The Hidden One-Ruchir Gupta

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.