Mar 29, 2023 11:05 PM
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As a reader, I found Purushottam Agrawal's "Padmavat" to be a fascinating and deeply engrossing read. Agrawal's retelling of the classic Indian tale of Rani Padmavati and the siege of Chittor is not only beautifully written, but also offers valuable insights into the historical and cultural context of the story.
What I appreciated most about Agrawal's approach was his willingness to delve into the complexities of the characters and their motivations. Rani Padmavati is not simply a passive beauty waiting to be rescued by her brave Rajput husband, but a fully realized character with agency and strength of her own. Agrawal also offers nuanced portrayals of other key players, such as Alauddin Khilji, the ambitious and ruthless sultan who lays siege to Chittor, and Ratan Singh, Padmavati's husband and the leader of the Rajputs.
One aspect of the book that particularly impressed me was Agrawal's use of language. He employs a rich, evocative style that brings the world of medieval India to life, and the book is filled with memorable phrases and images that linger long after the reading is done. At the same time, the prose is never overly ornate or self-indulgent, but remains focused and disciplined throughout.
Overall, I would highly recommend "Padmavat" to anyone interested in Indian history, culture, or literature. Agrawal has crafted a masterful retelling of a classic tale that is both faithful to the original and fresh in its interpretation. This book is sure to captivate readers with its gripping narrative, vivid imagery, and nuanced characterizations.
