by Devika Rangachari
Illustrated by Amerigo Pinelli
Published by Pushkin Press
Pushkin Children's Books
SO MANY stories seem to have just vanished from history - or maybe they just never managed to break the surface of the standard list typically experienced in schools.
Thank goodness people like Devika Rangachari discovered a love of history as a child & that love stayed with her.
She has written about an incredible woman whose stories need to be out in the world. I hope this series of True Adventure books makes it into schools far & wide.
I wish books like this were around when I was in school. One story in a very approachable format - not a huge, thick book that looks like it might never actually end!
The British first came to India as traders but it didn't stay that way. Eventually they tried to take over the new territories, one small kingdom at a time.
The courage of one woman, Lakshmibai, Rani of Jhansi - the Indian Queen - would surprise the British & was unlike any queen you've heard of before.
She didn't live the life of luxury, or sit quietly surrounded by servants.
She has NO fear - she replaced it with confidence - rides a magnificent horse & fights with her own sword. Rani is not going to hand over control & she even trains other women to take action.
Queen Lakshmibai stood up to The East India Trading Company (who ruled India in the 19th century) & not only refused to give in but decided she had to lead the way.
An uprising, landowner struggles & shouts of support, 'Long live Rani Lakshmibai. Long Live Prince Damodar!' all peppered her efforts over time.
Will friends become enemies?
What horrors will the Indian Queen see through her binoculars? Will her silken sash be enough to keep her precious son close & safe? How can Queen Lakshmibai triumph when her army is so outnumbered? When the dust cloud of battle clears, she has vanished! One woman's strength & determination proved shocking to the British.
Her legacy lives on & inspired the lengthy struggle for Indian independence that eventually happened in 1947.
With an excellent reference section & historic timeline at the back this is fantastic for schools & individuals alike. The language used echoes some terms from the times, culture & the territories. It's a great way to introduce new vocabulary & open many discussions in classrooms or at home.
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