Highlights
Write India winner Aashisha Chakraborty is back with another captivating read and this time, a historical fiction. Her book ‘The 13-Year-Old-Queen And Her Inherited Destiny’ was published in January 2023 by National Book Trust, India.
‘The 13-Year-Old-Queen And Her Inherited Destiny’ is based on the true story of Rani Gaidinliu. Set in the early 20th century, it delves into the Nagas' resistance against the British Raj's oppressive regulations. The Rongmei Nagas of Kambiron find themselves in dire need of a savior, and their hopes are reignited with the birth of Dikanang-- a young individual endowed with shamanic powers who becomes the driving force behind the Heraka movement.
But the main focus is on the story of the queen whose arrival is predicted by the village seer. Dijeanliu, a 13-year-old resilient and determined young individual, leads the Nagas in defying British officials, protesting unjust taxes, and igniting a revolution for independence. Following her brother's execution, Dijeanliu steps into the role of the freedom movement's leader, engaging in a relentless struggle against the British, enduring 14 years of imprisonment, and ultimately earning the revered title of Rani, the queen.
This book forms part of a series developed under the Prime Minister's Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors-YUVA (Young, Upcoming and Versattle Authors). Aashisha's remarkable work offers a captivating narrative, recounting the extraordinary journey of Rani Gaidinliu and shedding light on the challenging struggles faced by the Naga community. Rani Gaidinliu's lesser-known story and the author's engaging narrative makes this book an interesting read.
