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Journey to the Forbidden City
Nineteenth-century Tibet was an unknown entity, a complete geographical mystery to the West.
Where did its capital city Lhasa lie?
Which rivers, lakes and mountains stretched across this land?
Where were its fabled monasteries and legendary goldfields?
And did the magical flying lamas actually exist?
It was next to impossible for a white man to enter this rigorously guarded territory. And so was chosen an intrepid Indian explorer from the mountains of Kumaon-Nain Singh Rawat. Trekking across this country, he risked life and limb and donned innumerable clever disguises as he surveyed the vast expanses and identified countless villages, cities and people. From putting Lhasa accurately on the world map to earning the title of Pundit, his eventful and often arduous travels led to his name being permanently engraved in the annals of Indian exploration.
Based on his actual diaries, this gripping narrative is also a tribute to the indomitable spirit of this fascinating man, who rose from being an impoverished village schoolteacher to a legendary hero.
Where did its capital city Lhasa lie?
Which rivers, lakes and mountains stretched across this land?
Where were its fabled monasteries and legendary goldfields?
And did the magical flying lamas actually exist?
It was next to impossible for a white man to enter this rigorously guarded territory. And so was chosen an intrepid Indian explorer from the mountains of Kumaon-Nain Singh Rawat. Trekking across this country, he risked life and limb and donned innumerable clever disguises as he surveyed the vast expanses and identified countless villages, cities and people. From putting Lhasa accurately on the world map to earning the title of Pundit, his eventful and often arduous travels led to his name being permanently engraved in the annals of Indian exploration.
Based on his actual diaries, this gripping narrative is also a tribute to the indomitable spirit of this fascinating man, who rose from being an impoverished village schoolteacher to a legendary hero.
152 pages, Paperback
Published January 25, 2020
About the author
Deepa Agarwal
96 books68 followersWhen I was a young girl, growing up in a town where there were only two streets, I never thought I'd become a writer. But I was an avid reader who kept winning prizes for writing. And the time came when I found that I had lots to write about. That my own life was as full of stories as those other people shared with me. Also, that writing was a kind of therapy that gave meaning to my existence.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 19, 2024
I don’t know what happened but it seems like my kitten devoured the book more than I did (I got actual teeth print proofs and an actual video footage which is coming up as a reel 😄)! (It’s already up at Instagram 😄👍🏻)
The book has amazing illustrations which made the reading experience far more thrilling and adventurous (plus fighting with my kitten for the book was way too much adventurous it could ever get!).
I started reading the book as a fiction which actually turned out to be a non-fiction based on real life events of Pundit Nain Singh Rawat’s exploration of Tibet. The book is based on his actual diaries which made the reading experience far more remarkable.
The writing is gripping and the short book managed to bring in all the important facts and experiences he faced during those days in his extensive journey.
He risked his life and hid his real identity to identify countless people, cities and villages. He is credited for putting Lhasa accurately on the world map.
Try out this book and see how much a person can make a difference if their goal is clear with a never-give-up attitude.
The book has amazing illustrations which made the reading experience far more thrilling and adventurous (plus fighting with my kitten for the book was way too much adventurous it could ever get!).
I started reading the book as a fiction which actually turned out to be a non-fiction based on real life events of Pundit Nain Singh Rawat’s exploration of Tibet. The book is based on his actual diaries which made the reading experience far more remarkable.
The writing is gripping and the short book managed to bring in all the important facts and experiences he faced during those days in his extensive journey.
He risked his life and hid his real identity to identify countless people, cities and villages. He is credited for putting Lhasa accurately on the world map.
Try out this book and see how much a person can make a difference if their goal is clear with a never-give-up attitude.
March 14, 2020
Journey to the forbidden city by #deepaagarwal is a Fascinating story of "Pundit of Pundits", taking us to many distant places of Asia. It's a story of #nainsinghrawat . In the late 19th century, He was the first Indian to survey the unexplored stretch of Tibet. From determining the exact location & altitude of Lhasa, mapping Tsangpo, from putting Lhasa accurately on the world map to earning the title of Pundit, his eventful and often difficult travels led to his name being permanently engraved in the history of Indian exploration.
