Archana Garodia Gupta – författare

‘People say that I am a quarrelsome woman...’ TARABAI, MARATHA QUEEN (1675–1761) The history of India, more often than not, is a history of the men who were in charge. Largely forgotten are the women who, even centuries earlier, shaped the fates of entire kingdoms.In The Women Who Ruled India, writer and researcher Archana Garodia Gupta revives 20 such powerful figures from the archives, offering us a glimpse of their fascinating lives. Among them are Begum Samru, a courtesan who went on to become the head of a mercenary army and the ruler of Sardhana; Didda of Kashmir, known for her keen political instinct and a ruthlessness that spared no one; Rani Abbakka of Ullal, the fearless queen who took on Portuguese colonizers in their heyday; and Rani Mangammal of Madurai, the famed administrator who built alliances at a time when going to war was the order of the day. These women and others like them built roads, instituted laws and were generous patrons of the arts and sciences. Their stories of valour and diplomacy, leadership and wit continue to inspire today. Peppered with anecdotes that showcase little-known facets of their personalities, the accounts in this book celebrate heroic rulers who – ‘quarrelsome’ though they might have been – were iconoclasts: unafraid to forge new paths.

What would YOU do if you found yourself in a whole new world 2,350 years ago?in Goa, four friends - Zoya, Noor, Ansh and Rohan - and their super-adorable elephant companion Elfu are suddenly flung back two millennia. Right into a bloody battlefield as Alexander of Macedonia marches into India!As a young man comes to their rescue and takes them to his teacher''s school in Takshashila, the flabbergasted foursome has no choice but to deal with non-stop challenges on the way, including villainous soldiers, deadly snakes and floating buffalo carcasses!Faced with surprises and dangers, how will the youngsters get away? Can they avoid getting lost forever in another era? Will they beat the ticking clock to return to their own times?Join the feisty and funny History Hunters on their first adventure in the thrilling - and sometimes chilling - world of Chandragupta Maurya, the future emperor, and Chanakya, the kingmaker.PLUS! 24-PAGE FACT TRACKERMust-know information about the Mauryan period!

How would YOU feel if you were a prisonerof a mighty ruler 450 years ago?The feisty foursome - Zoya; Noor; Ansh and Rohan - and their endearing elephant friend Elfu have only just recovered from being flung back thousands of years to a bloody battlefield. Before they know it; they are whirled once again through time; and land in the court of Akbar; the powerful Mughal emperor. Sent by the mysterious billionaire who lives next door to their Goa resort; the youngsters have a mission to accomplish; but dangers lurk at every turn. They must dodge poisoned robes; outsmart hidden assassins; overcome fierce warriors and even escape execution by elephant! How will the four friends handle the challenges thrown their way? Can they complete their quest and make it back to their own times safely? Join the sometimes audacious; sometimes heroic and often plain lucky History Hunters as they brave the dazzling; baffling world of the Mughals in another wild adventure.PLUS! 20-PAGE FACT TRACKER Must-know information about the Mughal period!