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Padmavati: The Queen Tells Her Own Story
Journalist Mrinalini Rao is on an investigative trail to discover whether Padmavati, the Queen of Chittor, actually existed or was she only a legend created by poets.
Who was Padmavati, the Queen of Chittor? What does history tell of her? Where did she come from? What kind of life did she lead?
How did she have the courage to jump willingly into fire?
Mrinalini goes to Chittorgarh to discover the truth.
What does she really discover?
Who was Padmavati, the Queen of Chittor? What does history tell of her? Where did she come from? What kind of life did she lead?
How did she have the courage to jump willingly into fire?
Mrinalini goes to Chittorgarh to discover the truth.
What does she really discover?
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2017
135 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Sutapa Basu
26 books31 followersSutapa Basu is an avid reader and a compulsive bookworm. She is an irrepressible storyteller to children and pens down tales with twists for the adult audience. Her poetry is an evocation of Nature resonating with mystical introspection. A professional career as teacher, editor, and publisher had seen her traipsing across the vast Indian subcontinent with short detours into nearby Nepal and Bhutan and not-so-nearby Dubai and the United States while working with a couple of renowned international publishing houses until she decided to strike out on her own. Today she dabbles in art, training trainers, authoring, and counsels educational and publishing entities.
Resident editor with Readomania.com, Sutapa is an Honours scholar from Tagore’s Visvabharti University, Santiniketan and holds a teaching as well as a masters degree in English Literature.
Resident editor with Readomania.com, Sutapa is an Honours scholar from Tagore’s Visvabharti University, Santiniketan and holds a teaching as well as a masters degree in English Literature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 12, 2019
Synopsis:
The book starts with a prologue describing a scene of 'jauhar'* in its gruesome and gory detail.
The story then starts with Mrinalini Rao, a senior journalist, who is at Chittorgarh (Chittor Fort) at the behest of her boss to extricate facts about Queen Padmini (or is it Padmavati?), to be able to prove that she is not merely a figment of the imagination.
There she meets Uma, a local girl by the looks of it, who tells her a tale, supposedly of the ethereal Padmavati, and her life and times. She becomes a fellow traveller on her quest to get to the bottom of the truth. But, how much of truth is there in it? And who really is Uma? Does Mrinalini find the proof she came looking for?
Review:
The story takes us on a journey through the past, the present, and … the future?
Continuing from the synopsis above; the local girl, Uma, starts regaling Mrinalini with the story of Padmavati. Princess Padmavati lived in the paradise island kingdom of Singhaldweep with her childhood friends Ambika and Ginni (a Hiraman* parrot), under the peaceful rule of King Gandharava Sena and Queen Champavati. Far, far away, amid the deserts of Mewar, was the kingdom of Chittorgarh, ruled by Rawal (King) Samar Singh, and his adoptive son, (the Crown Prince) Kunwar Ratan Singh. How Padmavati and Ratan Singh come together, and what they both face, is what the book is all about.
Mrinalini's boss wants to prove the historical authenticity, rather than the truth, about Padmini. Hence, Mrinalini's nose for the scent of a scoop makes her follow Uma, without making her consider the time, or the place, or where she's going, led by the mysterious village girl.
The author's writing is stellar. Written in the third form of narration, the text is peppered with some great lines and some very good humour. The punchlines are in consonance with the times. The poetry, which is essential to the prose at certain places, is musical, magical, singing paeans of the times long gone by. The writing creates the perfect illusions through which you can even smell the air, and see everything for yourself (of course, in your mind's eyes). The book delighted me at so many levels, the story being told within the span of a night. For me, the best character was Ginni, the Hiraman parrot. I believe he was crucial to the story. Although I had an idea of what was to come at the end from the beginning itself, the true character of Ambika was still a surprise. Till the very end, the author had me hooked to the story with her narrative.
This book is a work of fiction.
The above has been stated at two places in the book. I've read a few reviews that say the story is not well researched, or that there is very little of real history in it. Well, the entire tale of Padmavati/Padmini is a myth, as nothing concrete has been established about her existence. According to me, this book then falls in the category of mythological fiction, albeit there may be some real historical characters/places/events described in it. And, who knows how much of history is really true? It is said that 'History is written by the Victors'! Why can't we change the narrative then?
I also read a few reviews that said the book glorified Sati/Jauhar. What I believe is that in those days, when few women knew how to defend themselves, the author put forward a plausible explanation, that instead of fleeing to her birth land, Padmavati took a decision to save her female subjects from being tortured/raped by the enemy forces. It is just stating bare facts about what had happened, and the romanticism that has been associated with it, maybe the women thought like that, maybe they didn't, who knows? Though, listening to Mrinalini's revolts against the oppressive customs against the women of Chittor, I could feel my heart sing. And at the end, I realised how paradoxical the whole thing was. *Mind … blown*
As far as the romance between Padmavati and Ratan Singh is concerned, in the story, I won't take any sides. Why?
Besides, she (Rani Prabhavati) was the first of his (Ratan Singh's) fourteen wives and concubines.
So, he had fourteen wives, and God knows how many concubines. But, he did give up his conjugal rights to his previous mistresses and wives, after his marriage to Padmavati; so besotted he was with her. Those were the times when there were no love marriages, and the Kings had to enter into marriages which were nothing but alliances with other Kingdoms, for various reasons. However a romantic at heart I am, I'd like to put on my rose-tinted glasses, and also judge everyone fairly. I'd agree with Mrinalini on this count,
She was so deeply submerged in the exotic romance of Ratan Singh and Padmavati that she found it difficult to break out of its spell to view it coherently.
By the way, the hot kisses did send my heart racing.
But, somewhere in-between, as Uma says,
Don't look closely at it and judge it against the perceptions of the present day. Just sink into the story and try to sense the emotions … and eventually the truth will come to you.
