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Women In History

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Welcome to Women in History by Suranya, a series where I retell the lives of some of the most powerful and fascinating women from ancient and medieval times, both in India and around the world. Here, I bring to life the stories of remarkable figures like Roxanne, the Bactrian princess and wife of Alexander the Great, whose marriage was as much a political alliance as a love story; Saibai, the beloved wife of Shivaji; Devi, the devoted consort of Emperor Ashoka; and Nur Jahan, the influential Mughal empress known for her sharp intellect and power. I also delve into the reign of Raziya Sultan, the rare female ruler of Delhi, and the poetic brilliance of Zeb-un-Nisa. The courage of freedom fighter Matangini Hazra, the royal grace of Jahanara Begum, and the debated history of Jodha Bai, with a fact check on her true identity, Roopmati and the love saga of Mandu are all part of this journey. Finally, there’s Mahadevi Prabhavati, daughter of Chandragupta from the Gupta dynasty, whose story adds to the rich tapestry of women who shaped history. Through their glory and downfalls, love and life, I share these tales in my own voice, blending history with folklore narrative to honour their enduring legacies.

 The Emperor's First Wife




Folklores:





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Maharana Pratap: The Sun of Mewar

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Bijolia: Her Home

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The Emperor's First Wife

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The Buddhist Empress of India

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Nawab E Bengal

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Chittorgarh: The First Jauhar

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Chittorgarh: The Devoted Fort

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The Annals of Rajputana

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The Reva Cries

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Roopmati had watched the troops leave. She had stood behind the chief queen as she traditionally bid goodbye to her sons. She had waited for the Sultan to come to her. He did. He was confident that the sudden advancement of Akbar’s foster brother Adham Khan could be curbed. It was not war, just precaution. He reassured her. Malwa would never bow to the Timurids. And he would not let anything happen to her. To Her. Roopmati felt suffocated by her husband’s affectionate hug. She felt trapped in the scrutinising eyes of all the people in the palace. Angry, blaming eyes. She tried to pace herself and sing, but her voice cracked in fear. Her melody was drowned in tears. Every evening, a messenger would come to the chief queen with the news of war. Roopmati was kept in the darkness. She was not told about anything. She knew the rumours. She was a witch. A temptress who caused doom to the Sultan of Malwa. She was a spy of the enemy planted in his life to destroy him. She wondered if he came b...
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