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I Am Archa: The Legend of Unniarcha, India’s Warrior Girl
NO GIRL HAS DONE IT BEFORE. YET, UNNIARCHA MUST. AND SO BEGINS A LEGEND OF EXTRAORDINARY VALOUR.
Unniarcha is the brave and fiery daughter of a famous master of Kalaripayattu, an ancient martial art. But in her world, only boys are meant to be warriors and fight duels. Slowly, she begins to give up on her dream of becoming a warrior like her father.
Then trouble arrives. An embittered cousin challenges her sick father to a dangerous contest. Desperate and alone, Unniarcha soon discovers something surprising - that she is more than just the daughter of a great warrior.
A STIRRING RETELLING OF THE STORY OF UNNIARCHA, WHOSE COURAGE AND SKILL INSPIRE EVEN TODAY.
Unniarcha is the brave and fiery daughter of a famous master of Kalaripayattu, an ancient martial art. But in her world, only boys are meant to be warriors and fight duels. Slowly, she begins to give up on her dream of becoming a warrior like her father.
Then trouble arrives. An embittered cousin challenges her sick father to a dangerous contest. Desperate and alone, Unniarcha soon discovers something surprising - that she is more than just the daughter of a great warrior.
A STIRRING RETELLING OF THE STORY OF UNNIARCHA, WHOSE COURAGE AND SKILL INSPIRE EVEN TODAY.
177 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2026
About the author
Ranjeeta Raam
4 books5 followersRanjeeta Raam grew up in a small town in Kerala, India, wishing she could find a way to jump into the pages of her favourite books and become part of those fascinating worlds. As an adult, she worked in different areas of writing, leaving her last job as a scriptwriter to become a full-time novelist. Ranjeeta loves novels in verse and believes in the economy of words to tell a powerful story. Writing brought her close to her culture and she hopes to bring out those aspects of it that are lesser known. If Elephants Could Talk is her first novel. She currently lives in Dubai with her husband, two daughters and two cats. Find her at ranjeetaram.com and @ranjeetaraam.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 7, 2026
I picked up I Am Archa because it had been a while since I read anything inspired by Indian folklore, and it felt like the perfect book to dive back into the genre.
From the very first pages, I was completely drawn into the story. One of my favourite things about this book is that it doesn’t feel like a traditional novel. It’s written in a beautiful blend of prose and storytelling that makes every page feel lyrical and immersive.
I also loved the presentation of the book. The short paragraphs make it incredibly easy to read, and the stunning illustrations add so much emotion and depth to the reading experience. They don’t just decorate the pages, they become a part of the story.
But beyond the beautiful format, it was the writing that truly stole my heart. I found myself deeply attached to Archa and her family, celebrating their victories, feeling their pain, and rooting for them every step of the way. The story is heartfelt, powerful, and wonderfully told.
This book has definitely made me want to explore more of Ranjeeta Raam’s work, and I’ll certainly be adding more of her books to my library.
From the very first pages, I was completely drawn into the story. One of my favourite things about this book is that it doesn’t feel like a traditional novel. It’s written in a beautiful blend of prose and storytelling that makes every page feel lyrical and immersive.
I also loved the presentation of the book. The short paragraphs make it incredibly easy to read, and the stunning illustrations add so much emotion and depth to the reading experience. They don’t just decorate the pages, they become a part of the story.
But beyond the beautiful format, it was the writing that truly stole my heart. I found myself deeply attached to Archa and her family, celebrating their victories, feeling their pain, and rooting for them every step of the way. The story is heartfelt, powerful, and wonderfully told.
This book has definitely made me want to explore more of Ranjeeta Raam’s work, and I’ll certainly be adding more of her books to my library.
July 31, 2026
Some stories don't just remind us of history, they remind us of ourselves. I Am Archa was one such book for me.
As I read this novel in verse, memories came rushing back. The stories I heard as a child, the songs I learned in school, and the films and television adaptations of Unniyarcha all played through my mind. Yet, this retelling felt fresh, intimate, and deeply inspiring.
Archa is a reminder that every era has women who quietly challenged conventions, not by trying to prove a point, but by simply refusing to let society define what they could or couldn't do. Her courage, resilience, and mastery of martial arts continue to inspire generations even today.
One aspect I especially loved was the bond between Archa and her father. His unwavering support for her dreams was heartwarming and added emotional depth to the story. At a time when women were expected to follow rigid societal norms, his belief in her made all the difference.