The book released two months before the movie, the same movie whose release date got pushed, again and again, due to the controversies surrounding it. I haven’t watched the movie, but from what I read of its synopsis, it would be totally unjustified to compare the book and the movie. The premise, the story, the characters, everything is different.
The story left so many questions unanswered.
1. How does Mrinalini's boss fit into the story. Do I smell a sequel here? *Sniff … sniff*
2. What really happened to Ambika? I'd have loved to know her future too. The ending is too suspenseful. *What do I do with my life now?*
It made me shed tears towards the end. If that is not good writing, I don’t know what is!
P.S. There is a glossary at the end of Mewari, Hindi, Urdu, and Singha terms. It would've got a five-star rating from me if not for some minor proofreading errors.
I strongly believe in the adage that beauty is only skin deep, and Padmavati did have an exemplary character to accompany it. But, I'm also of the opinion that only Tejaswini Lonari did justice to this mythical character of Padmavati in popular media, as did Rohit Bakshi in the role of Ratan Singh. I've only seen a few episodes of the Indian drama series ' Chittod Ki Rani Padmini Ka Johur', which aired on Sony Entertainment Television from 25 May to 13 August, 2009 (It'd only 48 episodes). I just loved their portrayal of the titular characters. Following is a still from the show:
*Jauhar: Jauhar, sometimes spelled Jowhar or Juhar, was the Hindu custom of mass self-immolation by women in parts of the Indian subcontinent, to avoid capture, enslavement and rape by any foreign invaders, when facing certain defeat during a war. Some reports of jauhar mention women committing self-immolation along with their children. (Source: Wikipedia)
*Hiraman parrot: A species of parrots who can speak like a human being, but can be heard only by its intended recipients (according to the book).
Originally posted on:
https://sassyshaina.wordpress.com/201...
The book starts with a prologue describing a scene of 'jauhar'* in its gruesome and gory detail.
The story then starts with Mrinalini Rao, a senior journalist, who is at Chittorgarh (Chittor Fort) at the behest of her boss to extricate facts about Queen Padmini (or is it Padmavati?), to be able to prove that she is not merely a figment of the imagination.
There she meets Uma, a local girl by the looks of it, who tells her a tale, supposedly of the ethereal Padmavati, and her life and times. She becomes a fellow traveller on her quest to get to the bottom of the truth. But, how much of truth is there in it? And who really is Uma? Does Mrinalini find the proof she came looking for?
Review:
The story takes us on a journey through the past, the present, and … the future?
Continuing from the synopsis above; the local girl, Uma, starts regaling Mrinalini with the story of Padmavati. Princess Padmavati lived in the paradise island kingdom of Singhaldweep with her childhood friends Ambika and Ginni (a Hiraman* parrot), under the peaceful rule of King Gandharava Sena and Queen Champavati. Far, far away, amid the deserts of Mewar, was the kingdom of Chittorgarh, ruled by Rawal (King) Samar Singh, and his adoptive son, (the Crown Prince) Kunwar Ratan Singh. How Padmavati and Ratan Singh come together, and what they both face, is what the book is all about.
Mrinalini's boss wants to prove the historical authenticity, rather than the truth, about Padmini. Hence, Mrinalini's nose for the scent of a scoop makes her follow Uma, without making her consider the time, or the place, or where she's going, led by the mysterious village girl.
The roar of combustion growled within the cave, punctured by the hiss of sizzling skin and the sharp cracking of bones.
The author's writing is stellar. Written in the third form of narration, the text is peppered with some great lines and some very good humour. The punchlines are in consonance with the times. The poetry, which is essential to the prose at certain places, is musical, magical, singing paeans of the times long gone by. The writing creates the perfect illusions through which you can even smell the air, and see everything for yourself (of course, in your mind's eyes). The book delighted me at so many levels, the story being told within the span of a night. For me, the best character was Ginni, the Hiraman parrot. I believe he was crucial to the story. Although I had an idea of what was to come at the end from the beginning itself, the true character of Ambika was still a surprise. Till the very end, the author had me hooked to the story with her narrative.
This book is a work of fiction.
The above has been stated at two places in the book. I've read a few reviews that say the story is not well researched, or that there is very little of real history in it. Well, the entire tale of Padmavati/Padmini is a myth, as nothing concrete has been established about her existence. According to me, this book then falls in the category of mythological fiction, albeit there may be some real historical characters/places/events described in it. And, who knows how much of history is really true? It is said that 'History is written by the Victors'! Why can't we change the narrative then?
I also read a few reviews that said the book glorified Sati/Jauhar. What I believe is that in those days, when few women knew how to defend themselves, the author put forward a plausible explanation, that instead of fleeing to her birth land, Padmavati took a decision to save her female subjects from being tortured/raped by the enemy forces. It is just stating bare facts about what had happened, and the romanticism that has been associated with it, maybe the women thought like that, maybe they didn't, who knows? Though, listening to Mrinalini's revolts against the oppressive customs against the women of Chittor, I could feel my heart sing. And at the end, I realised how paradoxical the whole thing was. *Mind … blown*
As far as the romance between Padmavati and Ratan Singh is concerned, in the story, I won't take any sides. Why?
Besides, she (Rani Prabhavati) was the first of his (Ratan Singh's) fourteen wives and concubines.
So, he had fourteen wives, and God knows how many concubines. But, he did give up his conjugal rights to his previous mistresses and wives, after his marriage to Padmavati; so besotted he was with her. Those were the times when there were no love marriages, and the Kings had to enter into marriages which were nothing but alliances with other Kingdoms, for various reasons. However a romantic at heart I am, I'd like to put on my rose-tinted glasses, and also judge everyone fairly. I'd agree with Mrinalini on this count,
She was so deeply submerged in the exotic romance of Ratan Singh and Padmavati that she found it difficult to break out of its spell to view it coherently.
By the way, the hot kisses did send my heart racing.
But, somewhere in-between, as Uma says,
Don't look closely at it and judge it against the perceptions of the present day. Just sink into the story and try to sense the emotions … and eventually the truth will come to you.