With some wonderful Illustrations and a gripping writing style, the author beautifully describes his journey, his struggles, his achievements. Explore the wonderful journey of the explorer. It's an engrossing read with the Backdrop of the Himalayas beautifully described by the author.
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The narration of the story is crisp and interesting keeping the reader hooked throughout. It's a well researched and informative book for kids. well, This book is not only for kids but for adults too who wants to read more about his journey.
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Overall, it's a wonderful book with amazing illustrations and lots of information that will be loved by kids. Introduce this book to the kids from 10 years.
With some wonderful Illustrations and a gripping writing style, the author beautifully describes his journey, his struggles, his achievements. Explore the wonderful journey of the explorer. It's an engrossing read with the Backdrop of the Himalayas beautifully described by the author.
.
The narration of the story is crisp and interesting keeping the reader hooked throughout. It's a well researched and informative book for kids. well, This book is not only for kids but for adults too who wants to read more about his journey.
.
Overall, it's a wonderful book with amazing illustrations and lots of information that will be loved by kids. Introduce this book to the kids from 10 years.
June 27, 2020
Deepa Agarwal is without a doubt one of my favourite authors. Her books are so well written, the simplicity and depth of her books make them a perfect pick for any age group!
Journey to the Forbidden City is an engrossing tale of Nain Singh Rawat. An adventurer from last century, who is on his quest of finding the Capital City of Lhasa in Tibet. This book is based on real life people and incidents. The descriptions of ancient Tibet, the landscapes, the people, etc is so vivid & real, it makes you want to visit the place yourself.
He was the first Indian explorer who surveyed the unexplored stretch of Tibet in the late 19th century. He was also the first to sightsee the gold mines of Thog Jalong. Sadly not many people know about him, which makes this book a must read!
Definitely recommended!
Journey to the Forbidden City is an engrossing tale of Nain Singh Rawat. An adventurer from last century, who is on his quest of finding the Capital City of Lhasa in Tibet. This book is based on real life people and incidents. The descriptions of ancient Tibet, the landscapes, the people, etc is so vivid & real, it makes you want to visit the place yourself.
He was the first Indian explorer who surveyed the unexplored stretch of Tibet in the late 19th century. He was also the first to sightsee the gold mines of Thog Jalong. Sadly not many people know about him, which makes this book a must read!
Definitely recommended!
February 18, 2020
Originally Published on my blog: https://yoursafictionately.wordpress....
The synopsis does not do justice to what lies in this phenomenal book! This book was so so sooo brilliant that it does not even need any critical analysis and hence, according to me every reader out there should read this masterpiece!
Journey to the Forbidden City was not just a book. It was an adventure. It was an experience like no other. Words cannot describe what all I felt while reading this book as big words like "admiration" or "influential" are far too less to describe this phenomena!
Nain Singh Rawat was the first Indian explorer who surveyed the unexplored stretch of Tibet in the late 19th century. Other than that, he was first to sight-see the fabled gold mines of Thog Jalong, Tibet. First to describe Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) entry to India.
As a Pundit explorer, he was deputed by the Survey of India, then the Great Trigonometrical Survey, under British in the 1860s. Sadly, his adventures, struggle stories and achievements are much unknown to mass in general.
Author Deepa Agarwal covers the fascinating story of ‘Pundits’. She takes readers to the remote places of Asia covering many aspects of his expedition. I loved how genuine and comforting this book was! It really helps you believe that one's determination and sincerity can really help them to achieve what they wish to and show the world that nothing is impossible!
Honestly, there is so much more to say about this gem of a book but I would prefer to control myself as I do not wish to give any spoilers as I really want you all to read and fall in love with this great book!
The synopsis does not do justice to what lies in this phenomenal book! This book was so so sooo brilliant that it does not even need any critical analysis and hence, according to me every reader out there should read this masterpiece!
Journey to the Forbidden City was not just a book. It was an adventure. It was an experience like no other. Words cannot describe what all I felt while reading this book as big words like "admiration" or "influential" are far too less to describe this phenomena!
