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AASMA-I-NOOR: The Cursed Jewel
A diamond like no other, a curse like no other…
This is the story of the world’s largest diamond—Aasma-i-Noor (sky of light). This rare red jewel of incomparable beauty surpassed its sister stones—Koh-i-Noor (mountain of light) and Darya-i-Noor (sea of light)—all mined from the same womb of the Kollur mine in Golconda.
This was a diamond with a far more violent history than her sisters. Her existence was zealously guarded down the ages by a select circle. Over time, even her name disappeared from all historical texts, bards’ tales and living memory itself.
The modern-day search for the lost jewel begins in two different corners of the world, involving a British research scholar in London and an Indian historian in Calcutta. The British scholar finds mention of the Aasma-i-Noor in the documents left behind by Sir Robert Clive. The historian from India is the descendant of a Raja, who was Clive’s friend and confidante.
The Battle of Plassey in 1757, the downfall of Nawab Siraj-ud Daulah, the death of Clive and the treachery of Mir Jafar, all combine to create a maze of cryptic clues and devilish dead ends for the unlikely partners. They plough forward, and just when the end is in sight, an implacable adversary threatens everything.
This is the story of the world’s largest diamond—Aasma-i-Noor (sky of light). This rare red jewel of incomparable beauty surpassed its sister stones—Koh-i-Noor (mountain of light) and Darya-i-Noor (sea of light)—all mined from the same womb of the Kollur mine in Golconda.
This was a diamond with a far more violent history than her sisters. Her existence was zealously guarded down the ages by a select circle. Over time, even her name disappeared from all historical texts, bards’ tales and living memory itself.
The modern-day search for the lost jewel begins in two different corners of the world, involving a British research scholar in London and an Indian historian in Calcutta. The British scholar finds mention of the Aasma-i-Noor in the documents left behind by Sir Robert Clive. The historian from India is the descendant of a Raja, who was Clive’s friend and confidante.
The Battle of Plassey in 1757, the downfall of Nawab Siraj-ud Daulah, the death of Clive and the treachery of Mir Jafar, all combine to create a maze of cryptic clues and devilish dead ends for the unlikely partners. They plough forward, and just when the end is in sight, an implacable adversary threatens everything.
- GenresHistorical
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2022
5 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 3, 2023
'Aasma-I-Noor' by Sudipta Sen Gupta is a historical fiction masterpiece that promises an edge-of-the-seat historical experience set in the 1700s, intertwining the lives of well-known historical figures with fiction. At the heart of it all lies a diamond that sets the stage for a series of captivating events, that historical fiction enthusiasts will find particularly appealing.
The characters in 'Aasma-i-Noor' are its greatest strengths. The tale unfolds through the perspectives of diverse historical characters, each contributing a unique voice and role to the plot. From the ambitious Robert Clive to the determined Alvardi Khan, these characters are brought to life through the passionate narration. Their interactions and growth are skillfully interwoven, contributing to the novel's immersive quality.
Sudipta Sen Gupta's writing style is nothing short of captivating. The language is simple yet rich, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. The book's smooth prose allows the narrative to flow effortlessly, making it easy to grasp the tale. The engaging narrative takes the reader through the Battle of Plassey, Buxar, and India's fight for independence. The author's meticulous research, his attention to detail and vivid storytelling transports readers back to many such pivotal moments in history, allowing them to experience the atmosphere then and how! The novel's unique blend of historical accuracy and imaginative storytelling creates a seamless fusion that both educates and entertains.
Whether you're a historical fiction fanatic or a newbie to the genre, 'Aasma-I-Noor' is sure to dazzle one and all. Its blend of historical panaroma, vivid characters, and captivating storytelling makes it a must-read for anyone seeking a memorable reading experience.
The characters in 'Aasma-i-Noor' are its greatest strengths. The tale unfolds through the perspectives of diverse historical characters, each contributing a unique voice and role to the plot. From the ambitious Robert Clive to the determined Alvardi Khan, these characters are brought to life through the passionate narration. Their interactions and growth are skillfully interwoven, contributing to the novel's immersive quality.
Sudipta Sen Gupta's writing style is nothing short of captivating. The language is simple yet rich, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. The book's smooth prose allows the narrative to flow effortlessly, making it easy to grasp the tale. The engaging narrative takes the reader through the Battle of Plassey, Buxar, and India's fight for independence. The author's meticulous research, his attention to detail and vivid storytelling transports readers back to many such pivotal moments in history, allowing them to experience the atmosphere then and how! The novel's unique blend of historical accuracy and imaginative storytelling creates a seamless fusion that both educates and entertains.
Whether you're a historical fiction fanatic or a newbie to the genre, 'Aasma-I-Noor' is sure to dazzle one and all. Its blend of historical panaroma, vivid characters, and captivating storytelling makes it a must-read for anyone seeking a memorable reading experience.
August 14, 2022
A thrilling fiction with a tinge of history, this book will take you to the times of the Kings.
This is the story of the world’s largest diamond—Aasma-i-Noor (sky of light). This diamond had a history of killing people because of which, it was heavily guarded.
This diamond was surpassed from generations to generations and told the story of ambition and treachery. The story is set in 18th century but is parallelly narrated in the 21st century.
I absolutely enjoyed reading the book. The characters were amazing and the narration was smooth.I loved how the author tweaked the history and entangled it with fiction.
Definitely recommended.
This is the story of the world’s largest diamond—Aasma-i-Noor (sky of light). This diamond had a history of killing people because of which, it was heavily guarded.
This diamond was surpassed from generations to generations and told the story of ambition and treachery. The story is set in 18th century but is parallelly narrated in the 21st century.
I absolutely enjoyed reading the book. The characters were amazing and the narration was smooth.I loved how the author tweaked the history and entangled it with fiction.
Definitely recommended.
August 12, 2022
A thrilling treasure hunt wrapped in the rich history of nobles and common, adorned with mystery, love, betrayal, lust for power and position. It is a beautiful diamond which witnessed the changing colors of human. The storyline moves back and forth between different timelines without a hitch.
August 9, 2022
My Thoughts:
The recent days have seen a debate about Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar Visiting Varanasi before his latest movie's release - Samrat Prithviraj. There have been trolling articles about the misinterpretation of history. This made me revisit the history books. I happen to pick up a middle school history textbook. The not-so-happy me tried searching for documentaries on YouTube. I have had a chance to glance at some fantastic channels. Coincidentally, I found this book on Rupa Publication's Instagram page – Aasma-I-Noor with a red diamond!
Without a further delay, I laid my hands on the book! I believe in the butterfly effect, and my quest started with Akshay Kumar's movie and ended up with the quest of Aasma-I-Noor. This is a perfect book for the weekend, and I recommend it strongly!
Read this and get entertained, historically!
What to expect from the story?
Expect an adventurous historical quest fiction dated back to the 1700s.
Expect a story with the most known historical characters but a tinge of fiction.
Expect a story that revolves around a diamond and is the cause of everything that happens.
Expect a story that will remain in our minds for a long time.
Expect a story that will transport the readers back to the times of the Battle of Plassey, Buxar and India's freedom fight.
Who can read?
After romantic and crime fiction, historical fiction is the most read genre. Be it Indian or Greek, or in other countries, historical fiction has this magic of transporting the readers to the older times. With intrinsic descriptions and effective narration, it is evident that historical fiction novels gain more reader audiences. Similarly, this book, Aasma-I-Noor by author Sudipta Sen Gupta is a work of excellence. The story is suitable for every reader with simple yet rich language and grammar. There is also every chance to revisit the history lessons learnt way back in school!
How good are the characters?
The best part of the book is its characters. The story and the quest for AASMA-I-NOOR begin with two characters. One is from England and the other from Calcutta. The book is divided into four main chapters, and each main chapter is into small chapters. Each chapter has characters that are introduced in short and compact ways but with intrigue. Whether Alvardi Khan or Nadir Shah, Sai Ram or Vara Prasad, Mir Jumla or Robert Clive, every character is just fantastic. The characters, their scope, role and strength in the story are well balanced.
How good is the narration?
The story is definitely finding a lost diamond, Aasma-I-Noor! The story is not just historical fiction but a quest with challenges that might comprise the lives involved. Greed, power and wanting to rule makes the quest more than a killing spree. The beauty of this book lies in the intricately designed plots and diverse characters. When these elements are added to a deeply-thought narrative, the story is a killer! In this book, author Sudipta has done everything possible to keep the reader on the run and keep his\her head quenching for more.
How good are the language and grammar?
Simple, rich and meaningful language with adequate vocabulary is used in the book. This quality makes the book a universal read!
How good is the Author's writing style?
Author Sudipta's writing style is rich and lucid. The story is told from different viewpoints. It is indeed a valid statement to give that this story will remain in our minds for a long time because of the rich language used.
How entertaining is the book?
The entertainment factor of the book is spot on. Throughout the book, getting to the next page is always exciting. And hence it is a page-turner! Thus, A perfect entertainer.
Pick it if:
-you like historical fiction with lots of action and entertainment.
-you like stories with many characters and places.
-you like to read stories that happen in India.
The recent days have seen a debate about Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar Visiting Varanasi before his latest movie's release - Samrat Prithviraj. There have been trolling articles about the misinterpretation of history. This made me revisit the history books. I happen to pick up a middle school history textbook. The not-so-happy me tried searching for documentaries on YouTube. I have had a chance to glance at some fantastic channels. Coincidentally, I found this book on Rupa Publication's Instagram page – Aasma-I-Noor with a red diamond!
Without a further delay, I laid my hands on the book! I believe in the butterfly effect, and my quest started with Akshay Kumar's movie and ended up with the quest of Aasma-I-Noor. This is a perfect book for the weekend, and I recommend it strongly!
Read this and get entertained, historically!
What to expect from the story?
Expect an adventurous historical quest fiction dated back to the 1700s.
Expect a story with the most known historical characters but a tinge of fiction.
Expect a story that revolves around a diamond and is the cause of everything that happens.
Expect a story that will remain in our minds for a long time.
Expect a story that will transport the readers back to the times of the Battle of Plassey, Buxar and India's freedom fight.
Who can read?