The book released two months before the movie, the same movie whose release date got pushed, again and again, due to the controversies surrounding it. I haven’t watched the movie, but from what I read of its synopsis, it would be totally unjustified to compare the book and the movie. The premise, the story, the characters, everything is different.
The story left so many questions unanswered.
1. How does Mrinalini's boss fit into the story. Do I smell a sequel here? *Sniff … sniff*
2. What really happened to Ambika? I'd have loved to know her future too. The ending is too suspenseful. *What do I do with my life now?*
It made me shed tears towards the end. If that is not good writing, I don’t know what is!
P.S. There is a glossary at the end of Mewari, Hindi, Urdu, and Singha terms. It would've got a five-star rating from me if not for some minor proofreading errors.
I strongly believe in the adage that beauty is only skin deep, and Padmavati did have an exemplary character to accompany it. But, I'm also of the opinion that only Tejaswini Lonari did justice to this mythical character of Padmavati in popular media, as did Rohit Bakshi in the role of Ratan Singh. I've only seen a few episodes of the Indian drama series ' Chittod Ki Rani Padmini Ka Johur', which aired on Sony Entertainment Television from 25 May to 13 August, 2009 (It'd only 48 episodes). I just loved their portrayal of the titular characters. Following is a still from the show:
*Jauhar: Jauhar, sometimes spelled Jowhar or Juhar, was the Hindu custom of mass self-immolation by women in parts of the Indian subcontinent, to avoid capture, enslavement and rape by any foreign invaders, when facing certain defeat during a war. Some reports of jauhar mention women committing self-immolation along with their children. (Source: Wikipedia)
*Hiraman parrot: A species of parrots who can speak like a human being, but can be heard only by its intended recipients (according to the book).
Originally posted on:
https://sassyshaina.wordpress.com/201...
January 4, 2018
It's not easy to write about a character that has courted controversy - much less while in the thick of controversy. Sutapa Basu accomplishes the feat as though dusting a feather of her shoulder - casually, but intriguingly and in the most insightful ways at that. The legendary queen may be known by some for her beauty, but her gutsy, gritty and strong outlook on life, her capacity to stand shoulder-to-shoulder while standing armed and ready to take on combat, and her penchant for touching wisdom make her an enduring character - fictional or otherwise. Sutapa captures all these and more - that extra element that hasn't verbiage to bridle down to a name, included. The talking parrot, Ginni, feels like a worthy fellow traveller, while Ambika's unwavering sense of dedication as a confidante is a surreal yet realistic essay on the nuanced things that friendship and kinship are. On the face of it, Sutapa takes you on a journey that unpacks the age old question of whether beauty and elegance in the eyes of a beholder are but a curse of the one so beheld, but the real questions that stand evoked are the challenges to the strength of character - be it Raghav Chetna's cunning, or Alauddin Khilji's lustful ways - there are challenges in every corner. It took me some time to digest the virtuosity attributed to Padmavati, and the premium placed on chastity, being a feminist - but when it did sink in that it was a portrayal and not a glorification of morality, it hit home hard as an incredible narrative. Sutapa is a phenomenal storyteller - and having had the chance to read her other written works, I couldn't help but find glimpses of the author's persona in Mrinalini the journo. Wait for the end. That's where the real gift lies.
September 7, 2022
Historical fiction, as a genre, is sadly not very well-developed in India. Despite having a rich history, we rarely venture to explore the characters. This book tells us why so.
Almost entirely lacking in research, the story may be good fiction but there is very little history in it. Padmavati, instead of appearing as a flesh-and-blood character, is depicted as a demigoddess. She is beautiful, virtuous, talented in strategy, ethical to a fault, a good swordsman, a brilliant writer, and a yogi. Her best friend is a talking parrot whom only she and her closest relatives can understand. In the entire book I kept searching for one humane flaw in her that I could empathise with. The book therefore reads more like mythology than history.
The narrative style is boring and almost entirely in passive voice. Everything is told to the reader, and there's no subtleties left for us to discover on our own. The needless passages set in the present time are jarring. The spoonfeeding of the entire story in passive voice is so overwhelming that you feel you will choke.
The book glorifies sati. While I understand that back when the story is set, sati was socially acceptable, I would have expected the writer to not go so far as to glorify it, even though she needed to include it. The rest of the book does tackle a lot of present day issues including female infanticide and gender equality.
From childhood I have been fascinated by the folktales of Chittor and Rani Padamavati. Maybe that's why I could force myself to turn the pages of this book and finish it.
Almost entirely lacking in research, the story may be good fiction but there is very little history in it. Padmavati, instead of appearing as a flesh-and-blood character, is depicted as a demigoddess. She is beautiful, virtuous, talented in strategy, ethical to a fault, a good swordsman, a brilliant writer, and a yogi. Her best friend is a talking parrot whom only she and her closest relatives can understand. In the entire book I kept searching for one humane flaw in her that I could empathise with. The book therefore reads more like mythology than history.
The narrative style is boring and almost entirely in passive voice. Everything is told to the reader, and there's no subtleties left for us to discover on our own. The needless passages set in the present time are jarring. The spoonfeeding of the entire story in passive voice is so overwhelming that you feel you will choke.
The book glorifies sati. While I understand that back when the story is set, sati was socially acceptable, I would have expected the writer to not go so far as to glorify it, even though she needed to include it. The rest of the book does tackle a lot of present day issues including female infanticide and gender equality.
From childhood I have been fascinated by the folktales of Chittor and Rani Padamavati. Maybe that's why I could force myself to turn the pages of this book and finish it.
August 3, 2021
Padmavati - Sutapa Basu
A beautiful historical fiction that kept me hooked on till the last page..
I've known from the release of the movie that "The Padmavati" seems to be quoted as one of the controversial characters in history and no concrete proof exists for her existence up until sixteenth century, a poetry called ‘Padmavat' was written in Avadhi language by Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi.
