The day I found sympathy for Malik Kafur…
Indeed, for the first time in my life, I felt compassion for such a historically notorious character after delving into this book.
“Gods, Kings & Slaves” stands out as one of the finest English novels from India in recent years.
While numerous historical novels in English or other regional languages often glorify kings and lean towards hero worship, this novel takes a refreshing approach. All the characters portrayed are remarkably realistic—they love, hate, worship, kill, win, and lose. They embody audacity and fear, and their characterization feels incredibly natural. The author refrains from favoring any particular character, steering clear of undue elevation or degradation.
The storyline delves into lesser-known historical facts, particularly the later Pandyas and the invasion of South India by Malik Kafur. These details are relatively unfamiliar, especially in Tamil Nadu, and the author’s courage in choosing a narrative less known to the majority of the country is commendable.
Two parallel stories unfold from different regions of India, allowing readers to immerse themselves in two captivating tales simultaneously. The historical accuracy presented in this novel aligns closely with documented records, turning the reading experience into a fascinating exploration of history.
The success of a story often hinges on the reader’s ability to empathize with the characters. Whether feeling sorry for Malik Kafur’s betrayal, fearing Khilji’s impending demise, or wanting to admonish Veera Pandyan in moments of retreat, the author skillfully draws readers into the emotional depth of the narrative.
In the realm of historical fiction, authors typically fall into two categories—those who avoid detailing war strategies and those who provide exhaustive battle details that may overwhelm readers. This author strikes a perfect balance by presenting battle intricacies and rulers’ strategies in a gripping manner.
While the part involving Malik Kafur is notably captivating, some initial chapters of the Pandyan segment could benefit from enhanced writing. Additionally, there are variations in the spelling of certain Sanskrit terms, differing from the conventions outside Tamil Nadu. Despite these minor points, this novel surpasses the author’s earlier works, and I eagerly anticipate more historical novels in a similar style in English.