The Taj Mahal has a very romantic and tragic historical story. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took around 22 years to build with thousands of workers and artisans involved. The white marble mausoleum is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, with intricate carvings, precious stone inlays and beautiful gardens. Shah Jahan was later imprisoned by his son and could only gaze at the Taj Mahal from his prison window.
One of the best Indian historical novels is 'The Palace of Illusions' by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. It retells the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, from the perspective of Draupadi. Another great one is 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie. It is set against the backdrop of India's independence and partition. Also, 'A Suitable Boy' by Vikram Seth is a remarkable historical novel that gives a detailed picture of post - independence India.
The Vijayanagara Empire had a glorious history. It was a powerful South Indian empire known for its magnificent architecture and prosperous trade. The city of Hampi, which was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, was filled with grand temples, palaces and marketplaces. The empire's downfall was a tragic event, but its ruins today still tell the story of its former grandeur and cultural achievements.
One characteristic is the portrayal of grand historical events. These novels can describe battles, the rise and fall of kingdoms, and the power struggles among different rulers. They make the past come alive by telling stories of heroes and their deeds in those historical times.
In the context of historical race relations, the novel with such a title could be a powerful indictment of the past. It might show how Native Americans were not only physically attacked but also culturally and socially marginalized. It could portray the long - term effects of this racist ideology on Native American communities, such as loss of identity, displacement, and the breakdown of traditional ways of life. It might also highlight the struggle of Native Americans to be recognized as equals in a society that once held such a heinous view about them.
Often, historical romance Indian novels are rich in cultural details. They incorporate elements such as traditional Indian clothing, festivals, and social hierarchies. For example, in 'The Palace of Illusions', the descriptions of Draupadi's sarees and the grandeur of the Rajas' palaces are detailed. Another characteristic is the complex family and social relationships. Just like in 'A Suitable Boy', families play a crucial role in the love stories, with family approval or disapproval being a major factor. They also tend to blend historical events with fictional love stories. This makes the novels not only about love but also a window into India's past.
The story of the Indus Valley Civilization is also very fascinating. It was one of the world's earliest urban civilizations, dating back to around 2500 - 1900 BCE. The cities like Mohenjo - daro and Harappa were highly advanced. They had well - planned streets, elaborate drainage systems, and multi - storied buildings. However, the civilization mysteriously declined. Some theories suggest environmental changes, such as floods or droughts, while others think it could be due to the invasion of other tribes. But the remnants of this civilization still astonish archaeologists and historians with their level of sophistication.
The novel 'The Far Pavilions' by M. M. Kaye also has elements of historical romance set in India. It tells the story of an Englishman who grows up in India and his love for an Indian princess. The descriptions of the Indian landscape, culture, and the historical context are vividly portrayed.
Another great one is 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie. This novel weaves a complex tapestry of India's transition from colonial rule to independence. It follows the lives of children born at the stroke of midnight on India's independence day, and through their stories, it reflects on the country's history, politics, and cultural changes. Rushdie's use of magical realism makes it a truly unique read.