After many many years, I took time to read a 200+ pages book!
I am very happy that I could get a sight of this inspiring book "Warrior Queen of Sivaganga - The Legend of Rani Velu Nachiyar" by Subhendra and complete reading it!
I am writing this book review blog post to make this book read by many more Indians and Tamilians, for it is very important for each of us to know what qualities and characteristics our freedom fighters possessed which got us the freedom for our Nation.
These qualities and traits are inspiring and still relevant for us to acquire them. This book would certainly be a thrilling treat for both young students and adults alike. Now to the review!
About the book and story
1. Author Shubendra has written the story vividly, capturing all the essential details of spearheading a kingdom like describing the land, people emotions, war tactics, strategy formation and many more. The author's style of weaving the storyline highlighting the important events and mentioning them in a terse yet not in thin air made the novel very interesting to read.
In my opinion, what made me to read the whole book in just 2 nights or 6 hours, is the powerful and inspiring story of Rani Velu Nachiyar and definitely the author's narration of the story.
This book made me believe that an author can transform any one who gets easily bored with history to a compelling book reader!
A big Kudos to Author Shubendra for his stupendous efforts taken, to get this book published and taking the story of warrior Queen of Rani Velu Nachiyar to the masses.
My key takeaways from Rani Velu Nachiyar's life story
1. The Queen can converse well in many regional languages and foreign language like French! It is because of her language prowess she could get the trust of her strong ally Mysuru King Hyder Ali and French Colonel. This underlined the fact how our ancestors were open to learn new languages and we should indeed be open to learn regional languages like Samskrit and Hindi. We never know when they will be of immense benefit to us.
2. The Queen was raised to become a courageous warrior, an able administrator, a strategic diplomat and take the role of beloved King! The queen has strongly believed in the power of women and empowered her women bodyguards to become able warriors. Our ancestors were certainly the pioneers of women empowerment and believed in the power of multifaceted women. The Queen's win over British and regaining Sivaganga would certainly instil the confidence in all women to pursue their passion despite any odds.
3. I am surprised and taken aback when I read, that the Queen decided an able person from the King's family to follow the throne instead of her own daughter! Reiterating the words from the story, it says, "This may not seem fair, but this is the right thing to do!" This is indeed what we call "Dharma" - where you adhere to the right thing even that does not go with your favour or liking. She has clearly sent a strong message opposing the dynasty rule with an incapable king or queen.
4. For those who are interested in strategic thinking and formation, this story is a must to read. The story covers not only war strategy but also other aspects surrounding strategy like land terrain, negotiation for peace, diplomatic approach, changing mindsets and of course treachery! This would give us the readers, to understand and analyse geo-politics in a better way.
5. The story has stark contrasts of different people making emotional and objective decision making, which is a relish to read. Mainly it underscores that both emotional and objective decision making is needed and weighs on when to take up those respective paths. The Queen herself took the emotional decision making of transforming into a valorous warrior with the vow to regain her Sivaganga kingdom barely without much support! When it comes to war strategy and tactics against the enemies, Commander Syed Karki highlighted the importance of analysing the situation objectively and making decisions and the Queen conceded to his suggestions. In our own lives, though we may say emotional decision making may not lead us to right path, the Queen's vow made me think, "The hunger for a higher purpose made her to take emotional decision leading to right path and regain Sivaganga!". It is also to be noted by objectively weighing in on the situation made the Queen and their commanders win over the British and Arcot!
Lots of inspiring messages from this book and certainly the life story of Rani Velu Nachiyar is a must one to read by all Indians and especially by Tamil people. I am sure those who read this book will certainly draw many such inspiring key take aways, so please do take some time to read the book!
Happy Independence Day to all my dear fellow Indians.
