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The Emperor Who Vanished: Strange Facts from Indian
If you ever thought history is boring, this funny and astonishing book is the perfect solution!
Did You Know That...
One of India’s greatest emperors was erased from all history books for nearly 1,500 years?
Beetles and beetle wings were a much sought-after fashion accessory once upon a time?
The iron pillar in Delhi’s Qutub complex does not rust?
A French astronomer discovered the remains of a Roman port in South India?
A caravan of elephants and camels from India once paraded the frozen streets of
St Petersburg, Russia?
Dive into these and many more odd and wonderful facts from the pages of Indian history. You will find here the megacity of ancient India whose existence we know of today from the accounts of Chinese and Greek travellers; the architects who created whispering galleries; the cluster of houses in Rajasthan covered with vibrant frescoes; and the strange story of how tea came to India. Lovelorn princes who lost their kingdoms; intrepid botanists who studied and recorded every plant in the Malabar region; the poem written in praise of garlic—these are some of the nuggets that capture the peculiar, the fascinating and the eccentric bits of history the way no textbook ever will!
Did You Know That...
One of India’s greatest emperors was erased from all history books for nearly 1,500 years?
Beetles and beetle wings were a much sought-after fashion accessory once upon a time?
The iron pillar in Delhi’s Qutub complex does not rust?
A French astronomer discovered the remains of a Roman port in South India?
A caravan of elephants and camels from India once paraded the frozen streets of
St Petersburg, Russia?
Dive into these and many more odd and wonderful facts from the pages of Indian history. You will find here the megacity of ancient India whose existence we know of today from the accounts of Chinese and Greek travellers; the architects who created whispering galleries; the cluster of houses in Rajasthan covered with vibrant frescoes; and the strange story of how tea came to India. Lovelorn princes who lost their kingdoms; intrepid botanists who studied and recorded every plant in the Malabar region; the poem written in praise of garlic—these are some of the nuggets that capture the peculiar, the fascinating and the eccentric bits of history the way no textbook ever will!
- GenresNonfiction
192 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2018
6 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Kavitha Mandana
18 books13 followersKavitha Mandana started her writing career in advertising. She began writing and illustrating for children after her daughter was born nineteen years ago. She has written extensively for the Deccan Herald`s children`s supplement and its school edition.
Her books for kids include 'Tenaliraman' and 'Akbar, the mighty emperor' published by Puffin; 'No 9 on the Shade Car' for young adults, from Rupa's Red Turtle and an early reader from Karadi Tales --'A Pair of Twins'. Her most recent book is for ages 10 and above. It's called 'Trapped', about siblings Anandita and Arjun, growing up with a secret ghost brother.
Her short stories have appeared in many anthologies -- 'Let's Play' and 'Funny Stories' from Puffin; in 'Whispers in the Classroom, Voices in the Field' from Wisdom Tree; in 'Monsters under my Bed and other stories' from Unisun Publications and in a number of text book readers.
Her books for kids include 'Tenaliraman' and 'Akbar, the mighty emperor' published by Puffin; 'No 9 on the Shade Car' for young adults, from Rupa's Red Turtle and an early reader from Karadi Tales --'A Pair of Twins'. Her most recent book is for ages 10 and above. It's called 'Trapped', about siblings Anandita and Arjun, growing up with a secret ghost brother.
Her short stories have appeared in many anthologies -- 'Let's Play' and 'Funny Stories' from Puffin; in 'Whispers in the Classroom, Voices in the Field' from Wisdom Tree; in 'Monsters under my Bed and other stories' from Unisun Publications and in a number of text book readers.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
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May 16, 2022*I'm going to spare you 15minutes of your life and write a review short and simple.
Basically, it's books like these that make me proud of my Indian culture, tradition and heritage. I cannot assure you that all the facts are true but it sure was an amazing ride. The style of writing really did make me feel that all the events are taking place right before my eyes! The stories were interesting and humorous at the same time (that's my favourite combination), but I do feel you should have a brief knowledge about Indian history before diving into this book.
In conclusion, I would like to say that what started out as an obligation (since I had library period, I had to borrow a book) ended up being one of my favourite non-fiction books.
Basically, it's books like these that make me proud of my Indian culture, tradition and heritage. I cannot assure you that all the facts are true but it sure was an amazing ride. The style of writing really did make me feel that all the events are taking place right before my eyes! The stories were interesting and humorous at the same time (that's my favourite combination), but I do feel you should have a brief knowledge about Indian history before diving into this book.
In conclusion, I would like to say that what started out as an obligation (since I had library period, I had to borrow a book) ended up being one of my favourite non-fiction books.
August 23, 2020
Can be read by middle school children. Good interesting facts. But only facts, not insights. Nothing too deep or meaningful.
April 28, 2025
Att läsa barnsöversikter av historia på platser man inte kan, är ofta en god idé. Denna var mer en guidad tur till indiska mysterier än något annat, men väl läsvärd likväl.
March 15, 2020
Wonderful book on historical facts. The book contains 24 chapters on historical trivia presented in an interesting format that increases the sense of wonder and curiosity towards otherwise drab historical facts and events. The range of topic is wide spanning architecture, kings, queens, monuments, mountains, food, clothing, guilds, maritime history, animals, wars, textile, botany, etc.
A remarkably fresh approach to make history interesting. And yes, the emperor who vanished is Ashoka!
