AUTHOR INTERVIEW

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Book Name: The Last Queen of Kashmir: Kota Rani

Author: Rakesh K Kaul

1. Please introduce yourself to our audience sir.

I am an explorer by nature. One who likes to explore the known and the unknown world. Sometimes, I run across something so wondrous that I feel that I should share my joy of discovery with others. It is then that I write about it.

2. I have read your book  The Last Queen of Kashmir: Kota Rani and this book speak about the courage, politics, struggles, etc of queen Kota. How did you get the idea of writing a such story, which is very less these days?

I share the story in the novel as to how I stumbled onto Kota Rani. She was mentioned inside the last words of a Kashmiri noble woman taken prisoner by Afghans who swallowed poison to escape a fate worse than death. I had never heard of her and neither had the world. I was intrigued and went seeking her. 

3. The book was a little huge with close to 400 plus pages with detailed narration and I personally like the idea of mentioning principals at the beginning of the book. Did you preplan the detailed narration before or just occur while you were writing?

Yes, it is a historical epic. Believe it or not, the original was nearly twice the size of the final, edited version. There was so much to tell about her and her world but practicality had to prevail. Yes, I do start with a vision of what I intend to write. But the vision is not a reference point. It is infact a point of departure.  I know that the writing is taking off when the characters develop a personality of their own and act and speak in ways which they drive their dharma and destiny and not me the author. Sometimes the characters literally fight with me. They are all attention seeking.

4. I heard about the Kota Rani in history. Is this book fictional or a real history-based story?

Everything that is known about Kota Rani is in the book and in that sense it is history. Everything about her world is accurate and that research took seven years. But obviously when one writes in the form of a first person then there are aspects of this historical drama such as the dialog etc. which are the creativity of the author. But you will find that fiction done right and conforming to very careful rules proves to be a better carrier of grand truths than a fact-based history could ever aspire to be. Make no mistake that you will learn the truths of Kashmir from her story.

5. As you hail from Kashmir does that make writing this book easier as it is about the Kashmir queen?

No, it made it harder. Most writing about Kashmir is superficial. It is easy to make Kashmir a setting for the writer’s preconceptions. To really write about Kashmir with understanding and appreciation takes enormous, hard work which people are not able to or willing to put in. It took me twelve years to bring this story to life. But I was motivated to do the right thing by Kota and her people and her civilization. I did not expect the story would take off. But I am happy that it did. 

6 .  Any special message to your readers regarding your books?

I will take you to worlds which will astonish you. Hopefully, as you travel through time and space with me, you will return entertained, educated and empowered.