In India’s long history over millennia, there have been numerous true accounts that have transformed into myths, and conversely, there are untruths that have come to be accepted as real history. They may have evolved due to ignorance or vested narratives. Over time, they have become a hotbed of arguments, dissensions and even frictions; as we have seen with Queen Padmini or the battle of Haldighati. This book is a solemn endeavor to put 15 of such accounts into correct perspective, which tend to spring up in public discourse off and on. Awesome and mindboggling, each of these tales concludes with ‘Historicity’ containing true historical facts enabling a reader to sift grain from chaff, to know truth from untruth. Representing all three divisions of India’s past—ancient, medieval and modern periods, these tales will take the reader on to the roller-coaster ride through a vivid panoramic album of heart-throbbing events to realize the truth.
This book will bring the reader face to face:
• with the ambitious parricide king who also invented machines,
• with the spy who shook a kingdom to found the first ever empire,
• with the emperor who was violently peaceful,
• with the blind archer who shot the enemy in his own lair,
• with the pretty queen who paid the unthinkable ransom to the abductor,
• with the witty man who had solution to each problem,
• with the traitor who trembled when treason was practiced on him,
• with the warrior on whose death the adversary’s eyes grew tearful,
• with the great seer who sacrificed himself for the sake of humanity,
• with the determined fighter who had to bow before the fruit of his actions,
• with the tree that turned black on seeing a great sacrifice,
• with the greatest puzzle that the imperialists ever faced,
• And more.