Aakhari Maharani (Hindi)

I am Rani Jindan. Mother of the Khalsa. This is my identity, this is my destiny. The daughter of a royal dog trainer, beautiful Jindan Kaur became the youngest and last queen of Maharaja Ranjit Singh; she was also his most beloved. When her son, Dalip Singh, unexpectedly inherited the throne at the age of six, she became his guardian. Sharp-eyed, stubborn, passionate, and dedicated to protecting her sons legacy, Jindan distrusted the British and fought tooth and nail to prevent their annexation of Punjab. Breaking tradition, she emerged from the zenana (womb), abandoned purdah, and publicly performed state duties. Addressing the Khalsa troops, Jindan inspired them in two battles against the British. Her power and influence were so immense that, fearing rebellion, the British took everything from the rebellious queen, including her son, imprisoned her, and then exiled her. But even this could not break her indomitable resolve. This is a wonderful love story between a king and a simple girl, a cautionary tale about loyalty and betrayal, and a powerful tale of the unbreakable bond between a mother and son. This unforgettable novel by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni tells the story of one of the most fearless women of the nineteenth century, and remains an inspiration for today.