Nain Singh Rawat was the first Indian explorer who surveyed the unexplored stretch of Tibet in the late 19th century. Other than that, he was first to sight-see the fabled gold mines of Thog Jalong, Tibet. First to describe Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) entry to India.
As a Pundit explorer, he was deputed by the Survey of India, then the Great Trigonometrical Survey, under British in the 1860s. Sadly, his adventures, struggle stories and achievements are much unknown to mass in general.
Author Deepa Agarwal covers the fascinating story of ‘Pundits’. She takes readers to the remote places of Asia covering many aspects of his expedition. I loved how genuine and comforting this book was! It really helps you believe that one's determination and sincerity can really help them to achieve what they wish to and show the world that nothing is impossible!
Honestly, there is so much more to say about this gem of a book but I would prefer to control myself as I do not wish to give any spoilers as I really want you all to read and fall in love with this great book!
May 29, 2020
🍷Journey To A Forbidden City🍷
It was next to impossible for a white man to enter this rigorously guarded territory. And so was chosen an intrepid Indian explorer from the mountains of Kumaon-Nain Singh Rawat. Trekking across this country, he risked life and limb and donned innumerable clever disguises as he surveyed the vast expanses and identified countless villages, cities and people. From putting Lhasa accurately on the world map to earning the title of Pundit, his eventful and often arduous travels led to his name being permanently engraved in the annals of Indian exploration.
Based on his actual diaries, this gripping narrative is also a tribute to the indomitable spirit of this fascinating man, who rose from being an impoverished village schoolteacher to a legendary hero.
.
🍷The book opens up in 18th century and revolves around Nain Singh, an explorer born and brought up in India. It was more than intresting to read the story but what intrigued me more was to see the ancient Tibet from his eyes, from discovering it until bringing Lhasa on the map, it was totally a fun and thrilling adventure taken Nain Singh Rawat. The book is based on real life characters, it's totally based on his personal diary that he maintained while traveling. The story beautifully captures the struggles, the hopes, desires and aspirations of an explorer who in search of new places having a belief on instincts. I didn't knew about him until I read this book but I feel his journey is more special because it was also a journey of self-discovery from within. The people he meets in his journey and all the experiences he comes across teaches him so much, it took him a lifetime to gain all those experiences but the author made it possible for her readers to perceive them through few pages and in few hours. The writing is magical and beautiful. The story is definitely adventurous, it gives out the vintage vibes throughout. The book reminds me of "Alchemist" for some reason.
.
.
This is something I will definitely recommend. Go for it.
Rating: 4.25🌟
It was next to impossible for a white man to enter this rigorously guarded territory. And so was chosen an intrepid Indian explorer from the mountains of Kumaon-Nain Singh Rawat. Trekking across this country, he risked life and limb and donned innumerable clever disguises as he surveyed the vast expanses and identified countless villages, cities and people. From putting Lhasa accurately on the world map to earning the title of Pundit, his eventful and often arduous travels led to his name being permanently engraved in the annals of Indian exploration.
Based on his actual diaries, this gripping narrative is also a tribute to the indomitable spirit of this fascinating man, who rose from being an impoverished village schoolteacher to a legendary hero.
.
🍷The book opens up in 18th century and revolves around Nain Singh, an explorer born and brought up in India. It was more than intresting to read the story but what intrigued me more was to see the ancient Tibet from his eyes, from discovering it until bringing Lhasa on the map, it was totally a fun and thrilling adventure taken Nain Singh Rawat. The book is based on real life characters, it's totally based on his personal diary that he maintained while traveling. The story beautifully captures the struggles, the hopes, desires and aspirations of an explorer who in search of new places having a belief on instincts. I didn't knew about him until I read this book but I feel his journey is more special because it was also a journey of self-discovery from within. The people he meets in his journey and all the experiences he comes across teaches him so much, it took him a lifetime to gain all those experiences but the author made it possible for her readers to perceive them through few pages and in few hours. The writing is magical and beautiful. The story is definitely adventurous, it gives out the vintage vibes throughout. The book reminds me of "Alchemist" for some reason.
.
.
This is something I will definitely recommend. Go for it.
