Book Review

Author: Rikin Khamar
Publisher: Rupa & Co
Language: English
Binding: Paperback
Pages:157
Genre: Historical Fiction
Price: Rs 195
ISBN: 978-81-291-1741-0

Set against the backdrop of picturesque Rajasthan, the Lotus Queen takes a reader back to the glorious history of Chittorgarh, the then capital of Mewar. The plot is based on one of the famous forts of the 14 BC Rajasthan and its legendary queen Padmini, tales about whom still fascinate people. The story revolves around queen Padmini of Chittorgarh, who was said to be blessed with eternal beauty and whose charm would cast its magic on all around the world. The novel vividly depicts her life and her sacrifice for the country at that time.

Although, not much written evidence is at hand about Queen Padimini of Chittor except for some poems, stories, oral tales, puppet shows and chronicles of Delhi’s Sultan in Khaza’inul Futuh, Rani Padmini was hypothetically known for her great intelligence and brilliance. In fact, there is no hard evidence that she ever existed. However, one can find her mention in a poem “Padmavati” written by Malik Muhammad Jayasi in 1540. It, probably, is closest to any historical account of Queen Padamavati. But still it does not prove her existence in Indian history.

The Lotus Queen, is the first novel by an upcoming writer, Rikin Khamar, who is presently based in Dubai. The author was born and brought up in England, mainly in London, where he wrote The Lotus Queen. A graduate from London School of Economics, and a product of both Western and Eastern cultures, Rikin has woven the plot of The Lotus Queen around the vast historical backdrop of Rajasthan. According to him, while touring India in his younger days, he was mesmerised by the vast and magnificent fort of Chittorgarh. It was here where his journey as a writer began after the grandeur of the fort enveloped his imagination.

The story is about the battle between the King of Chittorgarh, Rawal Rattan Singh, and Sultan of Delhi, Ala’uddin Khilji, who was smitten by Padmini’s beauty and wanted to include her in his harem. The Lotus Queen is a story of pride, honour and courage. It is also about lust and treachery.

Padmini’s character has been intricately woven offering great details about her commitment to her husband and her country. However, very little has been said and written about King Rattan Singh in the novel, except for a few passages when he suddenly appears from nowhere. His is only mentioned when Queen Padmini is appearing; for example, when he was getting married to Padmavati, or intimate scenes, or as a captive under Delhi’s Sultan or when he is finally leaving the fort to fight the army of Ala’uddin Khilji. One desires that the author should have provided some details about his regime and how was he as a king. Yet, the author has brought out interesting glimpses of the King’s personality and courage, quoting the famous saying by King Rattan Singh. One such statement the King said to Padmini just before leaving the fort to fight Sultan is: ‘You are right, my love. The jackal has called…and the lion will answer’.

Even Padmini’s courage has been revealed in a scene where all the royals along with the King are present, pondering over on how to fight the Sultan of Delhi. Here, Padmini’s extraordinary cleverness and sharp mindedness is reflected when she suggests to kill Ala’uddin Khilji by trapping him like an animal. Another scene which reflects her balanced mind is in the end when she urges her fellow countrymen to fight with full honesty and save the mother country.

Besides Queen, another female character playing role in the book is Deepakshi. She is queen’s friend and one of her caretakers since childhood. Deepakshi’s character is all about friendship and sacrifice. It also provides us with an insight into some other aspects of Queen Padmini’s personality. Deepakshi has been portrayed as a delicate, intelligent and trustworthy friend, who stays and looks after her Queen till end. The strength of character of both Padmini and Deepakshi is revealed during a scene, when both are exiting the fort through a secret passage showing great courage.

The Lotus Queen also provides details of the lives of Rajputs, their women and Mewar in general. The book holds a touch of religion, traditions and rituals prevailing in Mewar of that time. One of the most important rituals mentioned is Jauhar, which was associated with Queen Padmini, and who, along with many women of her country, performed it to save themselves from the tyranny of enemies. There is also a mention of a little but courageous boy Hammir Singh, who became the King of Chittorgarh after many years and had recaptured the fort. The novel also mentions a warrior tradition Saka. It was performed by the army of the King of Chittorgarh.

The Lotus Queen’s plot is intricately woven with an amalgamation of love, passion, trust, friendship, sacrifice and courage. The novel provides an engrossing insight into the history of Rajputs and their Kings and Queens and the testing times through the great history of Rajasthan.