The Last Maharani of Gwalior: An Autobiography by Vinjaya Raje Scindia and Manohar Malgonkar: A Book Review

The Last Maharani of Gwalior: An Autobiography

Authors: Vinjaya Raje Scindia and Manohar Malgonkar

Genre: Nonfiction, History, Autobiography

Publisher: SUNY Press

Release Date: 1987

Pages: 279

Source: Personal Collection

Synopsis: A description of contemporary India and some of its recent history.

My Review: Vivjaya Raje Scindia was the last Maharani of Gwalior. She was a prominent member of the Indian parliament. She was jailed by Indira Gandhi during the Emergency period for opposing her presidency and even ran against her during the 1980 elections but lost. In her memoir, Vivjaya Raje Scindia chronicles her life from the moment of her birth to the elections of 1984.

Vivjaya Raje Scindia was descended from the Maharajas of Nepal. She went to a women’s college and intended to pursue a bachelor’s degree. However, her family had other plans for her and arranged her marriage to the Maharaja of Gwalior. Eventually, she entered into politics and joined the Indian parliament. After the death of her husband, she continued to be a member of parliament. However, she disagreed with Indira Gandhi’s rule. During the Emergency period, she became a prisoner. After a few years she was released. She ran against Indira Gandhi in 1980 but lost.

Before reading this memoir, I didn't really know anything about Indian history. However, the queen wrote about Gwalior’s history and its rulers in a very comprehensive way. I had never heard of this queen until I read her memoir, and I found it to be truly moving and sad. Vivjaya Raje Scindia had many tragic moments throughout her grand life as Maharani. She lost her husband. She lost her title as queen during Indira Gandhi’s presidency. She was a prisoner during the Emergency period, and she had a troubled relationship with her son due to political beliefs. Thus, I could not help but feel sorry for her.

Overall, this was a very moving memoir of a very important figure in India’s history. Vivjaya Raje Scindia was a queen who cared for her country and people. The story is very comprehensive to those who do not know much about Indian history. After reading her memoir, it makes me interested to read more about her. This is a must read for fans of royalty! The Last Maharani of Gwalior tells the story of one of India’s patriot heroes!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Comments

Interview with Paula Margulies

Today, I have the opportunity to interview Paula Margulies. She has recently wrote a novel about Pocahontas called Favorite Daughter, Part One , which won an Editor’s Choice Award at the 24th Annual San Diego State University Writer’s Conference. The story creates a different perspective to the American heroine. It is told in first person narrative, and it is how Pocahontas at a young age embarks through the many changes of her life. By doing so she transforms into a strong, courageous, wise woman. I am very pleased that she took the time to grant me this interview and to generously donate a copy of her novel to the giveaway. I look forward to reading her books in the future, and check back for my review of Favorite Daughter’s Part One soon. This interview is to give readers insight about her and her novel. Thank you, Mrs. Margulies. 1. Where and when do you write? In my home office mostly, although I try to sneak away to artist residencies whenever ...

Guest Post by Elisa DeCarlo: From Corsets to Chemises: Fashion as Liberation

Today's guest writer is Elisa DeCarlo. Elisa DeCarlo has published two novels, Strong Spirits and The Devil You Say as well as The Abortionist's Daughter . Her work is also in a number of anthologies. Elisa has also written and performed a number of solo shows across the country. In 2013, the Exit Press will publish an anthology of her stage work. Elisa was born in Westchester, NY, and grew up there and in New York City. As an actress, she has performed in television, radio and film. In her guest post, Elisa DeCarlo talks women's fashion in the 1910s. Be sure to check out my review of The Abortionist's Daughter soon. Thank you, Mrs. DeCarlo. From Corsets to Chemises: Fashion As Liberation In The Abortionist’s Daughter , which is set in 1916, the evolution of the main character, Melanie Daniels, is not only shown by her thoughts actions, but also her clothes. Since I am an obsessed fashion buff, I had to write about the clothes! Queen Victoria ...

Blog Tour: Grace Among Thieves by Kari Bovee

Join us for this tour from Mar 1 to Mar 28 , 2022 ! Book Details: Book Title : Grace Among Thieves (A Grace Michelle Mystery) by Kari Bovee Category : Adult Fiction (18 +), 315 Genre : Historical Mystery Publisher : Bosque Publishing Release date: Feb 15, 2022 Content Rating : PG. Some Mild Language Book Description: A priceless heirloom worth its weight in lives. Can she crack the case before she becomes a killer’s trophy? Hollywood, 1924. Grace Michelle’s professional star has risen. Now a successful costumier for a major studio, the ambitious woman has just about everything she wants. But when the father she thought was dead reaches out to reconnect, the talented designer doesn’t know what to think… especially after his new wife is kidnapped. Discovering her dad is mixed up with a stolen Russian artifact, Grace puts her sle...

History from a Woman's Perspective- A Book Blog

Search This Blog