Rating: 4.25🌟
February 19, 2020
Author Deepa Argwala, wrote a short piece on Pundit Nain Singh Rawat which appeared in the Times of India later she contributed a similar piece in Hindi for a textbook which was published by Ratna Sagar. Her interest was escalating and here you can see her result in the form of book.
"Journey to the forbidden city"
This book takes you real life adventures trip of Pundit Nain Singh Rawat who was one of the first late 19th century Indian explorers who explored the Himalayas for the British as a spy explorer. He identified countless villages, cities and people in his journey. He hailed from the Johar Valley of Kumaon. He surveyed the trade route through Nepal to Tibet, determined for the first time the location and altitude of Lhasa as it was his first and last expedition and surveyed a large section of the Brahmaputra. He explored the western Tibet and stumbled upon fabled gold mines of Thok Jalung.
His contribution to the exploration of several areas was noticed and recognized by people and was awarded a gold chronometer by the Royal Geographical Society and Government of India honored him with land grant of two villages and featured him in Indian postage stamp to appreciate his service in Great Trigonometric Survey.
@dipuli has researched well to write about his real life and in common they both shares same ancestry. By reading this book you get to know his hard struggles achievements. The illustrator Meghan Menon who has made this book so appealing to the young readers.
We can introduce to our childrens from 10 years to follow their path for achieving on his or her own.
"Journey to the forbidden city"
This book takes you real life adventures trip of Pundit Nain Singh Rawat who was one of the first late 19th century Indian explorers who explored the Himalayas for the British as a spy explorer. He identified countless villages, cities and people in his journey. He hailed from the Johar Valley of Kumaon. He surveyed the trade route through Nepal to Tibet, determined for the first time the location and altitude of Lhasa as it was his first and last expedition and surveyed a large section of the Brahmaputra. He explored the western Tibet and stumbled upon fabled gold mines of Thok Jalung.
His contribution to the exploration of several areas was noticed and recognized by people and was awarded a gold chronometer by the Royal Geographical Society and Government of India honored him with land grant of two villages and featured him in Indian postage stamp to appreciate his service in Great Trigonometric Survey.
@dipuli has researched well to write about his real life and in common they both shares same ancestry. By reading this book you get to know his hard struggles achievements. The illustrator Meghan Menon who has made this book so appealing to the young readers.
We can introduce to our childrens from 10 years to follow their path for achieving on his or her own.
March 4, 2020
Have you heard of 'Nain Singh Rawat'? If you are someone who keeps a track of the current affairs or checks out Google Doodles on regular basis, then I'm pretty sure you must have heard this name. If you know the names good. If you don't, then here's why you should read this book and also share the knowledge with your children. He was featured on the Google doodle as well.
In the late 19th century, Nain Singh Rawat was the first Indian to survey the unexplored stretch of Tibet. Thirst for knowledge made him determine the exact location & altitude of Lhasa, mapped Tsangpo and described the mesmerising fabled sites like the gold mines of Think Jalung (Google & You'll find a lot of info).
He had disguised himself as a monk and began his journey and this book talks about this journey through beautiful illustrations.
The author has done a fantastic job in bringing this story to not just children who are readers but also for adults. The writing style is captivating & keeps the reader engaged. Language is lucid and can be easily understood as well as explained to the children. Illustrations in the book are bang-on and do equal justice to the story.
I loved reading this one & will treasure it. I'd rate this one a 4.5/5* and totally recommend this to anyone who loves to explore and gain new facts from around the world.
#ExploreTheUnexplored #NainSinghRawat #Traveler #sizxuk #explorer #childrenbookillustration
In the late 19th century, Nain Singh Rawat was the first Indian to survey the unexplored stretch of Tibet. Thirst for knowledge made him determine the exact location & altitude of Lhasa, mapped Tsangpo and described the mesmerising fabled sites like the gold mines of Think Jalung (Google & You'll find a lot of info).
He had disguised himself as a monk and began his journey and this book talks about this journey through beautiful illustrations.
The author has done a fantastic job in bringing this story to not just children who are readers but also for adults. The writing style is captivating & keeps the reader engaged. Language is lucid and can be easily understood as well as explained to the children. Illustrations in the book are bang-on and do equal justice to the story.
