Compilation of acclaimed literary works in Indian languages - Series 1
Genre - Historical Fiction/Novels
Genre - Historical Fiction/Novels
1) Chaulukya Granthavali by Dhumketu.
- This series revolves around the Well known and not so well known Historic personalities of Medieval Gujarat. Through more than dozen novels Dhumketu takes reader on the Time travel of medieval Gujarat.
- This series revolves around the Well known and not so well known Historic personalities of Medieval Gujarat. Through more than dozen novels Dhumketu takes reader on the Time travel of medieval Gujarat.
It starts around 8th century with the foundation of Anahilpattan/Patan - Capital of medieval Guj, soon followed by foundation of Chaulukya/Solanki dynasty, its early days, Golden age in the days of Siddharaj & Kumarpal, Struggle against Islamic invasions & its final demise.
One of the noticeable feature of the series is Dhumketu's interest in not so well known female figures who doesn't appear very well in historic sources. None the less their presence on historic events is unnoticeable. For eg Nayikadevi's defeat of Ghurid army.
2) Gupta Granthavali - Again by Dhumketu. While the previous series revolved in Medieval Gujarat, this one takes reader on the journey of ancient Magadha. Although it is labelled as Gupta Granthavali it starts in the days of Buddha with story of Amrapali and Vaishali..
...followed by the subsequent history of the Maurya-Gupta epoch through the historic personalities of Chanakya, Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka, Pushyamitra, Samudragupta, Kumardevi and Dhurvdevi.
Both the above mentioned series are available only in Gujarat per my understanding.
@Vyasonmukh has also initiated review of his work not so long ago.
@Vyasonmukh has also initiated review of his work not so long ago.
3) Patan Trilogy by K.M. Munshi - Through the series of three novels - Patan ni Prabhuta, Gujarat no nath and Rajadhiraj Munshi vividly takes readers through the same journey of Medieval Gujarat as Dhumketu did in his series.
One difference between both Authors is that while Dhumketu's works focuses on history for the sake of interest in history, K M Munshi does so with the backdrop of rising Hindu consciousness in mind. He paints grand picture of the past to inspire Modern Hindus to recreate it.
4) & this intention is reflected no more clearly than his celebrated work - Jay Somnath. This work holds historic importance for the dominant role that it played in popularizing demand for renovation of Somnath and as such holds prominent place in history of Hindutva.
5) Prithivivallabh - It is another celebrated work of K.M. Munshi. It focuses on the life of Malavpati Munj (Uncle of Raja Bhoj) and his Historic rivalry of Chalukya ruler Tailap.
K.M. Munshi's works have remained subject of great interest in Gujarat (Munshi's Gujarat as one Leftist described RW Gujarat with contempt) and in north India. His works are available in Hindi and English and has acted as inspiration for movies and TV series.
6) Any talk on Indian historical fiction is incomplete if there is no mention of Maratha history. The era is afterall full with bravery, intrigue and ambitions. Shriman Yogi by Ranjit Desai is perhaps most notable among it. It is based on life of Shivaji.
Although originally written in Marathi translations are available in Hindi and English. His other two equally notable works are Swami (Based on life of 4th Peshwa - Madhavrao and his Wife - Ramabai) and Pavankhind (Based on story of legendary Baji Prabhu Deshpande)
All these works are written in Marathi. However per my understanding English and Hindi translations are available for them
To be continued...But meanwhile don't forget to send your suggestions and recommendations as well
