Of Revolutionaries and Bravehearts

History is often narrated as sagas of kings and queens, legends of battles and wars, or chronicles of art and architecture. But history is more than that. It is the story of ordinary people; their food and language, their thoughts and beliefs, their livelihood and culture. Tales of sweepers and sculptors, robbers and merchants, sailors and saint-why, even pirates!

In this book, Mallika Ravikumar pens eight historical stories that help you look upon the past, as less of a dry-as-bone set of facts, and more of a dynamic shift that shapes our present. Told through the lens of class and conflict, symbols and language, creativity and enterprise and power and perspective, these stories help younger readers see why history is relevant and meaningful.

'What's the point of learning about all these kings and wars?'
The refrain that puts most children off history, has never bothered Mallika at all, perhaps because she had her own quirky way of looking at the past. While maths and chemistry nightmares return to haunt Mallika even years after school, history only finds more meaning in her world. This book seeks to share that perspective with children who love history and with those who don't. For in the end, history is not about kings and wars. History is about finding out who you are!
You can find her articles, blogposts and podcasts about Indian history and culture at www.mallikaravikumar.com