After romantic and crime fiction, historical fiction is the most read genre. Be it Indian or Greek, or in other countries, historical fiction has this magic of transporting the readers to the older times. With intrinsic descriptions and effective narration, it is evident that historical fiction novels gain more reader audiences. Similarly, this book, Aasma-I-Noor by author Sudipta Sen Gupta is a work of excellence. The story is suitable for every reader with simple yet rich language and grammar. There is also every chance to revisit the history lessons learnt way back in school!
How good are the characters?
The best part of the book is its characters. The story and the quest for AASMA-I-NOOR begin with two characters. One is from England and the other from Calcutta. The book is divided into four main chapters, and each main chapter is into small chapters. Each chapter has characters that are introduced in short and compact ways but with intrigue. Whether Alvardi Khan or Nadir Shah, Sai Ram or Vara Prasad, Mir Jumla or Robert Clive, every character is just fantastic. The characters, their scope, role and strength in the story are well balanced.
How good is the narration?
The story is definitely finding a lost diamond, Aasma-I-Noor! The story is not just historical fiction but a quest with challenges that might comprise the lives involved. Greed, power and wanting to rule makes the quest more than a killing spree. The beauty of this book lies in the intricately designed plots and diverse characters. When these elements are added to a deeply-thought narrative, the story is a killer! In this book, author Sudipta has done everything possible to keep the reader on the run and keep his\her head quenching for more.
How good are the language and grammar?
Simple, rich and meaningful language with adequate vocabulary is used in the book. This quality makes the book a universal read!
How good is the Author's writing style?
Author Sudipta's writing style is rich and lucid. The story is told from different viewpoints. It is indeed a valid statement to give that this story will remain in our minds for a long time because of the rich language used.
How entertaining is the book?
The entertainment factor of the book is spot on. Throughout the book, getting to the next page is always exciting. And hence it is a page-turner! Thus, A perfect entertainer.
Pick it if:
-you like historical fiction with lots of action and entertainment.
-you like stories with many characters and places.
-you like to read stories that happen in India.
July 22, 2022
Hello all!!! Can’t believe it’s already July!! I’m still processing January, lol.
I so so want my results to be out soon, honestly? I can’t wait to get out of this whole phase !
I’ve been reading a lot lately and the best part is, I’ve been reading a lot of good books lately :D
Recently, I read Aasma-i-noor by Sudipta Sengupta and ‘shrestha being shrestha’, I loved this !!!
Not gonna lie, I almost forgot about Siraj-ud-daulah and everything related to him. After all, how much do we actually retrieve from our history books? Practically, nothing.
Thank you so much @rupapublications for sending across this media copy.
That being said, I got so much to know about Siraj Ud Daulah through the fictious story of a gem stone – Aasma-i-noor, the cursed jewel.
Talking about synopsis, it may seem pretty simple, where a miner gets a stone and the red diamond passes from one ruler to another and finally it ends up with Nawab Alivardi Khan, the grandfather of Siraj-Ud-Daulah. The stone becomes the ultimate aim in life of so many. Starting with Robert Clive to Mir Qasim, the quest for the stone continues. The best part about this book is that it is not purely based on history. Toby Armitage, a student doing his research in History, arrives in Kolkata to find the valuable red diamond and there he meets Hasi, another connoisseur of history. Both of them form a great team and search for the stone, which caused the death of all the people who betrayed Siraj. Apart from that, Naser Mirza, a descendant of Mir Jafar, threatens them to hand him the Aasma-i-noor, claiming that Mir Jafar received all the hate and the family has been defamed for ages and thus the stone should belong to them, as a compensation.
Not only does this book give you a vast insight of whatever happened in Bengal from the time of Siraj’s rule and after that, but the mystery also intensifies as the plot proceeds. The vocabulary is perfect for beginners and wouldn’t bore you to death either. The characters, even the ones apart from Toby and Hashi were perfect, Debi being my favourite XD. Another thing which made me fall in love with this book even more is the way it represented Bengali culture, Durga puja and the hype around the whole thing, how meals are long in Bengali families and the how the whole family lives in harmony, together, laughing and joking through their way in life, and yes, the ultimate survival strategy – ADDA!
Altogether, if you want to read more about Bengal just before the British took over, specifically the last independent Nawab, or take a sneak peek into the daily lives or Durga Puja of a traditional Bengali family, this book is a must read!! Kudos to the author for creating a perfect blend of fiction and non-fiction through this book!
I so so want my results to be out soon, honestly? I can’t wait to get out of this whole phase !
I’ve been reading a lot lately and the best part is, I’ve been reading a lot of good books lately :D
Recently, I read Aasma-i-noor by Sudipta Sengupta and ‘shrestha being shrestha’, I loved this !!!
Not gonna lie, I almost forgot about Siraj-ud-daulah and everything related to him. After all, how much do we actually retrieve from our history books? Practically, nothing.
Thank you so much @rupapublications for sending across this media copy.
That being said, I got so much to know about Siraj Ud Daulah through the fictious story of a gem stone – Aasma-i-noor, the cursed jewel.
