Is Padmavati a real story? In Sutapa Basu's book, the legendary Queen tells her own story!

Is Padmavati a real story? This is a question that I have heard a lot after the controversial movie 'Padmavat' hit the limelight a few years ago. It didn't really catch my attention then. But when I picked up Sutapa Basu's book, I found myself enthralled by her well-written, fictional account of 'Padmavati'. [READ: What is Tantra?]

Who was this beautiful Princess who became the legendary Queen of Chittoor?

What was Padmavati like in the days when she was newly married and came to her husband's royal household?

The more I delved into Sutapa's novel, I felt drawn in by her style of writing, where she deftly blends in a hint of suspense as well through the gaze of another character in conversation with a curious and slightly impatient journalist.

As the story moves further, I found myself admiring Princess Padmavati. Her intelligence, courage and conviction make her a legendary personality though I recall nothing about her in my history textbooks, just the same way as Shivaji! [READ: What is the story of Shivaji?]

No mortal likes to choose death over life. To realise that a young, beautiful warrior Queen had actually embraced death to preserve what she believes as her core strength and 'identity' - the very idea of this is overwhelming beyond words.

Every reader will find this a thoroughly thought-provoking read.

Sutapa Basu makes a compelling story of a Princess Warrior and a highly enlightened Seeker come alive.

That her end is so tragic will bring tears to your eyes.

Your turn: Share your lockdown book reccos with me!

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