The writing is beautifully simple, complemented by lovely illustrations that make it an enjoyable read for both young readers and adults. I picked it up intending to read a few pages, but I found myself finishing it in just a few hours.
Being from Kerala, this story resonated with me on a personal level. I come from a maternal family with roots in Kalaripayattu, where my ancestors were Kalari teachers and Kalari Bhagavathy remains our family deity. Although my family is from central/southern Kerala and Archa's story belongs to North Kerala, reading about a legendary warrior from my home state made the experience even more special.
If you're already familiar with Unniyarcha, you'll enjoy this beautiful reimagining. And if you're not, I Am Archa is a wonderful place to begin.
As I read this novel in verse, memories came rushing back. The stories I heard as a child, the songs I learned in school, and the films and television adaptations of Unniyarcha all played through my mind. Yet, this retelling felt fresh, intimate, and deeply inspiring.
Archa is a reminder that every era has women who quietly challenged conventions, not by trying to prove a point, but by simply refusing to let society define what they could or couldn't do. Her courage, resilience, and mastery of martial arts continue to inspire generations even today.
One aspect I especially loved was the bond between Archa and her father. His unwavering support for her dreams was heartwarming and added emotional depth to the story. At a time when women were expected to follow rigid societal norms, his belief in her made all the difference.
The writing is beautifully simple, complemented by lovely illustrations that make it an enjoyable read for both young readers and adults. I picked it up intending to read a few pages, but I found myself finishing it in just a few hours.
Being from Kerala, this story resonated with me on a personal level. I come from a maternal family with roots in Kalaripayattu, where my ancestors were Kalari teachers and Kalari Bhagavathy remains our family deity. Although my family is from central/southern Kerala and Archa's story belongs to North Kerala, reading about a legendary warrior from my home state made the experience even more special.
If you're already familiar with Unniyarcha, you'll enjoy this beautiful reimagining. And if you're not, I Am Archa is a wonderful place to begin.
August 12, 2026
I’ve read Ranjeeta’s previous book and completely fell in love with her writing, so when I saw Hachette was bringing out another book by her, I knew I had to read it. And honestly, this one did not disappoint!
I finished I am Archa in just about an hour, and I absolutely loved how Ranjeeta brings the legendary story of Unniyarcha to life. It’s fierce, engaging, and so easy to get lost in, while also introducing young readers to an incredible piece of Kerala’s folklore (not just for youngsters but this is an amazing book for adults too).
As a Malayali, seeing Unniyarcha’s courage and Kalaripayattu brought to life for a new generation made this extra special for me.
I’m definitely getting copies for all my nieces and nephews because every child deserves to grow up knowing stories like this.
Happy Reading!
I finished I am Archa in just about an hour, and I absolutely loved how Ranjeeta brings the legendary story of Unniyarcha to life. It’s fierce, engaging, and so easy to get lost in, while also introducing young readers to an incredible piece of Kerala’s folklore (not just for youngsters but this is an amazing book for adults too).
As a Malayali, seeing Unniyarcha’s courage and Kalaripayattu brought to life for a new generation made this extra special for me.
I’m definitely getting copies for all my nieces and nephews because every child deserves to grow up knowing stories like this.
Happy Reading!
July 17, 2026
Archa or Unniarcha is the ultimate fierce female protagonist! Kids and adults will enjoy this exciting story set in the 16th century Kerala region of India, filled with Kalaripayattu battles and a young girl finding her voice and her strength as she defends her family and shows what she is capable of. The novel in verse format makes it a quick read, and I enjoyed the illustrations and the author's note at the end, too. Great for kids ages 8 to 12, including reluctant readers.
October 3, 2026
My 12y/o daughter, who is a fan of novels in verse, read this author’s first book, If Elephants Could Talk and absolutely loved it. So, I picked up this one on kindle, and before turning it over to her, I got curious.
Let’s say she was annoyed she had to wait because once I started I was sucked in to this Indian folklore! It read fast, and like the first book, features beautiful writing. Plus, I loved learning a story from another culture.
Let’s say she was annoyed she had to wait because once I started I was sucked in to this Indian folklore! It read fast, and like the first book, features beautiful writing. Plus, I loved learning a story from another culture.
July 21, 2026
A good story in verse form about a girl who learns ancient martial arts and takes revenge.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews