India Fortunes

by Gary Worthington

India Fortunes is the sequel to the historical novel India Treasures (2001), which drew widespread praise both in America and in India (where it was published by Penguin India under the title The Mangarh Chronicles). As with the earlier book, a modern day search for a Maharaja's legendary treasure weaves together seven novellas of major events and famous persons of earlier eras, bringing India's rich history and culture alive. During the treacherous times of the Emergency of the mid-1970s, the hunt resumes through the huge fortress of Mangarh for the remainder of the famous treasure, including the fabulous Star of Mangarh diamond. Vijay Singh, the leader of the searchers, is again in peril of exposure as a secret Untouchable. The Maharaja of Mangarh remains unjustly imprisoned, while his daughter, the lovely princess Kaushalya, confronts the corrupt and dangerous political boss Dev Batra. And in the seven connected stories of earlier During the 1600s, a master builder forced to work for his nemesis, the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, designs and constructs the Taj Mahal. In 1663, a Mangarh prince who covets a legendary magical sword challenges the famous King Shivaji. In 1699, a Mangarh farm boy helps in the founding of Sikhism. In the Revolt of 1857, a Brahmin priest aids the heroic queen, the Rani of Jhansi, in battles against the British. During the 1930s, a disciple of Mahatma Gandhi and a fighter for the rights of Untouchables confront an oppressive government's brutal police. At Independence in 1947, the Maharaja of Mangarh fights the currents of history to preserve his kingdom's place in the new, independent India. And at Partition in 1947, a freedom fighter leads his family on a perilous train ride through hostile territory in a desperate flight to safety.

Genres: Historical Fiction, India

572 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2003

About the author

I've long been an enthusiastic reader of historical novels, as well as other fiction. I enjoy discussing books with other readers and hearing about new ones to read.

My own epic historical novels are unique in depicting major events and figures in India’s history, religions, and culture, from ancient times through the 20th century. My books include:

India Treasures (also published in South Asia by Penguin India as The Mangarh Chronicles);
The sequel, India Fortunes; and
Elephant Driver, a young adult tale of adventure and romance in ancient India (E-book only)

I've traveled widely on the Indian subcontinent and in many other countries of Asia, as well as in Europe and South America. My articles have appeared in Traveler’s India magazine, on the Writing Historical Novels web site, and elsewhere. I was an invited panelist at the South Asia Literary Festival in Washington, D.C.

In my legal career, I've been a lawyer in private practice, for the Washington State House of Representatives, as an officer in the U.S. Navy, and more recently helping develop the unique Cama Beach State Park on a historic waterfront resort site formerly operated by my wife Sandra’s family on Camano Island, Washington.

My wide range of interests include personal spiritual growth, graphic arts, the night sky and the larger universe; and issues such as international economic justice, environmental preservation, and nuclear disarmament. I designed the home we live in, on a forested site near Olympia, Washington.

We're currently involved in planning and developing a nature preserve on a forested site by our home.

We also help fund primary schools and a hospital in India's Thar desert.

Reviews

[Dorcas · Rating 4 out of 5]

India Fortunes is the sequel to India Treasures: A Novel of Rajasthan and Northern India Through the Ages (which I gave 5 stars).

The sequel is written in just the same manner and quality as the first, my reason for dropping a star is personal taste. I'm not much into modern history, so as the stories came closer in time, focusing quite a bit during the time of Ghandi, I found myself skimming.

My favorite section in here is "Master Builder" which tells the story of the design and building of the Taj Mahal. Utterly fascinating, I loved it!

Just a FYI, the two books have dual time lines, one ancient and one modern day (1970s). As the books progress, the "ancient" time line marches closer to the modern until they finally meet at the end of book 2, and the full treasure's hiding place is revealed. (A partial treasure is found at the end of book 1)

Really enjoyed these books and I think that any lover of India or history in general will love them.

CONTENT: PG (mild language and violence)

[Margie Dickinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adventure story and history lesson all rolled into one book! It was especially meaningful in light of our trip to Rajasthan a few months ago. I could easily relate to many of the scenes, characters, and stories. Well done Gary Worthington. Somebody should make a movie out of some of the stories in this book and its prequel, India Treasures.

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sequel to India Treasures. Eight novellas continue the story of Rajasthan and Northern India. Some of the treasure of Mangarh was discovered in the first book. The search continues in this book for the rest of the treasure. As each ancient place is encountered, a story from the past comes to life. In this book, readers learn more about the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, finding just the right master architect to build the Taj Mahal. The reader becomes even more learned about the Muslim, Sikh and Hindu beliefs through their leaders and followers. The beliefs of Gandhi and his followers become very clear through the life of one of Ghandhi's lead followers, Ashkok Chand. This book brilliantly describes the repression against reformers in the princely states before India became self-ruled. The events in this story also uncover the riots of the Indian Independence, and the Emergency under Indira Gandi's rule. If you love history, this is an historical epoch, not to be missed! I thoroughly enjoyed both of Gary Worthington's novels, and have a much better understanding today of India's history.