Talking about synopsis, it may seem pretty simple, where a miner gets a stone and the red diamond passes from one ruler to another and finally it ends up with Nawab Alivardi Khan, the grandfather of Siraj-Ud-Daulah. The stone becomes the ultimate aim in life of so many. Starting with Robert Clive to Mir Qasim, the quest for the stone continues. The best part about this book is that it is not purely based on history. Toby Armitage, a student doing his research in History, arrives in Kolkata to find the valuable red diamond and there he meets Hasi, another connoisseur of history. Both of them form a great team and search for the stone, which caused the death of all the people who betrayed Siraj. Apart from that, Naser Mirza, a descendant of Mir Jafar, threatens them to hand him the Aasma-i-noor, claiming that Mir Jafar received all the hate and the family has been defamed for ages and thus the stone should belong to them, as a compensation.
Not only does this book give you a vast insight of whatever happened in Bengal from the time of Siraj’s rule and after that, but the mystery also intensifies as the plot proceeds. The vocabulary is perfect for beginners and wouldn’t bore you to death either. The characters, even the ones apart from Toby and Hashi were perfect, Debi being my favourite XD. Another thing which made me fall in love with this book even more is the way it represented Bengali culture, Durga puja and the hype around the whole thing, how meals are long in Bengali families and the how the whole family lives in harmony, together, laughing and joking through their way in life, and yes, the ultimate survival strategy – ADDA!
Altogether, if you want to read more about Bengal just before the British took over, specifically the last independent Nawab, or take a sneak peek into the daily lives or Durga Puja of a traditional Bengali family, this book is a must read!! Kudos to the author for creating a perfect blend of fiction and non-fiction through this book!
September 4, 2022
I picked up this book because the premise really intrigued me and the idea of a sister jewel of the Koh-i-Noor and the Darya-i-Noor is something that made for a wonderful story. Sudipta creates an interesting narrative that brings together the story of the diamond, the curse it wields and its connection to the time when the British were finding their feet in India. The storytelling is interesting and the parallel storylines make for an engaging read as you explore the story of the diamond as it journeys through different hands. The first half of the book is quite pacy and the events take place at a rapid pace and at different points in time as Sudipta sets the plot of the story by telling us the origins of the diamond, as well as the origins of the intentions of the people who want it. The second half of the book deals mostly with the aftermath and the chase which for me was a bit mixed. The story jumps between the past and the present as we explore the journey of the diamond, the events of the time, and the current search for the lost treasure. The plot is kept simple in the first half, but the second half becomes a bit complex as the focus of the storytelling moves from being plot focused to being focused on the characters. The climax has been crafted in an interesting manner and I liked the way it was presented and executed. The thing I loved about the book was the detailed history and focus on the reference of historical events and personalities in the book. The attention to detail was quite interesting to read and it added an aspect of authenticity to the story.
Another aspect of the book that is quite interesting is that it also explores some important historical events that highlight places and people that might not be popular, but are an integral part of our history. On a personal note, I would have loved if a map had been a part of the book to point the places of interest in the book which would have elevated the overall reading experience.
Coming to the characters, I liked Sudipta’s style of creating characters that mimic real life, and that none of them are either black or white. As you read through the story, you start realizing that the characters are quite dynamic and their actions cannot be predicted too far into the future. Using historical characters to fit into the story is not an easy task but Sudipta manages to do that with ease, and the layering of certain characters had me floored. Another aspect I loved was that the diamond itself acts like a character and is an integral part of the entire narrative.
Another aspect of the book that is quite interesting is that it also explores some important historical events that highlight places and people that might not be popular, but are an integral part of our history. On a personal note, I would have loved if a map had been a part of the book to point the places of interest in the book which would have elevated the overall reading experience.
Coming to the characters, I liked Sudipta’s style of creating characters that mimic real life, and that none of them are either black or white. As you read through the story, you start realizing that the characters are quite dynamic and their actions cannot be predicted too far into the future. Using historical characters to fit into the story is not an easy task but Sudipta manages to do that with ease, and the layering of certain characters had me floored. Another aspect I loved was that the diamond itself acts like a character and is an integral part of the entire narrative.
July 6, 2022
The Mughals had some of the famed jewels in their treasury starting with priceless gems like Darya-i-Noor and Koh-i-Noor.
There is another invaluable gem whose presence has wrecked havoc in the Mughal dynasty and also pulled Britishers like Robert Clive to the shores of India during the 17th-18th century- the Aasma-I-Noor!
Coming to the year 2017, Tobias, who is a Ph.D student, is driven with a single mission in life- to find Aasma-i-Noor about which his ancestors have waxed eloquence in their journals.
But his path is frought with difficulties as there are other powerful contenders who are behind this enigmatic piece of jewel which their own ancestors had the privilege or curse to be in its presence.
🎭Will Toby find Aasma-I-Noor in his lifetime?
✒VERDICT
🥇Pros:
1) I loved the storyline where the author took a leaf from the realistic sequence of events in history and introduced the concept of a jewel that destroyed dynasties, felled great men and still people are made to believe it's a lore. The story is gripping, well-paced and enjoyable.
2) The author has beautifully crafted the parallel storylines encompassing different timelines to trace the journey of Aasma-i-Noor from the 17th century till the present date which gave a thrilling and enigmatic touch to the plot. Very few books can manage to create seamless transitions and this book is one of them.
3) I loved the part where the author has introduced various characters in the current generation whose ancestral line can be traced to the Mughal and British courts. Their present-day journey added to the allure of the storyline how they have been influenced by the actions of their ancestors.
👎Cons:
I wouldn't call it a drawback as such but at some places I felt the storyline drag a bit which impacted the pace of the plot.
