The history of India, more often than not, is a history of men who were in charge. Largely forgotten are the women who, even centuries earlier, shaped the fates of entire kingdoms.

In The Women Who Ruled India, writer and researcher Archana Garodia Gupta revives 20 such powerful figures from the archives, offering us a glimpse of their fascinating lives. Among them are Begum Samru, a courtesan who went on to become the head of a mercenary army, and the ruler of Sardhana; Didda of Kashmir, known for her keen political instinct and ruthlessness that spared no one; Rani Abakka of Ullal, the fearless queen who took on Portuguese colonizers in their heyday; and Rani Mangammal of Madurai, the famed administrator who built alliances at a time when going to war was the order of the day. 

These women and others like them built roads, instituted laws and were generous patrons of the arts and sciences. Their stories of valour and diplomacy, leadership and wit continue to inspire today. Peppered with anecdotes that showcase little-known facets of their personalities, the account in this book celebrate heroic rulers who – ‘quarrelsome’ though they might have been – were iconoclasts: unafraid to forge a new path.

The Women Who Ruled India depicts the tales of 20 exceptional Indian female warriors, icons and leaders. The book contains short though insightful accounts of their life, from birth to death. As opposed to the tedious history books, I found each story as intriguing.

Being a South Indian, I especially loved reading about Rudrama Devi, Rani Abbakka, Chand Bibi, Attingal queens, Rani Mangammal, Chennamma of Keladi to name a few. I was so fascinated by each story and admired their braveness. The author never tried to conceal the antagonistic facet of them; in fact, she has added the flaws as well as the qualities of these women simultaneously.

I read about Chand Bibi for the first time in Manu.S. Pillai’s “Rebel Sultans” last year. Since then I have been eager to know more of her. Fortunately, this book contains a well researched comprehensive chronicle of Chand Bibi.

I would like to call these women the unsung heroes of India, who were sunk beneath the glory and praise of the masculine rulers. Most of them were fearlessly fought against the foreign invasion in India. It is clearly evident from every chapter that men always had a prejudiced mindset towards women in power.

I appreciate the author’s effort to bring up the untold history to the readers. At the end of each chapter, there is a snippet of interesting fact regarding that particular person or kingdom. The writing style is lucid.

Nowadays, women are facing many impediments from both society and family. They are getting suppressed from being what they are. At the same time, many revolutionary movements happening all over the world for restoring their right. I think this kind of books will make a positive impact on every woman’s life. Because the women depicted in the book never wait for others to grant them their right, instead they grabbed it. Indeed, a feminist read which enlightens you with, how were women be like in the past and how should be now.

I would recommend this book to everyone especially those who love reading history.