But, Sutapa Basu has accomplished in bringing justice through this book.. Though a work of fiction, I would blindly prefer to believe Padmavati is a tale of Love, Bravery, Sacrifice, High Virtues & all sorts of fanciful elements giving it more life than just a folk tale with no historical authenticity.
If you've not watched the movie, this book will be a great treat for you. On the other hand, if you've watched the movie, this book is no less a treat as it's nothing like the movie.. & you'll have really a great time imagining the characters, delicacies & places..
At the end of the book, Sutapa Basu has mentioned the historical places related to the story and surely they would be in my list of places to visit..
To sum up, it's a beautiful book...
Do keep it in your list...
Happy Reading!!
A beautiful historical fiction that kept me hooked on till the last page..
I've known from the release of the movie that "The Padmavati" seems to be quoted as one of the controversial characters in history and no concrete proof exists for her existence up until sixteenth century, a poetry called ‘Padmavat' was written in Avadhi language by Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi.
But, Sutapa Basu has accomplished in bringing justice through this book.. Though a work of fiction, I would blindly prefer to believe Padmavati is a tale of Love, Bravery, Sacrifice, High Virtues & all sorts of fanciful elements giving it more life than just a folk tale with no historical authenticity.
If you've not watched the movie, this book will be a great treat for you. On the other hand, if you've watched the movie, this book is no less a treat as it's nothing like the movie.. & you'll have really a great time imagining the characters, delicacies & places..
At the end of the book, Sutapa Basu has mentioned the historical places related to the story and surely they would be in my list of places to visit..
To sum up, it's a beautiful book...
Do keep it in your list...
Happy Reading!!
March 12, 2018
I picked up this book because it was highly rated, but I found it very hard to read. Despite having an action packed story, the way the book was written was very passive. I also didn’t like the plot device that bordered a little on horror, what with the present day journalist and the all knowing girl. Personally, I think this could’ve been a great piece of historical fiction if it had been written from the mind of the rani, instead of through this many layered plot device that didn’t add very much to the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2018
Title :- Padmavati – The Queen tells her own story
Author :- Sutapa Basu
Pages :- 290 pages
Publisher :- Readomania
Genre :- Historical Fiction
SUMMARY:
The story starts with a journalist and protagonist Mrinalini thrust with the responsibility of doing a story on Padmavati. In her quest for story, she arrives at Chittorgarh fort to search for evidence and story and authenticating the story of the renowned Princess of Singhaldweep. The story is narrated by Uma, a local, to her.
MY TAKE:
The book is a very much believable tale of Queen Padmavati starting from her days at Singhaldweep, her marriage to Rawal Ratan Singh, her encounter with the shrewd Raghav Chetana, her coming to Mewar and her life and death at Chittorgarh. The book beautifully transits into present day narration and the detailing of the era of the story.
It’s a medium paced novel with lots of detailing to the narratives. The chapters are long but completed in every aspect. The book is a well researched one. All the ends are neatly tied except one which I wish had a logical explanation too. All the behavioural aspects of the characters are portrayed exceptionally well.
Follow my book reviews on http://readitbyroma.wordpress.com
The ending is a thriller and simply marvellous though I admit to having predicted it. My rating for this beautiful book is 4.5/5. A great read.
Author :- Sutapa Basu
Pages :- 290 pages
Publisher :- Readomania
Genre :- Historical Fiction
SUMMARY:
The story starts with a journalist and protagonist Mrinalini thrust with the responsibility of doing a story on Padmavati. In her quest for story, she arrives at Chittorgarh fort to search for evidence and story and authenticating the story of the renowned Princess of Singhaldweep. The story is narrated by Uma, a local, to her.
MY TAKE:
The book is a very much believable tale of Queen Padmavati starting from her days at Singhaldweep, her marriage to Rawal Ratan Singh, her encounter with the shrewd Raghav Chetana, her coming to Mewar and her life and death at Chittorgarh. The book beautifully transits into present day narration and the detailing of the era of the story.
It’s a medium paced novel with lots of detailing to the narratives. The chapters are long but completed in every aspect. The book is a well researched one. All the ends are neatly tied except one which I wish had a logical explanation too. All the behavioural aspects of the characters are portrayed exceptionally well.
Follow my book reviews on http://readitbyroma.wordpress.com
The ending is a thriller and simply marvellous though I admit to having predicted it. My rating for this beautiful book is 4.5/5. A great read.
June 22, 2024
Expected a more realistic rendition with lesser grammatical errors.
March 21, 2018
I picked up this book, mesmerised by the intricate artwork of the cover and the sterling reputation of the author. The beginning of the book starts with a brilliant recreation of the Jauhar ritual which has iconised Padmavati over the centuries. It is so beautifully written that I felt I was present at that heart rending scene, a helpless observer. For me, that was the coup de grace of the book. For that chapter alone, the book deserves five stars.
Enough has been written about the story of Padmavati lately, courtesy the furore over the film so I won’t go into details of the characters which are chiselled to near perfection in the mind of the reader.
However, I must mention Ginni, the Hiramani parrot. Sutapa’s skill as a writer makes a parrot one of the most endearing characters in the novel. Ginny’s plumage of personality traits was dazzling!
History came alive in an evocative blend of fact and fiction. Kings, queens, political intrigue were painted in hues of magnificent detail.
Historical fiction is not a genre I usually read but I am glad I got a chance to explore and appreciate the painstaking research, complexity of setting and simplicity of story telling involved.
This queen is definitely worth a read.
Enough has been written about the story of Padmavati lately, courtesy the furore over the film so I won’t go into details of the characters which are chiselled to near perfection in the mind of the reader.
However, I must mention Ginni, the Hiramani parrot. Sutapa’s skill as a writer makes a parrot one of the most endearing characters in the novel. Ginny’s plumage of personality traits was dazzling!
