Rating: 4/5
Turmoil is brewing in 18th century India, where the kingdoms across the country fight for territories. Things get worse when the British decide to take on more than just India’s trade and increase their territories one fort at a time. Meanwhile, Hyder Ali, the son of a soldier rises through the ranks to positions of power within the Mysore empire. Between the blood-thirsty Marathas, never-yeilding Pathans and the Nizam who wouldn’t pick sides, along with the British who keep expanding territories, here is a story of how a man expanded his empire towards greatness.
The story of Mysore is an interesting one. While it was a kingdom, they still answered to the Mughals, then the Marathas and even the British. While the Kings were all from one family line, the control was in the hands of the dilwais and diwans. We know the famous tales of Tipu Sultan and how he defeated the British in battle, however, his father, Hyder Ali, was the man who made the kingdom of Mysore what it was, modernised his army, and repeatedly defeated the British in battle.
The book is a simply written account of Hyder Ali’s life – from how he was a son prophesized to be a king, soon without a father, going through the hardships of life till he became the Nawab until he died and left the kingdom to his son. The book is a gem in terms of historical prevalence and shows every important battle of the 18th century, as well as how the British took over India and how Hyder Ali foresaw it in the strength of their armies, their control of the sea and the overall disagreement between the kingdoms of India.
While the book is a plethora of knowledge, it isn’t really a page-turner or something that kept me hooked. It is mostly narration of a story without much dialogue or action. There is less of “characters” and more of “historical figures” and even then most of the emotional aspect takes place as internal monologue.
Regardless, the book is a great read if you wish to know more about the empire of Mysore and how it came into being, and the story of a great man lost in the pages of history.
Reviewed by Muskan Rajani
Comments