Book: The Hidden One (The Untold Story of Aurengzeb's Daughter)
Author: Ruchir Gupta
Publisher: Platinum
Press (Leadstart Publication)
Family is something
we trust blindly, right? They can go to any extent to protect us and do what it
takes to be on our side. But what happens when your family is your nemesis?
Set in 1658, The
Hidden One is set after the events of the play for the throne of the Mughal
Empire after Aurangzeb imprisons Shah Jahan, murders his brothers, seizes the
throne of Delhi and proclaims himself as the emperor. His reign is a story of tyranny,
invading his neighbors, religious intolerance by destroying temples and
churches and banning the music and the arts. During this time, Aurangzeb’s
daughter Zebunissa forms a secret poetic society called the Makhfi
(Hidden One in Persian). Though it is a society to promote the arts on the
outside, Zebunissa uses the arts to plot and plan rebellions to overthrow her
father and restore justice in the kingdom. How Makhfi influences the turn
of historical events is the plot of The Hidden One.
The Hidden One is part-fiction-part-history. As described
by the Author, the Makhfi did indeed exist but he intermingled it with
the historical events to create the plot. The book progresses through the eyes
of Zebunissa and we get to see the transformation of Mughal India into decline.
Makhfi, though lost in history, deserves its place in history and that
is what the author attempts to do.
The book is the
second one in The Mughal Intrigues series by the author, though it can
be read independently as well. The plot of the book is beautifully crafted with
twists and turns at unexpected points. With many powerful characters like
Zebunissa, Jahanara, Raushanara and the others, each of them gives their unique
flavor to the plot. Cold and calculating Raushanara, Ruthless Aurangzeb,
Assertive Zebunissa, each of them has a role in the events. The poetry in the
book is amazing and has been taken from the actual writings of Zebunissa, hence
should not be skipped. They are an integral part of the plot. The story is gripping
with emotional upheavals at many points.
A special mention to
the cover art of the book which is truly beautiful with many hidden elements.
Ruchir Gupta has
created a wonderful account of what could have happened in this game of thrones
of the Mughal empire. The events are described in detail. The ending of the
book is truly heart wrenching and emotional.
If you are a fan of
historical fiction, do give this one a read.
I would give this book 4.25/5.
No comments:
Post a Comment