History came alive in an evocative blend of fact and fiction. Kings, queens, political intrigue were painted in hues of magnificent detail.
Historical fiction is not a genre I usually read but I am glad I got a chance to explore and appreciate the painstaking research, complexity of setting and simplicity of story telling involved.
This queen is definitely worth a read.
June 18, 2021
A very poor attempt at building mystery. This story had so much potential and the author ruined it with idiotic use of words. There was no authentic emotion or feel, just a bunch of words picked up from Thesaurus written into grammatically poor sentences.
It felt more like a first draft of the story. I was constantly correcting sentences while reading. It was so frustrating. And the mystery! The mystery was so, so poor. I could guess who Mrinalini was and who Uma was after reading 7-8 pages.
I really wanted to like this book but it is just bad. I wish I could say otherwise but such a pathetic attempt at writing.
But credit where credit is due, the poems were above average.
It felt more like a first draft of the story. I was constantly correcting sentences while reading. It was so frustrating. And the mystery! The mystery was so, so poor. I could guess who Mrinalini was and who Uma was after reading 7-8 pages.
I really wanted to like this book but it is just bad. I wish I could say otherwise but such a pathetic attempt at writing.
But credit where credit is due, the poems were above average.
August 2, 2018
This had the opportunity to be a fantastic read; sadly that wasn’t realised. The subject matter has all the elements of a great read - history, tradition, culture, power, war, sacrifice. The story is clumsily written and the writing is immature and childish at times. The story just doesn’t grip you as it should. The “twist” is predictable and the conclusion a bit too abrupt.
She could have dispensed with the journalist entirely and just told the story from the eyes of the Queen or Ambika in the first person narrative.
Such a shame.
She could have dispensed with the journalist entirely and just told the story from the eyes of the Queen or Ambika in the first person narrative.
Such a shame.
April 15, 2018
Another dan brown wannabes. This book doesn’t straddle the line between fact and fiction. It is 100% fiction. Very poorly researched and lacks imagination. The history buff in me is very disheartened!
September 26, 2018
Good book & perspective but predictable ending with the "twist"
May 14, 2018
Predating the release of the controversial Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie 'Padmaavat' that had a whole nation debating the significance of the story behind the making of the movie rather than the movie itself, the book Padmavati itself focuses on two voices set in different eras -
a) Mrinalini the journalist who in the present day seeks to discover whether there ever existed a character named Padmavati and
b) the Queen of Chittor herself as she journeys from adjusting to life after marriage in a different country to making a decision that would etch her name forever as a legend.
What does Mrinalini discover in Chittorgarh? What do her conversations with Uma, a local village girl offer her in her quest for the truth? What made Padmavati choose the steps she took?
What stands out in this book
The author does not sugarcoat the harrowing reality of our past
This book, in my opinion, stand far above the much feted movie, simply because it does not try to appease any side. This matters because, at the end of the day, we are dealing with a controversial topic like Jauhar (a 'honourable' suicide). You get to see the doubts and the dismay, the uncertainty and the thought process that would lead a Princess and her fellow women to consider such a drastic step rather than succumb to being slaves to the invading ruler Khilji. Yes, there is a code-of-conduct at that time that demanded the tradition be followed but it was no easy decision for any human being to make.
Well-fleshed out characters
Whether it be Padmavati of Sri Lanka before she became a Queen, her Rajasthan king Ratan Singh, the scheming ways of Khilji or difference in traditions, the story allows enough time for you to see various nuances of these characters. You can see their evolution from their first appearance to their final moments and how their choices alter over time.
Historical fiction done right
A scholar herself, author Sutapa Basu has researched well for her story. I was frequently surprised to find out new tidbits about this legend I thought I knew about.
Pace
This is quite a quick read. I finished it over the course of a single night and totally enjoyed it.
Language
Her thirty year career in the literary field includes being an editor and publisher and has seen Sutapa Basu work with Oxford University Press, India and Encyclopaedia Britannica in addition to publishing over 400 books. She also was one of the First Prize winners in Season 1 of India's largest literary contest, Write India, beating out over 25,000 entries that year to win. So ya, trust me... she knows how to keep you hooked with her words.
The use of Mrinalini is inspired, giving us a voice in this era who has the same doubts and queries we do about this legendary tale. The author has no trouble moving between the past and present while offering multiple viewpoints and arguments on this topic.
For all the hype that the legend of Padmavati had in India in 2017-18, the movie did not really delve into the minds of its characters, offering two dimensional portrayals that painted sides as black and white. The book Padmavati by Sutapa Basu offers far better insights than the movie Padmaavat into what could have occurred and the events that conspired to reach that ending we know.
a) Mrinalini the journalist who in the present day seeks to discover whether there ever existed a character named Padmavati and
b) the Queen of Chittor herself as she journeys from adjusting to life after marriage in a different country to making a decision that would etch her name forever as a legend.
What does Mrinalini discover in Chittorgarh? What do her conversations with Uma, a local village girl offer her in her quest for the truth? What made Padmavati choose the steps she took?
What stands out in this book
The author does not sugarcoat the harrowing reality of our past
This book, in my opinion, stand far above the much feted movie, simply because it does not try to appease any side. This matters because, at the end of the day, we are dealing with a controversial topic like Jauhar (a 'honourable' suicide). You get to see the doubts and the dismay, the uncertainty and the thought process that would lead a Princess and her fellow women to consider such a drastic step rather than succumb to being slaves to the invading ruler Khilji. Yes, there is a code-of-conduct at that time that demanded the tradition be followed but it was no easy decision for any human being to make.
Well-fleshed out characters
Whether it be Padmavati of Sri Lanka before she became a Queen, her Rajasthan king Ratan Singh, the scheming ways of Khilji or difference in traditions, the story allows enough time for you to see various nuances of these characters. You can see their evolution from their first appearance to their final moments and how their choices alter over time.