🌟Overall, this book has been an enjoyable and a mind boggling read which kept me hooked throughout all the chapters.
There is another invaluable gem whose presence has wrecked havoc in the Mughal dynasty and also pulled Britishers like Robert Clive to the shores of India during the 17th-18th century- the Aasma-I-Noor!
Coming to the year 2017, Tobias, who is a Ph.D student, is driven with a single mission in life- to find Aasma-i-Noor about which his ancestors have waxed eloquence in their journals.
But his path is frought with difficulties as there are other powerful contenders who are behind this enigmatic piece of jewel which their own ancestors had the privilege or curse to be in its presence.
🎭Will Toby find Aasma-I-Noor in his lifetime?
✒VERDICT
🥇Pros:
1) I loved the storyline where the author took a leaf from the realistic sequence of events in history and introduced the concept of a jewel that destroyed dynasties, felled great men and still people are made to believe it's a lore. The story is gripping, well-paced and enjoyable.
2) The author has beautifully crafted the parallel storylines encompassing different timelines to trace the journey of Aasma-i-Noor from the 17th century till the present date which gave a thrilling and enigmatic touch to the plot. Very few books can manage to create seamless transitions and this book is one of them.
3) I loved the part where the author has introduced various characters in the current generation whose ancestral line can be traced to the Mughal and British courts. Their present-day journey added to the allure of the storyline how they have been influenced by the actions of their ancestors.
👎Cons:
I wouldn't call it a drawback as such but at some places I felt the storyline drag a bit which impacted the pace of the plot.
🌟Overall, this book has been an enjoyable and a mind boggling read which kept me hooked throughout all the chapters.
August 15, 2022
Indian history is quite fascinating! isn't it?? Over the time the land has witnessed great rulers and personalities, major battles, foreign invasion, independence, rise and downfalls.
.
One of the most influential dynasties being the Mughals, they created monuments that still stand tall, introduced modern rules including equal rights for women and many other.
Asma-i-Noor (a long forgotten gem) is one of the precious gems that has been found to be discussed during their era. This blood red gemstone is stated to be a giant stone which is followed by an irrevocable curse. Unlike Koh-i-Noor, Asma-i-Noor failed to pave its way towards the limelight with the degradation of time.
That being amalgamated with history and fiction, the author tried to bring back the story of this rare gem to us. Being set in different timelines of 17th and 18th century including the 21st century, the book gives us the historical glimpses along with the fresh relatable contents.
How this gem has been passed from generations and hence, its perseverance has been elaborately expressed. Was the curse (read the book to find) was indeed a curse or an act of defending it from the wrong hands? Will Toby be able to dig deeper into this matter and succeed in his doctoral research?
.
Of lately, I developed a liking towards historical events- be it fiction or real. And Mughal descendents had always been the most happening of all, I believe. Reading the book was fun and exciting altogether. The addition of different timelines had me confused at times. Because honestly, I'm bad with names and wasn't good with the history section (in school) either. But with the repeated character mention, it became easy and familier to follow up. The first quarter of the book seemed challenging to adjust with story plot and characters, but in no way was less intriguing. The language and narration seemed easy to grasp. But one must check with the several incidents that goes within that 300 page book length.
.
One of the most influential dynasties being the Mughals, they created monuments that still stand tall, introduced modern rules including equal rights for women and many other.
Asma-i-Noor (a long forgotten gem) is one of the precious gems that has been found to be discussed during their era. This blood red gemstone is stated to be a giant stone which is followed by an irrevocable curse. Unlike Koh-i-Noor, Asma-i-Noor failed to pave its way towards the limelight with the degradation of time.
That being amalgamated with history and fiction, the author tried to bring back the story of this rare gem to us. Being set in different timelines of 17th and 18th century including the 21st century, the book gives us the historical glimpses along with the fresh relatable contents.
How this gem has been passed from generations and hence, its perseverance has been elaborately expressed. Was the curse (read the book to find) was indeed a curse or an act of defending it from the wrong hands? Will Toby be able to dig deeper into this matter and succeed in his doctoral research?
.
Of lately, I developed a liking towards historical events- be it fiction or real. And Mughal descendents had always been the most happening of all, I believe. Reading the book was fun and exciting altogether. The addition of different timelines had me confused at times. Because honestly, I'm bad with names and wasn't good with the history section (in school) either. But with the repeated character mention, it became easy and familier to follow up. The first quarter of the book seemed challenging to adjust with story plot and characters, but in no way was less intriguing. The language and narration seemed easy to grasp. But one must check with the several incidents that goes within that 300 page book length.
September 13, 2022
Aasma-i-noor by @sudiptasengupta6
@rupa_publications
Aasma-i-noor (any of light) is something which many of us haven't given attention to, but this is a precious red gemstone of foremost magnificence, impeding its sister stones the Koh-i-Noor (mountain of light) and Darya-i-Noor (sea of light). This gemstone has a very fascinating and aloof history and this book thoroughly lays it forward. It opens where a miner gets a stone in Nallamalla village near Kollur mine and the red diamond passes from one ruler to another final, it ends up with Nawab Alivardi Khan, the grandfather of Siraj-Ud-Daulah. The stone becomes the ultimate aim in the life of so many. Starting with Robert Clive to Mir Qasim, the quest for the stone continues.
