Top 3 Books Recommended by Sudha Murty in Historic Perspective
"The foundation of every modern society is based on politics and anthropology. These books provide a glimpse of historical instances from medieval India that have had an impact on contemporary society."
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The book starts with the arrival of Babur, a Timurid warrior-scholar, in India in 1526. His female relatives – wives, sisters, daughters – played a crucial role in establishing the Mughal dynasty.
Mukhoty dives into the lives of these fascinating women, including:
- Empresses: Like Mehrunnisa, who offered wise counsel to her husband Jahangir.
- Queens: Such as Razia Sultana, the only woman to rule the Delhi Sultanate.
- Begums (princesses): For instance, Jahanara Begum, is known for her political influence and patronage of the arts.
The book portrays these women's lives within the context of the Mughal harem, a world usually shrouded in secrecy. We see their intelligence, bravery, and cultural pursuits alongside their struggles within a patriarchal society.
"Daughters of the Sun" challenges the traditional historical narrative by highlighting the significant contributions of women to the Mughal Empire's rise and legacy.
Top 2 - The Nawabs of Savanur
The Nawabs of Savanur by Krishnaji Nageshrao Chitnis. It's a pioneering work that dives into the history of the Savanur Nawabs who ruled over North Karnataka from 1672 to 1948.
The book explores various aspects of their reign, including
- Political history
- Administrative system
- Socio-economic conditions
- Religious landscape
The Nawabs were known for their religious tolerance and patronage of various faiths. They also left behind a well-developed administrative system.
If you're looking for a comprehensive historical account of the Savanur Nawabs, this book seems valuable. You can find it on Amazon.
Top 1 - Arms and the Woman
Arms and the Woman by Deepti Menon is a memoir offering a glimpse into the life of an army wife, who also grew up as an "army child."
The book combines humor and observation as Menon describes various aspects of life in the Indian Army:
- Life on Different Bases: Menon recounts experiences of moving to new postings and the challenges and adjustments that come with them.
- Military Culture: She sheds light on the process of training new recruits, the camaraderie among soldiers, and the occasional tensions within the ranks.
- Army Wife's Perspective: The book offers a unique perspective on the life of an army wife, including managing a household, dealing with domestic help, and the challenges of raising children in a constantly moving environment.
- Beyond the Uniform: Menon goes beyond the typical portrayal of military life by delving into the personal lives of the soldiers.
Menon's writing style is described as "racy and humorous," making the book an entertaining read for those curious about the life of an army family and the lesser-known aspects of the Indian Army.
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