Historical fiction done right
A scholar herself, author Sutapa Basu has researched well for her story. I was frequently surprised to find out new tidbits about this legend I thought I knew about.
Pace
This is quite a quick read. I finished it over the course of a single night and totally enjoyed it.
Language
Her thirty year career in the literary field includes being an editor and publisher and has seen Sutapa Basu work with Oxford University Press, India and Encyclopaedia Britannica in addition to publishing over 400 books. She also was one of the First Prize winners in Season 1 of India's largest literary contest, Write India, beating out over 25,000 entries that year to win. So ya, trust me... she knows how to keep you hooked with her words.
The use of Mrinalini is inspired, giving us a voice in this era who has the same doubts and queries we do about this legendary tale. The author has no trouble moving between the past and present while offering multiple viewpoints and arguments on this topic.
For all the hype that the legend of Padmavati had in India in 2017-18, the movie did not really delve into the minds of its characters, offering two dimensional portrayals that painted sides as black and white. The book Padmavati by Sutapa Basu offers far better insights than the movie Padmaavat into what could have occurred and the events that conspired to reach that ending we know.
November 26, 2017
From the prolific publishing house of Readomania comes another winner, timely and topical in the milieu of all the controversy that a yet to be released film has generated.
This review eschews historicity, and the strife seems pointless for this alluring beauty who may have well been the creative liberty of a poet rather than a well-entrenched and accepted character of yesteryears.
The word Padmavati is having or holding lotuses. From the rich cover of the book, page after page is the experience of unpeeling the petals of a lotus as writer Sutapa Basu takes the reader on a captivating and plausible journey of Padmavati. From her idyllic upbringing in Singhaldweep to Bharatdesh to become Rawal Ratan Singh’s wife and the queen of Chittorgarh and her tragic end to escape the lust of the villainous Alauddin Khalji, Sutapa’s sketch seems picture perfect.
Sutapa’s command over the English language is deft, delectable and deep as she weaves a wondrous tale narrated by Uma, who is as mysterious as the night shadows shrouding the Chittorgargh fort, where journalist Mrinalini is visiting.
Flitting seamlessly between Uma-Mrinalini’s interaction and the narrative, from ostensibly, Padma-wali, the queen’s own diary, Sutapa fleshes out the characters in bold and myriad hues, doing justice to each. Her research appears thorough as her descriptions bring alive the players in a story that captures the morals of labour of love, values of valour, and the catastrophe that coveting and carnality could beget, in equal measure.
Did Padmavati really exist? Did she write the Padma-wali at all? These imponderables are an exercise in futility; what remains are the many life’s lessons that the trajectory of Padmavati’s passage tells.
Perhaps between the bridge spanning chimera and reality, “Padmavati, The Queen Tells Her Own Story” will hold you breathless and the denouement spellbound.
This review eschews historicity, and the strife seems pointless for this alluring beauty who may have well been the creative liberty of a poet rather than a well-entrenched and accepted character of yesteryears.
The word Padmavati is having or holding lotuses. From the rich cover of the book, page after page is the experience of unpeeling the petals of a lotus as writer Sutapa Basu takes the reader on a captivating and plausible journey of Padmavati. From her idyllic upbringing in Singhaldweep to Bharatdesh to become Rawal Ratan Singh’s wife and the queen of Chittorgarh and her tragic end to escape the lust of the villainous Alauddin Khalji, Sutapa’s sketch seems picture perfect.
Sutapa’s command over the English language is deft, delectable and deep as she weaves a wondrous tale narrated by Uma, who is as mysterious as the night shadows shrouding the Chittorgargh fort, where journalist Mrinalini is visiting.
Flitting seamlessly between Uma-Mrinalini’s interaction and the narrative, from ostensibly, Padma-wali, the queen’s own diary, Sutapa fleshes out the characters in bold and myriad hues, doing justice to each. Her research appears thorough as her descriptions bring alive the players in a story that captures the morals of labour of love, values of valour, and the catastrophe that coveting and carnality could beget, in equal measure.
Did Padmavati really exist? Did she write the Padma-wali at all? These imponderables are an exercise in futility; what remains are the many life’s lessons that the trajectory of Padmavati’s passage tells.
Perhaps between the bridge spanning chimera and reality, “Padmavati, The Queen Tells Her Own Story” will hold you breathless and the denouement spellbound.
March 2, 2018
While the country was raging on about the so-called disrespect of the valorous queen, Padmini or Padmavati, Sutapa Basu penned a beautiful tale about the stunning Rajput queen. Though a SriLankan by birth, the Queen adapts beautifully to the new customs and traditions of the Rajputs.
The author has woven a lovely tale around the original story of the battle that ensued between the Rawal of Chittor and the duplicitous Khilji. We all know how regressive the customs in those times were. The author gives you an insider's preview of how the Jauhar consumes human lives in the name of honor. Though I certainly do not agree to the custom of Sati, I did feel utter dismay at the distress those women would have felt when they had to choose between an 'honorable death' and a life of humiliation and violence as Khilji's sex slave. A harrowing reality of those times. While I was reading the descriptions, something inside me shrivelled...I felt immense sorrow, for the Queen, her best friend and the Rawal. So many feelings and so many emotions. I must confess at this point that I did guess a few points, which were later revealed in the book.
What I loved about the book:
1. The research - the author seems to have done some good research in unearthing facts and statistics, which lend immense credibility to her narrative.
2. The flow - the way the narrative flows, easily, smoothly; it takes you easily to SriLanka then to the arid Rajasthan kingdom and as smoothly you find yourself rooting for the brave Rawal while he fights the Afghan invader.
3. Characterisation - Sutapa has fleshed out the characters very well.
It has a great looking cover as well. I liked it enough to recommend it.
