Amba

by Sanjana Kapur

Amba, the eldest of the three princesses of Kashi has decided that she will marry Shalva, the king of Saubha. Things take an unexpected turn when Bheeshma disrupts the swayamvar and kidnaps the three princesses for his brother, Vichi-travirya, the ruler of Hastinapur. Amba vows to avenge the insult meted out to her. She appeals to several kings and princes to help her destroy Bheeshma but they all refuse as he is too powerful an adversary to challenge. Disappointed and filled with rage, Amba decides to take revenge herself and prays to Shiva to guide her. Amar Chitra Katha tells the compelling story of one who played a crucial role in the final outcome of the epic battle of Kurukshetra.

Genres: Comics

32 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 25, 2013

About the author

Sanjana Kapur is an author and editor with over 15 years of experience in children’s publishing. As the Associate Editor at Amar Chitra Katha, she has written and edited over twenty comic books across genres. Besides this, she has written several books for children, including the award-winning 'Who Stole Bhaiya’s Smile?'. Sanjana has also hosted quiz shows and children’s events in schools across India. When she is not writing, Sanjana is attempting to make sense of the world for herself and the people around her.

Reviews

[Pranav · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story in this book is taken from a chapter in the great epic Mahabharata. It is about King Vichitraveerya's marriage and about how Bheeshma, King Shantanu's son marries Ambalika and Ambika. At first, I thought Amba worshipped Shiva and got the garland and the boon and only late did I realise that it was Lord Shiva's son Karthikeya or Murugan as he is known in Tamil Nadu. It was both good and bad to see that Amba had finally taken revenge n Bheeshma for the insults she had to face at the hands of Shalva but bad to see the death of Bheeshma. In another story, Shalva was the ally of Shishupala, the prince of Chedi. Angered by Shishupala's death, he declared war on Dwaraka and cast a magic spell on Krishna, in which the king brings his sword down on Vaasudeva, Krishna's father. Then Krishna realises that it is an illusion and pursues Shalva. After a fierce combat, Krishna kills him(Shalva). In my opinion, Amba must have cursed Shalva that Sri Krishna will kill him in a fierce combat.

[Sankar.Raju · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its simply superb book and easy to understand for any age group.

Its simply superb book and easy to understand for any age group. Would recommend for kids.

Lot to learn from short stories

[Krishnan Nair · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a decent read. There were a couple of details I had not read before like Amba being cursed by Ganga and Bhishma telling the Pandavas how to kill him. Those details elevated this story for me.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Amba and how Bheeshma was killed.