The story sketches the quest of Aasma-i-Noor from its emergence to its last owner and the bloody battles en route. The story begins with a contemporary search for this jewel, and it goes back in time to the Battle of Plassey to follow the jewel's cursed and violent history throughout the ages. The modern-day search for the jewel involves a British research scholar from London and an Indian historian from Calcutta. The plot full of mysteries is swinging between the eighteenth and early twenty-first centuries.
The author aesthetically illustrated the beauty of this year's gemstone. Incredibly well-written, well-researched and amusing historical novel. The author has made up an imaginative tale knitting fact and fiction together nicely. The characters are raw and well sketched.
Entertaining and engaging. Recommended.
#aasmainoor #sudiptasengupta #histricalfiction #bookrecommendations #saturdaymorning #bookishphotography #readwithak
@rupa_publications
Aasma-i-noor (any of light) is something which many of us haven't given attention to, but this is a precious red gemstone of foremost magnificence, impeding its sister stones the Koh-i-Noor (mountain of light) and Darya-i-Noor (sea of light). This gemstone has a very fascinating and aloof history and this book thoroughly lays it forward. It opens where a miner gets a stone in Nallamalla village near Kollur mine and the red diamond passes from one ruler to another final, it ends up with Nawab Alivardi Khan, the grandfather of Siraj-Ud-Daulah. The stone becomes the ultimate aim in the life of so many. Starting with Robert Clive to Mir Qasim, the quest for the stone continues.
The story sketches the quest of Aasma-i-Noor from its emergence to its last owner and the bloody battles en route. The story begins with a contemporary search for this jewel, and it goes back in time to the Battle of Plassey to follow the jewel's cursed and violent history throughout the ages. The modern-day search for the jewel involves a British research scholar from London and an Indian historian from Calcutta. The plot full of mysteries is swinging between the eighteenth and early twenty-first centuries.
The author aesthetically illustrated the beauty of this year's gemstone. Incredibly well-written, well-researched and amusing historical novel. The author has made up an imaginative tale knitting fact and fiction together nicely. The characters are raw and well sketched.
Entertaining and engaging. Recommended.
#aasmainoor #sudiptasengupta #histricalfiction #bookrecommendations #saturdaymorning #bookishphotography #readwithak
July 6, 2022
👉𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊:-
📚ⓉⒾⓉⓁⒺ:- Aasma-i-Noor
🖋️ⒶⓊⓉⒽⓄⓇ:- Sudipta Sengupta
🗞️ⓅⓊⒷⓁⒾⓈⒽⒺⓇ:- Rupa Publication
🔤ⓁⒶⓃⒼⓊⒶⒼⒺ:- English
📖ⒻⓄⓇⓂⒶⓉ:- Paperback
👉𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒:-
We all heard the name of Koh-i-noor in our life but do we even know about Aasma-i-Noor and Darya-i-Noor.
.
Aasma-i-Noor was world's largest diamond & its beauty is incomparable with her sisters Koh-i-noor and Darya-i-Noor. But with time her name disappeared & right now it's not mentioned in any historical documents.
.
But the search of it began in England & India with a British research scholar & Indian Historian in Kolkata.
.
Who are they & how they know about it?
What's the reason of its disappearance?
What happened to its owner?
.
To know more about these grab the book & give it a try.
👉𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 :-
🙂 The book is solid in colour with some splitting of red colour that makes it more attractive.
🙂 Writing style of the book is nice. Author beautifully connect the hidden precious with a fictional story to make this book a perfect read.
🙂 Langauge used in the book is not easy nor too hard. In some parts you may find it difficult to understand otherwise it's an easy read.
🙂 All the characters are nicely developed & perfectly presented in the book.
🙂 The way author put forward about the different owners of the diamond & the way both of them started researching about it the whole journey is full of ups n downs & that gave you an edge of the seat reading experience.
🙂 Book is moderately paced. Sometimes author focusing on such detailing that it eventually slowed down its pace but that is gripping too.
𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑 :- 🌟🌟🌟🌟
📚ⓉⒾⓉⓁⒺ:- Aasma-i-Noor
🖋️ⒶⓊⓉⒽⓄⓇ:- Sudipta Sengupta
🗞️ⓅⓊⒷⓁⒾⓈⒽⒺⓇ:- Rupa Publication
🔤ⓁⒶⓃⒼⓊⒶⒼⒺ:- English
📖ⒻⓄⓇⓂⒶⓉ:- Paperback
👉𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒:-
We all heard the name of Koh-i-noor in our life but do we even know about Aasma-i-Noor and Darya-i-Noor.
.
Aasma-i-Noor was world's largest diamond & its beauty is incomparable with her sisters Koh-i-noor and Darya-i-Noor. But with time her name disappeared & right now it's not mentioned in any historical documents.
.
But the search of it began in England & India with a British research scholar & Indian Historian in Kolkata.
.
Who are they & how they know about it?
What's the reason of its disappearance?
What happened to its owner?
.
To know more about these grab the book & give it a try.
👉𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 :-
🙂 The book is solid in colour with some splitting of red colour that makes it more attractive.
🙂 Writing style of the book is nice. Author beautifully connect the hidden precious with a fictional story to make this book a perfect read.
