India Fortunes: A Novel of Rajasthan and Northern India through Past Centuries

India Fortunes is the award winning companion sequel to the epic historical novel India Treasures, which drew widespread praise both in America and abroad when published by Penguin India. A search for a maharaja’s legendary treasure weaves together novellas of major events and historical figures of earlier eras, bringing India’s rich history and culture alive.

During the treacherous times of the Emergency of the mid-1970s, the hunt resumes through the huge fortress of Mangarh for the Star of Mangarh diamond and for a fabled sword said to have belonged to the legendary King Shivaji. Vijay Singh, the leader of the searchers, remains in peril of exposure as a secret Untouchable. The Maharaja of Mangarh continues to be unjustly imprisoned by a despotic government, while his daughter, the lovely princess Kaushalya, confronts a corrupt and dangerous political boss.

In novellas set in earlier times, readers will experience such memorable characters as: 
--The architect of the Taj Mahal, forced to work against his will by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. 
--The famed King Shivaji, whose life is imperiled by the treachery of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. 
--The founders of the Sikh religion. 
--A famous queen, the Rani of Jhansi, as she battles the British to save her throne.
--Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.
--A fighter for Indian freedom leading his family in a desperate train journey across hostile territory. 

Awards and praise include:
--Notable Book Award, Writers Notes Magazine.
--"A compelling and original tale, an absorbing and superbly written historical saga. Highly recommended." Midwest Book Review.
--"An absolute jewel of a historical novel of epic proportions. Colorful and engaging characters. Lots of political intrigue. Ranks with the best of adventurous historical fiction." Independent Publishing Review.
--"An authentic and lively portrayal of the people, the land and the historical settings. This enriching sequel engrosses readers in epic fiction evoking India's rich culture over the last four centuries."  IndiaHQ.