The author has woven a lovely tale around the original story of the battle that ensued between the Rawal of Chittor and the duplicitous Khilji. We all know how regressive the customs in those times were. The author gives you an insider's preview of how the Jauhar consumes human lives in the name of honor. Though I certainly do not agree to the custom of Sati, I did feel utter dismay at the distress those women would have felt when they had to choose between an 'honorable death' and a life of humiliation and violence as Khilji's sex slave. A harrowing reality of those times. While I was reading the descriptions, something inside me shrivelled...I felt immense sorrow, for the Queen, her best friend and the Rawal. So many feelings and so many emotions. I must confess at this point that I did guess a few points, which were later revealed in the book.
What I loved about the book:
1. The research - the author seems to have done some good research in unearthing facts and statistics, which lend immense credibility to her narrative.
2. The flow - the way the narrative flows, easily, smoothly; it takes you easily to SriLanka then to the arid Rajasthan kingdom and as smoothly you find yourself rooting for the brave Rawal while he fights the Afghan invader.
3. Characterisation - Sutapa has fleshed out the characters very well.
It has a great looking cover as well. I liked it enough to recommend it.
January 5, 2018
Have you ever felt a duality of equally strong emotions for a subject. Jauhar or Sati for me has been one such issue.
The staunch feminist in me rejects the very idea of this one sided practice while the romantic that resides alongside that feminist can understand that kind of love.
It is a push and pull that will go on for the rest of my days, I know.
Hence it was with trepidation that I picked up the book.
Who will be victorious, I wondered?
The story of Padmavati has fascinated me, made me want to plunge myself in her life, find out her truth for the longest time.
In this book the author has woven researched fact and fiction commendably. The language is smooth, the plot constructed with finesse showcasing the authors ability for restraint. Her story is not shoved down one's throat but the author plays the devils advocate questioning the woman who has become the symbol of sacrifice and honour.
There is no genuflecting at the alter of this Padmini. The author stands tall to question and then leaves you with another viewpoint to give you a well rounded argument.
You choose the side you wish to stand on, she seems to reiterate constantly.
It is a fast read, the kind that does not allow you to keep it away. I read it in 3 hours straight.
Pick up to make up your own mind of Padmavati's reality.
The staunch feminist in me rejects the very idea of this one sided practice while the romantic that resides alongside that feminist can understand that kind of love.
It is a push and pull that will go on for the rest of my days, I know.
Hence it was with trepidation that I picked up the book.
Who will be victorious, I wondered?
The story of Padmavati has fascinated me, made me want to plunge myself in her life, find out her truth for the longest time.
In this book the author has woven researched fact and fiction commendably. The language is smooth, the plot constructed with finesse showcasing the authors ability for restraint. Her story is not shoved down one's throat but the author plays the devils advocate questioning the woman who has become the symbol of sacrifice and honour.
There is no genuflecting at the alter of this Padmini. The author stands tall to question and then leaves you with another viewpoint to give you a well rounded argument.
You choose the side you wish to stand on, she seems to reiterate constantly.
It is a fast read, the kind that does not allow you to keep it away. I read it in 3 hours straight.
Pick up to make up your own mind of Padmavati's reality.
January 13, 2018
Historical fiction is not an easy genre to write because not only it requires a lot of research but it also requires a tone which is not easy to get. The writer has to put a lot of things in perspective -the settings, the clothes, the mannerisms, the rules and regulations of the time, the way people addressed each other, war sequences and the everyday ongoings of an entirely different society. It's a lot of research as compared to, say a story set in the current era.
Padmawati is a controversial topic, thanks to the fragile honor that a lot of Indians carry in their pockets every day. I was quite apprehensive about how Sutapa would have dealt with the topic. A few pages into the book and the story sucked me it. The kingdoms of Singhaldweep and Chittor are beautifully described. You can see them in front of their eyes. The book provides a thrilling ride and you are taken through the lows and highs of the love life of Padmavati and Ratan Singh. It breaks your heart to see the independent and fearless Padmavati turning into a woman bound by the traditions. Still, she helps her husband at each step, tried her best to gain the love of her people and stays brave until the very end.
The book is a page-turner and fast-paced. I wish the ending was a bit more elaborate. I wanted Padmavati to live a bit more. Truly, a queen ahead of her times.
Padmawati is a controversial topic, thanks to the fragile honor that a lot of Indians carry in their pockets every day. I was quite apprehensive about how Sutapa would have dealt with the topic. A few pages into the book and the story sucked me it. The kingdoms of Singhaldweep and Chittor are beautifully described. You can see them in front of their eyes. The book provides a thrilling ride and you are taken through the lows and highs of the love life of Padmavati and Ratan Singh. It breaks your heart to see the independent and fearless Padmavati turning into a woman bound by the traditions. Still, she helps her husband at each step, tried her best to gain the love of her people and stays brave until the very end.
The book is a page-turner and fast-paced. I wish the ending was a bit more elaborate. I wanted Padmavati to live a bit more. Truly, a queen ahead of her times.
May 30, 2018
What a masterpiece?? After the much-hyped movie I was a bit skeptical to read about the beautiful queen but yet I picked up the book one day... After lying on my bookshelf for a couple of months and after reading many positive reviews I thought let's give it a try... And I was not at all disappointed...
What a beautiful book... Too perfect... Error-free and lovely writing by Sutapa Basu. Such detail explanation really made me feel as if I am watching the scenes unfurl in my mind. And the ending... Though had expected that part, still liked the way the Author chose to end the story.
So if you like mythology and want a good read Padmavati is one such book... But if you have seen the movie and expecting similar story then don't... As like all stories turned into movies and vice versa, this book too, has differences since it is from the queen's point of view. So read it with a clean slate and you will enjoy it.
What a beautiful book... Too perfect... Error-free and lovely writing by Sutapa Basu. Such detail explanation really made me feel as if I am watching the scenes unfurl in my mind. And the ending... Though had expected that part, still liked the way the Author chose to end the story.