I loved reading this one & will treasure it. I'd rate this one a 4.5/5* and totally recommend this to anyone who loves to explore and gain new facts from around the world.
#ExploreTheUnexplored #NainSinghRawat #Traveler #sizxuk #explorer #childrenbookillustration
April 12, 2020
BOOK INSIGHTS -
The book is about the journey of Nain Singh Rawat who rose from being a village school teacher to a legendary hero.
Nineteenth-century Tibet was an unknown entity, a complete geographical mystery to the West.
It was next to impossible for a white man to enter this rigorously guarded territory.
In this condition an Indian explorer from the mountains of Kumaon-Nain Singh Rawat was selected who risked his life and traveled across different places with different disguise.
From putting Lhasa accurately on the world map to earning the title of Pundit, his eventful and often arduous travels led to his name being permanently engraved in the annals of Indian exploration.
Based on his actual diaries, this gripping narrative is also a tribute to the indomitable spirit of this fascinating man.
PERSONAL COMMENTARY
1. The cover is apt.
2. The title is beautiful and perfect.
3. The adventures are wonderfully explained.
4. The narration style is truly amazing.
5. The language is lucid.
6. The illustrations really had me from the initial moment.
7. The writing style is gripping which makes readers hooked to the book.
8. The incidents are well expressing.
Overall a fascinating read.
The book is about the journey of Nain Singh Rawat who rose from being a village school teacher to a legendary hero.
Nineteenth-century Tibet was an unknown entity, a complete geographical mystery to the West.
It was next to impossible for a white man to enter this rigorously guarded territory.
In this condition an Indian explorer from the mountains of Kumaon-Nain Singh Rawat was selected who risked his life and traveled across different places with different disguise.
From putting Lhasa accurately on the world map to earning the title of Pundit, his eventful and often arduous travels led to his name being permanently engraved in the annals of Indian exploration.
Based on his actual diaries, this gripping narrative is also a tribute to the indomitable spirit of this fascinating man.
PERSONAL COMMENTARY
1. The cover is apt.
2. The title is beautiful and perfect.
3. The adventures are wonderfully explained.
4. The narration style is truly amazing.
5. The language is lucid.
6. The illustrations really had me from the initial moment.
7. The writing style is gripping which makes readers hooked to the book.
8. The incidents are well expressing.
Overall a fascinating read.
February 11, 2020
Does the name Nain Singh Rawat ring a bell? A couple of years ago Google doodle featured him. Does it now ring any bell? A few might nod but the majority of us would be lost in thoughts. The main reason why we need to read this book and share it with children.
Nain Singh Rawat was the first Indian explorer who surveyed the unexplored stretch of Tibet in the late 19th century. Other than that, he was first to sightsee the fabled gold mines of Thog Jalong, Tibet. First to describe Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) entry to India.
As a Pundit explorer, he was deputed by the Survey of India, then the Great Trigonometrical Survey, under British in the 1860s. Sadly, his adventures, struggle stories and achievements are much unknown to mass in general.
Author Deepa Agarwal covers the fascinating story of ‘Pundits’.She takes readers to the remote places of Asia covering many aspects of his expedition.
Well researched and articulated book for kids aged 10+ years. The narration is lucid keeping readers gripped to know about the adventure. Illustrations by Meghna Menon goes well with the storytelling.
Nain Singh Rawat was the first Indian explorer who surveyed the unexplored stretch of Tibet in the late 19th century. Other than that, he was first to sightsee the fabled gold mines of Thog Jalong, Tibet. First to describe Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) entry to India.
As a Pundit explorer, he was deputed by the Survey of India, then the Great Trigonometrical Survey, under British in the 1860s. Sadly, his adventures, struggle stories and achievements are much unknown to mass in general.
Author Deepa Agarwal covers the fascinating story of ‘Pundits’.She takes readers to the remote places of Asia covering many aspects of his expedition.
Well researched and articulated book for kids aged 10+ years. The narration is lucid keeping readers gripped to know about the adventure. Illustrations by Meghna Menon goes well with the storytelling.
