Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Pages: 372
Published: January 2021
Rating: 4.5/5
Buy at: Buy on Amazon | Add to Goodreads
Summary and Story:
The daughter of the royal kennel keeper who went on to become Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s youngest and last queen. The Last Queen by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is the tale of Rani Jindan Kaur, Mother of the Khalsa. The fierce queen history forgot.
A regent queen to her son, she defied tradition to step out of the zenana, and conduct the royal business in public. The sharp-eyed and passionate queen who led the Khalsa troops to war. A rebel queen who did not let go even after being robbed of her only child.
It is a tale of loyalty and betrayal. And of a woman’s indomitable will to protect her own, her child, and her kingdom.
Review:
As a Sikh, I consider myself somewhat well-versed with Sikh history. My grandfather had a comprehensive library that included books on our Gurus, the history, and the chiefs of Punjab. I had read Khushwant Singh’s book, A History of the Sikhs a long time back. But I must confess I did not know much about Rani Jindan Kaur.
The book is divided into four sections – Girl, Bride, Queen, and Rebel that narrate the phases in the life of the queen. It is narrated in the first person. The book is meticulously researched although there seem to be quite a few creative liberties. Much like her previous book, The Forest of Enchantments, we don’t really know about the inner thoughts of the historical figures. But in true Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni style, it does not overpower or look out of place.
‘And remember this: whenever possible, don’t fight openly with your enemy. Let them think they’ve won—and then strike when least expected.’
Generally, biographies tend to whitewash a historical figure. Barely even mentioning the flaws. On the contrary, The Last Queen is as honest as it gets. Complete with her hot-headed decisions including the one the marked the beginning of the end of the empire. She is equally flawed and indomitable. And almost unlikable at some points.
In the case of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, he is usually portrayed as a larger-than-life and just man. The book explores a different side of him from the history books – one with a harem and concubines. And one who went to war shedding the blood of a thousand soldiers just to stoke his ego after an insult.
Perhaps we are always alone, from the time we leave the safety of our mothers’ wombs until the time Waheguru gathers us to Himself.
Although a pacy ready, the book began a bit slow for me. I didn’t care much about the way the queen fell in love with the king and all the politics in the zenana. It is only after the king’s death that the story actually began to take shape. The wheeling dealings. Kingmakers and coalitions. The backstabbing, both literally and figuratively. Incidents that make your skin crawl when you realize they actually occurred.
The book is a classic example of history always being written by the victors. When one thinks of warrior queens in Indian history, only a few come to mind. Rani Lakshmibai and Razia Sultan. What about the Gondwana queen, Rani Durgavati who refused to surrender to the enemy. The Maratha queen, Maharani Tarabai who brought Aurangzeb to his knees. One of the first female freedom fighters, the Queen of Sivaganga, Velu Nachiyar. I am sure there would be other women too we don’t know. Is history sexist? Perhaps it is.
This is the tragedy of Hindustan: our disunity. Our enemies have used it against us over and over.
The book can be considered a lesson in history. Up until the first war of independence and its aftermath. The last few chapters are more focused on her son, Dalip Singh, which does take away from the book. It is also highly critical of the British empire and rightfully so.
I began reading the book on my Kindle and switched to the audiobook when it was released. I enjoyed both versions although I am a bit partial to the audiobook. Overall, I highly recommend the book. If not for anything else, read it to know more about the forgotten warrior queen. I wish more authors would explore these fierce women instead of mythological retellings.
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About the author
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is an award-winning and bestselling author, poet, activist, and teacher of writing. Her themes include the Indian experience, contemporary America, women, immigration, history, myth, and the joys and challenges of living in a multicultural world. Her work has been published widely, in magazines and anthologies, and her books have been translated into twenty-nine languages. Several of her works have been made into films and plays.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a very small percentage of the sale at no cost to you.
September 30, 2021 @ 8:10 pm
I’m intrigued. Need to read up on her.
October 8, 2021 @ 7:41 pm
Do check out the book.
September 30, 2021 @ 10:56 pm
This book really seems interesting, thanks for sharing honest review!!
October 8, 2021 @ 7:41 pm
Thank you Ruchi 😊
October 1, 2021 @ 11:58 am
Another wonderful review by you, Ritu. I have read this book and it was so inspiring to be introduced to Rani Jindan.
October 8, 2021 @ 7:42 pm
Thank you so much Mayuri for always being so supportive 😊
October 1, 2021 @ 10:54 pm
Reading a book that showcases power of woman is surely a excellent pick. I am yet to read the book and your review is compelling me to make it my next read.
October 8, 2021 @ 7:42 pm
I am so glad to know that 😊. Do pick it up.
October 2, 2021 @ 1:18 pm
I would like to know more about Rani Jindan Kaur as I haven’t read much about her. Thanks for sharing detailed and honest feedback about the book, will check it out.
October 8, 2021 @ 7:43 pm
Thank you Manisha 😊
October 3, 2021 @ 12:00 am
I am a fan of her writing and have read many of her books. This book has come home just have to start reading it once I am done with my current book.
October 8, 2021 @ 7:43 pm
Looking forward to your thoughts 😊
October 4, 2021 @ 7:04 pm
This does sound like a must read book.Checking it out on Kindle
October 8, 2021 @ 7:44 pm
It indeed is. Do pick it up
October 5, 2021 @ 10:19 am
I knew little about Rani Jindan Kaur before reading this post. The book is intriguing and I will definitely add it to my TBR list. Thank you for writing this interesting review!
October 8, 2021 @ 7:44 pm
Thank you Mayura 😊
October 6, 2021 @ 4:55 pm
This book really seems interesting, Shall check it
October 8, 2021 @ 7:46 pm
😊
October 6, 2021 @ 4:59 pm
I dont know much about Gondwana queen, Rani Durgavati or RaniBai. It will be interesting to read with my kids. Thanks for the reco
October 8, 2021 @ 7:46 pm
Exactly. There are so many unsung warrior queens we don’t know about.
October 6, 2021 @ 9:50 pm
Interesting! I think such stories bring us many untold mysteries to us. Like these days I am watching Ahiliya bai holkar serial
October 8, 2021 @ 7:48 pm
That sounds interesting. Where is it airing? I would love to check it out.
October 7, 2021 @ 5:23 pm
History is my favourite genre and strong woman characters is like cherry on the top. I am committed to this book now. All due to your review. 😛
October 8, 2021 @ 7:49 pm
My pleasure indeed. Thanks 😊
October 11, 2021 @ 8:48 am
Reading about such strong personalities is always inspirational. Like to read this and would know more about our history.
October 16, 2021 @ 5:38 pm
Exactly. There are a lot of women heroes we don’t know about.
October 12, 2021 @ 4:26 pm
I love reading about Queens and their royal lives!
October 16, 2021 @ 5:39 pm
I’m sure you will enjoy reading it, Cindy 😊