So if you like mythology and want a good read Padmavati is one such book... But if you have seen the movie and expecting similar story then don't... As like all stories turned into movies and vice versa, this book too, has differences since it is from the queen's point of view. So read it with a clean slate and you will enjoy it.
March 6, 2018
3.5/5 - the subject has been evoked in a recent cinematic presentation to some chagrin by factions of the society. I don't have much knowledge about the history but it piqued my interest and found this book on kindle unlimited. It is fascinating to read about the queen's point of view and the two track presentation was well balanced. I liked the present day sections more in the beginning where the portions of Singhaldweep were too one dimensional for my taste. But, the book picked up towards the end and I enjoyed the final quarter of the writing. The author is well versed with the art and would do justice to other subjects more nuanced than this one. Plan to read Dangle from the same author soon.
June 6, 2022
Hats off to the author for such a remarkable story of Queen of Chittor, Padmavati. This untold story has left me with awestruck. It's Vivid. It's Lucid. Perfectly narrated. Each event of life of Padmavati has been penned down with so much detailed.
I love the twist at the end which very cleverly the author has wrote. I believe this story is a must to read for all those who love untold story of a historical figure. It is simple read yet utterly captivating - unputdownable. !
"There are no myths, only beliefs. If we believe strongly in our essence.. in our indestructible atma, we will be catapulted into timelessness. You see, what you call a myth is happening to us.. to each of us all the time. Once we become aware of this ongoing phenomena, the truth is revealed to us."
I love the twist at the end which very cleverly the author has wrote. I believe this story is a must to read for all those who love untold story of a historical figure. It is simple read yet utterly captivating - unputdownable. !
"There are no myths, only beliefs. If we believe strongly in our essence.. in our indestructible atma, we will be catapulted into timelessness. You see, what you call a myth is happening to us.. to each of us all the time. Once we become aware of this ongoing phenomena, the truth is revealed to us."
December 19, 2017
Sutapa Basu's Padmavati, the queen tells her own story is I might say a historical fiction written just right. With precise penmanship, Sutapa describes the characters, the worlds and palaces of Singhaldweep and Chittor, the unfolding thrilling but tragic drama with beautiful precision. The book never falters or meanders - that was what struck me foremost. But I took 4 days to read it - because I lingered over the beautiful places and architecture and palaces and forts she created with her marvellous use of words. The story we all know - but to write it using clever literary devices like the adorable parrot, Ginni, Padmavati's written Padma Wali and the journey of the journalist Mrinalini, in a way that all coalesce to form a story worth many re-reads is commendable. Whether Rani Padmini existed or not can be debated, but Sutapa Basu made her very real to me. For me, Padmavati lives.
January 28, 2018
I flipped the last page on Padmavati last night........and what a compelling read it was !
Padmavati,who till now for me , was a fragment in the annals of time...... is now a feisty , fierce warrior who is naive at heart ; as mortal as each one of us ..... and not to miss her most striking feature , her incomparable beauty,.. ethereal , resplendent in its gloriousness,is now as real for me as life! I am gushing and rambling on.... but this is what the book has done to me.
Sutapa ma'am what a captivating , beguiling book this is !
What a magnificent feather in your already illustrious cap !!
Padmavati,who till now for me , was a fragment in the annals of time...... is now a feisty , fierce warrior who is naive at heart ; as mortal as each one of us ..... and not to miss her most striking feature , her incomparable beauty,.. ethereal , resplendent in its gloriousness,is now as real for me as life! I am gushing and rambling on.... but this is what the book has done to me.
Sutapa ma'am what a captivating , beguiling book this is !
What a magnificent feather in your already illustrious cap !!
April 26, 2025
I loved every second of this book!
The storytelling was so powerful that I didn’t care about historical accuracy or supernatural elements.
I was completely hooked. The vocabulary was rich and exciting, and the emotions were described beautifully.
The twist at the end surprised me, I partly guessed it, but it still managed to shock me!
This was a magical, emotional read, and I enjoyed it so much. Highly recommend!
The storytelling was so powerful that I didn’t care about historical accuracy or supernatural elements.
I was completely hooked. The vocabulary was rich and exciting, and the emotions were described beautifully.
The twist at the end surprised me, I partly guessed it, but it still managed to shock me!
This was a magical, emotional read, and I enjoyed it so much. Highly recommend!
March 3, 2018
Poor attempt at historical fiction and mixing fantasy
This book tries to mix fiction and fantasy to history. However it poorly portrays both, as trying to compel to a unilateral story and mythical happenings without basis or explanation. In the end it can't satisfy a person interested in a part of history or a person interested in fantasy.
This book tries to mix fiction and fantasy to history. However it poorly portrays both, as trying to compel to a unilateral story and mythical happenings without basis or explanation. In the end it can't satisfy a person interested in a part of history or a person interested in fantasy.
February 8, 2018
The fascination with this book stems from the movie by Sanjay Leela Bansali's movie of the same name. It felt like the movie is almost an exact production of this book. Though I know for a fact that it is not. A fascinating reading.
January 18, 2019
A good dose of history and mistery and a revelation in end. The author successfully transports the reader to the era by gone with ease. The narration that appears slow to begin with, later makes the firm grip on your mind.
March 5, 2020
All in all, this was a lovely retelling of the legend of Padmavati, or Rani Padmini.
The framed story format took a little bit of getting used to, but the author used the device expertly to introduce the reader to the place and time of the story from today's perspective.
The framed story format took a little bit of getting used to, but the author used the device expertly to introduce the reader to the place and time of the story from today's perspective.
November 24, 2022
One of the most beautifully written book I've ever read! The content flow was amazing. Very articulated with all the facts, both known and unknown, and will never make you feel bored or dull in any case!
Full of excitement, Love, sacrifice and Pride of Mewar!💛
Full of excitement, Love, sacrifice and Pride of Mewar!💛
January 9, 2018
The character of Padmini portrayed is powerful. The Story of the Queen herself is intriguing, but not a fan of the journalist bit of the book .
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