciate the real stuff that discerns fact from fable.
Back of the Book
WHO
gathered the riches of Amber (Jaipur)?
WHEN
did Maharana Sanga lose his eye?
WHY
is the raja of Bikaner called the emperor?


WHERE
w

Genres: History, India, Nonfiction

555 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

I started off as a physician in the Indian Navy after graduating from AFMC, Pune.

The Indian Navy gave me my first opportunity and commissioned Charting The Deep: A History of the Indian Naval Hydrographic Department. I used the opportunity to trace the history of the geographers and the map-makers of the Indian waters from the days of the Indus Valley Civilization to the year 2004.

The Royal Rajputs: Strange Tales Stranger Truths which was published by Rupa & Co in 2008. It is a comprehensive collection of bardic legends and myths of the six Rajput kingdoms in Rajasthan placed alongside the factual history of the kingdoms as accepted by historians today. It brings out the colour that the bards added to their history when telling the tales of their kings and queens.

Chittagong: Summer of 1930 is my third book. The sequel to this book is due to be published soon.

Reviews

[Chandni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got hold of this book because I have an interest in history particularly that of Rajasthan and its people. About 'The Royal Rajputs' I would say Manoshi Bhattacharya has done extensive research of the subject. Students and people fond of history would find it an interesting read. I chose to skip pages in between because of too much details provided on the initial pages.. Enjoyable read I would say.

[Vishwas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book only about just transfer of power between the Rajput community, no much information about the culture and traditions other than Sati, all the bravery of Rajputs attributed to Opium consumption, being a Rajput myself - its like author is ripping you of you honor;
Don't be too enthusiastic while reading this book that you will get to know about rajputs more. But overall good for one time read to get to know of lineage of Rajputs and different Rajput clans

[Biswajeet Biswal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A journey into the rich and layered history of the Rajputana and of Rajasthan. It will definitely be a great read and a good accompaniment for history buffs with the wanderlust visiting Rajasthan.

[Vibhanshu]

Good

[Sanjay Banerjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

#50Books2024 Book No 53 : The Royal Rajputs - Strange Tales and Stranger Truths by Manoshi Bhattacharya

A well-researched book into the History of Rajputs from ancient times to Colonial times (including Capt James Tod’s travelogue). The book - dealing with the history of the royal households of Mewar, Marwar, Bikaner, Dhundhar (Amber & Jaipur), Hadavati (Boondi & Kota) and Jaisalmer - also draws upon the colourful tapestry of Rajputs’ story locked away in the genealogical custody of the Bhats (hereditary priests) and the ballads sings by the Charuns (bards). It is an amazing story of scandal, intrigue, power, ambition, moustaches and harems too.

[Mrityunja Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well researched, and very readable history book. The author has done a "Sagan" to a dry subject. As a Rajput, I am grateful to Dr. Bahattacharya for having written about my people. There is a bonus, the eminent historian Col. Tod comes to life in her book. Its a must read for anyone in the spectrum from Serious to Blood & Guts.

[Randhir Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those going on holiday to Rajasthan MUST arm themselves with this book. All those fascinating stories told by tour guides at the forts are documented here.
And they have been examined alongside factual history for their veracity. Our bards liked to add a ‘little’ colour as they sang our Rajput legends. Strange Tales and Stranger Truths indeed!

[Ajitabh Pandey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched book at the history of Rajput's and Rajputana. It has information about various Rajput's dynasty's, their rise and fall. Anybody interested in history and especially history of Rajasthan, Rajputana and / or Rajput's must read this.