🙂 Langauge used in the book is not easy nor too hard. In some parts you may find it difficult to understand otherwise it's an easy read.
🙂 All the characters are nicely developed & perfectly presented in the book.
🙂 The way author put forward about the different owners of the diamond & the way both of them started researching about it the whole journey is full of ups n downs & that gave you an edge of the seat reading experience.
🙂 Book is moderately paced. Sometimes author focusing on such detailing that it eventually slowed down its pace but that is gripping too.
𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑 :- 🌟🌟🌟🌟
June 16, 2022
“Intelligence is built on deception. Trust nothing. Not even the mirror”.
Connoting an everlasting struggle for something of utmost brilliance, the 312 pages long the book and its title speak a lot about what it holds within.
The underlying theme of the book mainly revolves around a form of diamond whose origin and the culmination are laced with violence induced by the urge to possess it and history is the testament to the same.
Going further, the hunt for AASMA-I-NOOR begins with 2 characters being at the helm one being from England and one from Calcutta. Further, the book has been divided into 40 Chapters, with the first chapter titled “A Study in Statecraft” which features 1739, Azimabad, Bihar and begins with the character of Siraj who was merely 6 years old at that time and was very curious and intent on knowing the actuality of the matter.
The next chapter of the book brings the character of Sai Rama who was an ambitious man and through his fortitude made a name for himself via his weaving craft, however, tragedy struck and entailed certain life lessons for him as well.
Further, the writing style of the book has been kept not so simple, however, it well suits the surrounding context which is to give a lasting effect as well.
Further, the aspect of history and a taste of the existing time are well reflected and further remain to be streamlined throughout the book.
Thus, the book is a must-read for anyone who is into history and its various facets.
Connoting an everlasting struggle for something of utmost brilliance, the 312 pages long the book and its title speak a lot about what it holds within.
The underlying theme of the book mainly revolves around a form of diamond whose origin and the culmination are laced with violence induced by the urge to possess it and history is the testament to the same.
Going further, the hunt for AASMA-I-NOOR begins with 2 characters being at the helm one being from England and one from Calcutta. Further, the book has been divided into 40 Chapters, with the first chapter titled “A Study in Statecraft” which features 1739, Azimabad, Bihar and begins with the character of Siraj who was merely 6 years old at that time and was very curious and intent on knowing the actuality of the matter.
The next chapter of the book brings the character of Sai Rama who was an ambitious man and through his fortitude made a name for himself via his weaving craft, however, tragedy struck and entailed certain life lessons for him as well.
Further, the writing style of the book has been kept not so simple, however, it well suits the surrounding context which is to give a lasting effect as well.
Further, the aspect of history and a taste of the existing time are well reflected and further remain to be streamlined throughout the book.
Thus, the book is a must-read for anyone who is into history and its various facets.
July 24, 2022
Aasma-i-noor tells the story of a beautiful red diamond and the many ambitions, histories and tragedies it spawned over centuries, from the Deccan and Bengal to England. It has a thoroughly enjoyable plot that weaves back and forth between the eighteenth and early twenty-first centuries, and unfolds at a steady pace with a very satisfying twist at the end. Sen Gupta creates interesting characters and adds dimensions to known historical ones. One of the challenges of historical novels is to convey a sense of fresh drama to events that are already known, especially for a period as thoroughly written about as the East India Company's takeover of Bengal, and Sen Gupta does this very well. This is a thoroughly enjoyable book for anyone who enjoys reading about the past and its colourful characters, but with a contemporary frame and link.
One of the most powerful scenes in the novel, however is the discovery of the diamond itself in the middle of a natural disaster. It sets the tone very well for the contrasts of luck and fate, rich and poor, and frailty and strength that underlie the book. I almost wished for more of the spare and beautiful prose of that scene in other parts of the book, where the volume of historical detail and adjectives can sometimes overwhelm the plot and the well-thought-out characters. Looking forward to more from Sen Gupta!
One of the most powerful scenes in the novel, however is the discovery of the diamond itself in the middle of a natural disaster. It sets the tone very well for the contrasts of luck and fate, rich and poor, and frailty and strength that underlie the book. I almost wished for more of the spare and beautiful prose of that scene in other parts of the book, where the volume of historical detail and adjectives can sometimes overwhelm the plot and the well-thought-out characters. Looking forward to more from Sen Gupta!
September 15, 2022
⭐⭐🌟 BOOK REVIEW 🌟⭐⭐
💫 India is a country of rich culture and heritage. The biggest diamond of the world, Koh-i-noor has been procured from one of our mines. Historian's have played a vital role in keeping our memory fresh with the past historical events.
💫 Author Sudipta Sen Gupta brings forth an interesting book of history mixed with fiction, Asmaa-i-Noor. The book is a result of her enthusiasm and endless efforts.
💫 Aasma-I-Noor is the tale of the world largest diamond. The red jewel is a beauty which is outshines her sisters, Koh-i-Noor and Darya-i-Noor. The stone is also regarded as The Cursed Jewel. The diamond has a history of it's own as its travels down the centuries from one owner to another.
💫 It is a historical book with the mix of fiction. It is well written and well researched book. It's an fascinating read which helps the readers to relive the history. I found it engaging, which makes us travel to the past and back. Though I am not a historical reader, but this book mesmerized me alot.
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#bookstagram #bookstagrammers #bibliophile #bookish #bookworm #booknerd #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookblogger #bookphotography #ilovebooks #bookhaul #bookflatlay #bookrecomendations #bookreviews #indianbooks #booklover #booklove #booksofinstagram #bookpromotion #bookpromo #newrelease
💫 India is a country of rich culture and heritage. The biggest diamond of the world, Koh-i-noor has been procured from one of our mines. Historian's have played a vital role in keeping our memory fresh with the past historical events.
💫 Author Sudipta Sen Gupta brings forth an interesting book of history mixed with fiction, Asmaa-i-Noor. The book is a result of her enthusiasm and endless efforts.
💫 Aasma-I-Noor is the tale of the world largest diamond. The red jewel is a beauty which is outshines her sisters, Koh-i-Noor and Darya-i-Noor. The stone is also regarded as The Cursed Jewel. The diamond has a history of it's own as its travels down the centuries from one owner to another.
💫 It is a historical book with the mix of fiction. It is well written and well researched book. It's an fascinating read which helps the readers to relive the history. I found it engaging, which makes us travel to the past and back. Though I am not a historical reader, but this book mesmerized me alot.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#bookstagram #bookstagrammers #bibliophile #bookish #bookworm #booknerd #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookblogger #bookphotography #ilovebooks #bookhaul #bookflatlay #bookrecomendations #bookreviews #indianbooks #booklover #booklove #booksofinstagram #bookpromotion #bookpromo #newrelease
August 10, 2022
As the title defines, This book is based on The Cursed Jewel , Aasma-i-Noor. It is blend of both fiction and history of this diamond. Book is written in an interesting way. For those who loves to read historical fiction, this book would be a great pick. I have really enjoyed the plotline. Some people who finds for accurate historical details, keep this point in your mind, book have fiction dwelled in it. The way book kept readers engaged, there was an urge to know the ending. This was a good read for me.
September 25, 2022
Becoming a history lover...
To be honest, I was not that fascinated by the events and workings of history. Perhaps, one of the reasons for this was the way I had been taught history before I started reading this book. I must acknowledge that this book has been crafted so beautifully that you can feel those times of the eighteenth century in Bengal while reading it.
The author has indeed implanted the love for history in me.
To be honest, I was not that fascinated by the events and workings of history. Perhaps, one of the reasons for this was the way I had been taught history before I started reading this book. I must acknowledge that this book has been crafted so beautifully that you can feel those times of the eighteenth century in Bengal while reading it.
The author has indeed implanted the love for history in me.
July 22, 2022
An UNPUTDOWNABLE book. You get to know so much about the human side of all the characters from the pages of history, culminating in a whirlwind breathtaking finale set in present times. Looking forward to a sequel!
December 26, 2024
a historical fiction worth a read
Tracks the Oudh plotical ( plot + political) machinations. Research is very impressive. A good long flight read. I read on my flight to Greece.
Tracks the Oudh plotical ( plot + political) machinations. Research is very impressive. A good long flight read. I read on my flight to Greece.
September 17, 2022
The story here is about the largest diamond in the world, the Aasma-i-Noor (sky of light) sister of Koh-i-Noor (mountain of light) and Darya-i-Noor (sea of light) whose legacy remained hidden for centuries to guard its beauty and secrecy. It also has a history of people being killed and hence its secrecy was well maintained.
In this fascinating story, rich people encounter love, lust, treachery, sorrow, and many other emotions in the quest to achieve power and position. This fictional work, which involves historical events, takes us back to the period when India was ruled by the British. The blending of historical characters in the story is not an easy task as these are predefined facts that already exist in books, yet the author manages to bring the integration that makes the book more meaningful and interesting.
A key strength of this book lies in its convoluted plotting and wide range of characters, which makes it so intriguing. The book is fast paced, and the language is kept simple and lucid for the readers to read in a more enjoyable way. The way the author narrated the book was mind-blowing and quite the characters' perspective was well balanced in the story.
For those of you who love to visit historic periods, here's your chance to do so with this incredible book.
In this fascinating story, rich people encounter love, lust, treachery, sorrow, and many other emotions in the quest to achieve power and position. This fictional work, which involves historical events, takes us back to the period when India was ruled by the British. The blending of historical characters in the story is not an easy task as these are predefined facts that already exist in books, yet the author manages to bring the integration that makes the book more meaningful and interesting.
A key strength of this book lies in its convoluted plotting and wide range of characters, which makes it so intriguing. The book is fast paced, and the language is kept simple and lucid for the readers to read in a more enjoyable way. The way the author narrated the book was mind-blowing and quite the characters' perspective was well balanced in the story.
For those of you who love to visit historic periods, here's your chance to do so with this incredible book.
July 16, 2022
Very well written, meticulously researched and entertaining historical novel. The author has created an ingenious tale weaving fact and fiction together seamlessly. The characters are natural and well delineated. The pages just flew along! If you like good historical fiction with a gripping plot this is for you!
April 7, 2025
Immersive and skillfully crafted, the narrative blends historical elements with fictional characters, resulting in an entertaining and engaging read. The story flows seamlessly, captivating the reader throughout.
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