Mili Das

“As the sounds of violence now spread all round them, Rumi Khan realised that the looting was now spreading to all parts of the city. The city that had been built with loving care by successive monarchs of Samrajya was now being destroyed in mere hours and he was powerless to stop them. “What have we done?” Rumi Khan wept bitterly at the destruction that was occurring around him. ****** “How did it start?” Ali roared at Kishwar Khan and his other officers who shrank back at his anger. “Sultan, Hussain Shah’s men…” Mustafa Khan hesitated. “They were not paid for months, and when they discovered that we have to wait outside the city, they lost control. That triggered our soldiers as well and…” “Why did Hussain Shah not stop them?” “Some of our witness say he was the one who told his men to”
― Abhijeeth Hiliyana, The Fall of an Empire: The final days of the Vijayanagara Kingdom ǀ A well-researched historical narrative on the Vijayanagara Empire after Krishnadevaraya

“Violence is inherent in human nature. That is the nature of the evolutionary process. But in a democratic society, violence must be channelled into productive activities,” Janaki opined. “Very true. However, the ruling politicians need violence and use it as a secret weapon while publicly condemning it. They encourage it in the darkness of the night,”
― Varghese V Devasia, Women of God’s Own Country

“Women’s strength mainly depends on the value system of society. It is challenging for a woman to stand against a community that denies women’s rights and ignores their equality and justice,” Ann Maria explained. “The male-dominated society does not believe in women’s dignity.”
― Varghese V Devasia, Women of God’s Own Country

“Ibrahim had managed to save his life and find refuge with Ramaraya, and after the death of Jamsheed, Ibrahim gained the throne with help of Ramaraya. They maintained a friendly relationship for over a decade. Sadly, it was a friendship that was not destined to last. Ibrahim held genuine love and respect towards his patron. Unfortunately, Ramaraya, like Ali, cared only for Samrajya. When some of Ibrahim’s disgruntled nobles revolted and invited Ramaraya to take control of important border forts, Ramaraya had jumped at the chance. Ibrahim managed to crush the rebellion before Samrajya armies arrived, but his belief in his friend and patron was shattered. Then Ramaraya had taken the side of Ali in the last war against Hussain Nizam Shah and Ibrahim Qutb Shah, which finally broke the last vestiges of affection that he held for Ramaraya. Now he was here to take revenge on the man who had betrayed him.”
― Abhijeeth Hiliyana, The Fall of an Empire: The final days of the Vijayanagara Kingdom ǀ A well-researched historical narrative on the Vijayanagara Empire after Krishnadevaraya