January 31, 2023
"Journey to the forbidden city" by Deepa agarwal is an enchanting tale of grit and determination of a man, who achieves the heights of his life singke handedly . It will took us on a fascinating adventure filled with roller-coaster ride of life.
It beautifully explores how a young man, explored the harsh terrains and made his way to tibet by simply taking road-less travel. It is a quick and crispy read for me. Illustrations in the book makes it more adorable and worth read for me.
We hardly know about him "Nain singh rawat" the first indian explorer who surveyed the stretch of tibet in the late 19th century. But unfortunately his adventures, and struggle stories are quiet unknown to many of us.
The language of the book is simple with brilliant usage of vocabulary. It is quiet an imperative experience for me to know about the man who accurately placed the lhasa on the world map.
Overall, It's a wonderfuo read for me in these cozy winter afternoon's . Cover of the book is fascinating with captivating title . I must recommend this book to all the lovely readers.
Must read❤❤
It beautifully explores how a young man, explored the harsh terrains and made his way to tibet by simply taking road-less travel. It is a quick and crispy read for me. Illustrations in the book makes it more adorable and worth read for me.
We hardly know about him "Nain singh rawat" the first indian explorer who surveyed the stretch of tibet in the late 19th century. But unfortunately his adventures, and struggle stories are quiet unknown to many of us.
The language of the book is simple with brilliant usage of vocabulary. It is quiet an imperative experience for me to know about the man who accurately placed the lhasa on the world map.
Overall, It's a wonderfuo read for me in these cozy winter afternoon's . Cover of the book is fascinating with captivating title . I must recommend this book to all the lovely readers.
Must read❤❤
February 18, 2020
Nain Singh rawat a yesteryear explorer sure does make our heads turn. The author Deepa gives a fitting tribute to the famous explorer who traveled far and wide across Tibet and other distant asian places. The capital city of Lhasa and where does it lie.
The adventures that he experienced while traveling the disguises and interesting incidences are wonderfully captured in this book. Much unknown to the world, these tales are brought to light by author Deepa.
Equally supported by the illustrations this is a great book for expedition lovers.
The adventures that he experienced while traveling the disguises and interesting incidences are wonderfully captured in this book. Much unknown to the world, these tales are brought to light by author Deepa.
Equally supported by the illustrations this is a great book for expedition lovers.
February 23, 2020
A thrilling and gripping narrative by author Deepa Agarwal. She wrote this book as a tribute to Nain Singh Rawat, who was a 19th century explorer. Through his life risking, tough and arduous travels, he played a very important role for the Great Trigonometrical Survey. It was his readings and notes that helped them put various places and cities on the map. This is a must read for adults and children alike. Best suited for children above 10 years of age. This book will not only keep you engrossed till the end, but also inspire you to do something brave.
April 13, 2020
How many of us are aware of the expedition stories of Nain Singh Rawat, the first of the late 19th century Indian explorers? Surveying a trade route through Nepal to Tibet, he calculated the altitude and location of Lhasa. Journey to the Forbidden City is the story of grit and determination of Nain Singh Rawat in overcoming all odds and exploring the mighty Himalayas for the British.
Read the complete review here: https://aliveshadow.com/category-book...
Read the complete review here: https://aliveshadow.com/category-book...
June 8, 2020
Excellent story of the incredible feats of a daring man who created history. The subject matter is excellent. However, it's the narration that's not entirely satisfactory-it doesn't feel like fiction (as the book claims) but doesn't read like a biography either! It doesn't have the twists and turns of an adventure. The plot and the character are conveyed through the narrator's voice (the author); there's nothing for the reader to infer in terms of motives, the general perspective of the characters, the nature of the trip etc. It's all told; nothing is shown!
August 15, 2022
Nain Singh Rawat is a name which outside a few places, has almost been forgotten. He was one of the best explorers from India who was said to have been measured every part of his journey.
This book is a brilliant attempt to make India and the world know about Nain Singh Rawat aka Punditji. The book is well illustrated and written in a lucid way; so as to cater to the young readers as well.(Some of the descriptions of his journeys are so vivid that the reader may find himself in Tibet)
It is a very well written book and should be read especially by young readers.
This book is a brilliant attempt to make India and the world know about Nain Singh Rawat aka Punditji. The book is well illustrated and written in a lucid way; so as to cater to the young readers as well.(Some of the descriptions of his journeys are so vivid that the reader may find himself in Tibet)
It is a very well written book and should be read especially by young readers.
February 29, 2020
Nain Singh rawat a days of old wayfarer sure makes our heads turn. The creator Deepa gives a fitting tribute to the renowned voyager who traversed Tibet and other far off asian spots. The capital city of Lhasa and where does it lie. The undertakings that he encountered while venturing to every part of the masks and fascinating rates are magnificently caught right now. Much obscure to the world, these stories are exposed by creator Deepa.
January 12, 2021
A brief history of Pt. Nain Singh Rawat's adventurous journey to the Forbidden City
A quick read on how his contribution towards mapping Lhasa and Brahmaputra didn't come easy. Readers get a chance to visualise the difficulties and pain one had to take for matters that look stupendously simple in today's time.
A quick read on how his contribution towards mapping Lhasa and Brahmaputra didn't come easy. Readers get a chance to visualise the difficulties and pain one had to take for matters that look stupendously simple in today's time.
July 21, 2021
An antidote to the usual story of colonial “exploration and discovery”, this book uncovers Nain Singh Rawat’s contribution in mapping Tibet. Calculating distance by counting prayer beads and overcoming all sorts of obstacles along the way he succeeds in his mission. It is also a lesson on the exploitation of local people by colonial powers for their own nefarious ends.
May 19, 2024
I love this book since there is a lot of adventurous times where Nain Singh makes friends and makes enemies. I have also learned a new country 'Tibet which is in the middle of nepal and china. No one knows about Tibet, it is an unknown entity and not marked on the international map, people also do not know where it's capital city Lhasa lies.
March 16, 2020
Does the name 'Pundit Nain Singh Rawat' ring a bell or sound familiar?
Few years ago, Google Doodle featured him and many got introduced to him & his achievements.
And if you still don't remember him, then this book is a must read for you.
Journey to the Forbidden City by Deepa Agarwal is thrilling tale of our country's best explorer "Pundit Nain Singh Rawat'.
In the late 19th Century, where exploration was a monopoly of British, Nain Singh Rawat dared to break all the barriers and mapped Tibet in the world atlas.
He was the first Indian to survey the unexplored stretch of Tibet - determining the exact location and altitude of Lhasa, mapping the Tsangpo & describing the enchanting details of fabled sites like the gold mines of Thok Jalung.
The author has narrated his journey with utmost sincerity and as you read further, you are transported to the past with the Pundit. The extensive research clubbed with superior quality writing makes this book a must read for every Indian. The language used is quite gripping, yet lucid enough for a 10-year-old to feel the journey of Nain Singh. The illustrations are beautiful and are an add-on to the captivating and engaging narration.
Overall, this is a book to inspire you and the generations to come. A story of strong will, smartness and determination. A book to be treasured and passed along to your kids, grand-kids and further.
Rating: 5/5
Few years ago, Google Doodle featured him and many got introduced to him & his achievements.
And if you still don't remember him, then this book is a must read for you.
Journey to the Forbidden City by Deepa Agarwal is thrilling tale of our country's best explorer "Pundit Nain Singh Rawat'.
In the late 19th Century, where exploration was a monopoly of British, Nain Singh Rawat dared to break all the barriers and mapped Tibet in the world atlas.
He was the first Indian to survey the unexplored stretch of Tibet - determining the exact location and altitude of Lhasa, mapping the Tsangpo & describing the enchanting details of fabled sites like the gold mines of Thok Jalung.
The author has narrated his journey with utmost sincerity and as you read further, you are transported to the past with the Pundit. The extensive research clubbed with superior quality writing makes this book a must read for every Indian. The language used is quite gripping, yet lucid enough for a 10-year-old to feel the journey of Nain Singh. The illustrations are beautiful and are an add-on to the captivating and engaging narration.
Overall, this is a book to inspire you and the generations to come. A story of strong will, smartness and determination. A book to be treasured and passed along to your kids, grand-kids and further.
Rating: 5/5
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