A remarkably fresh approach to make history interesting. And yes, the emperor who vanished is Ashoka!
June 2, 2020
The author has given a gift to history readers by making it interesting in way of storytelling and brought many facts about history which were neither taught in schools nor found in library so author has worked hard to get this data collected and presented it in a story form to readers.
It's a easy read with lot of interesting facts about India which cover ancient monuments to legendary people of history and also gives an insight of trade in early times through sea route as well as it also gives fact about how names can be changed or n history for individual benefit ......many such example were brought by author i.e mount Everest name changed from its original two names nepal people call it sagarmatha where as Tibetan call it Chomolungma.....
Many such fact which had vanished from our history has been given spot light by author overall a goodread and recommended for secondary school n history graduate must readbook.
It's a easy read with lot of interesting facts about India which cover ancient monuments to legendary people of history and also gives an insight of trade in early times through sea route as well as it also gives fact about how names can be changed or n history for individual benefit ......many such example were brought by author i.e mount Everest name changed from its original two names nepal people call it sagarmatha where as Tibetan call it Chomolungma.....
Many such fact which had vanished from our history has been given spot light by author overall a goodread and recommended for secondary school n history graduate must readbook.
October 20, 2021
📚 The Emperor Who Vanished: Strange Facts from Indian History
📖 𝐛𝐲 Kavitha Mandana
✍️QOTD: Which Indian monument you visited has blown your mind?
Visiting Taj Mahal is in my bucket list!✨
🌸🦋" The Nuggets that capture the peculiar, the fascinating and the eccentric bits of history the way no textbook ever will!"🦋🌸
#CelebratingIndianAuthors Readathon continues📚📖
Also participating in the #tbrpilereadathon hosted by @theoldbookbarn and @letstalkbooksandmore
Fulfilling the prompt:
✨Book promised to be my next read!✨
🔖 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Indian History| Non fiction
🔖 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: If you ever thought history is boring, this funny and astonishing book is the perfect solution!
Did You Know That...
One of India’s greatest emperors was erased from all history books for nearly 1,500 years?
Beetles and beetle wings were a much sought-after fashion accessory once upon a time?
The iron pillar in Delhi’s Qutub complex does not rust?
A French astronomer discovered the remains of a Roman port in South India?
A caravan of elephants and camels from India once paraded the frozen streets of
St Petersburg, Russia?
Dive into these and many more odd and wonderful facts from the pages of Indian history.
🔖𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:⭐⭐⭐✨
🔖𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞:✨This book makes you feel proud of Indian history, heritage, monuments, rulers, textiles, and vivid architecture✨
24 chapters on historical trivia presented in an interesting format that increases the sense of wonder and curiosity towards otherwise drab historical facts and events. 🦋
A remarkably fresh approach to make history interesting. 📖✨ And yes, the emperor who vanished is Ashoka! ✨🦋
📖 𝐛𝐲 Kavitha Mandana
✍️QOTD: Which Indian monument you visited has blown your mind?
Visiting Taj Mahal is in my bucket list!✨
🌸🦋" The Nuggets that capture the peculiar, the fascinating and the eccentric bits of history the way no textbook ever will!"🦋🌸
#CelebratingIndianAuthors Readathon continues📚📖
Also participating in the #tbrpilereadathon hosted by @theoldbookbarn and @letstalkbooksandmore
Fulfilling the prompt:
✨Book promised to be my next read!✨
🔖 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Indian History| Non fiction
🔖 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: If you ever thought history is boring, this funny and astonishing book is the perfect solution!
Did You Know That...
One of India’s greatest emperors was erased from all history books for nearly 1,500 years?
Beetles and beetle wings were a much sought-after fashion accessory once upon a time?
The iron pillar in Delhi’s Qutub complex does not rust?
A French astronomer discovered the remains of a Roman port in South India?
A caravan of elephants and camels from India once paraded the frozen streets of
St Petersburg, Russia?
Dive into these and many more odd and wonderful facts from the pages of Indian history.
🔖𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:⭐⭐⭐✨
🔖𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞:✨This book makes you feel proud of Indian history, heritage, monuments, rulers, textiles, and vivid architecture✨
24 chapters on historical trivia presented in an interesting format that increases the sense of wonder and curiosity towards otherwise drab historical facts and events. 🦋
A remarkably fresh approach to make history interesting. 📖✨ And yes, the emperor who vanished is Ashoka! ✨🦋
December 23, 2020
In all I liked the fun facts around the famous monuments and the not so famous people live through our history.
The concept of making this look like a social science project is quite interesting.
A quick breezy read if you are interested in history and wanted to take sometime off from your busy schedule.
This book will not disappoint you.
The concept of making this look like a social science project is quite interesting.
A quick breezy read if you are interested in history and wanted to take sometime off from your busy schedule.
This book will not disappoint you.
May 24, 2020
Easy and quick read. Interesting way of reading history. Surprised to hear certain details heard in history conversations in this book for the young readers. It would have been nice if certain references were mentioned and further readings.
December 8, 2020
Apart from few factual errors like Mughals brought Biryani to India, Ashoka became pacifist after Kalinga war etc, this book contains good interesting facts. Easy and quick read.
December 21, 2020
Very enjoyable book. Lot of fun facts which will send you off on enjoyable research in history
March 24, 2021
Interesting snippets from history well told for kids.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews