PVLF 2026

Interview with Sreelata Menon, Author of “Fascinating Maharajas of India”

A tribute to India’s maharajas, blending grandeur with reform, patriotism, and vision—showing how their legacy still shapes modern India.
on Aug 12, 2025

Frontlist: Your book brings alive the grandeur and governance of India’s maharajas. In what ways do you think their leadership contributed to the spirit of patriotism and laid the groundwork for modern India?

Sreelata: In every way actually.

Take any of the twenty five kingdoms, every one of its maharajas have quietly done both.

Be it Mysore, Travancore, Baroda or Gwalior, or any other, the states they belong to today would not be what they are, but for their maharajas-before independence- introducing far reaching reforms in every field and quietly defying the British.

Whatever modern infrastructure we have today is built on the foundation laid by these grand larger than life royalty.

They used their grandeur and wealth to improve their people’s lives.

That in itself-improving lives- is patriotism.

Then by standing up for their people they were subtly rebelling against the British.

And when it came to the Indian union they quietly worked towards it too.

That again speaks for their patriotism doesn’t it?

Without a spirit or sense of patriotism, they would not have been able to lay that foundation or groundwork for modern India.

So, both have gone hand in hand and they have led by example.

They should be remembered for being the architects of modern India in more ways than one –in governance, reform and yes nationalism.

And the aim of the book was to simply highlight that.

Frontlist: From promoting education to introducing reforms, many of the maharajas played a key role in social transformation. Which ruler’s story stood out to you most in terms of patriotic vision and nation-building?

Sreelata: So many maharajas quietly shaped India’s destiny but it is Maharani Saethu Lakshmi Bayi of Travancore who comes immediately to mind. Everything from education to every kind of infrastructure in Travancore is built on the foundations she laid. She was a woman who as regent transformed her kingdom, modernized it in such a way that we are still reaping its benefits. Another is Sayajirao Gaekwad of Baroda he too was a brilliant visionary reformer.

Frontlist: In today’s context, where patriotism is often narrowly defined, your book presents nuanced, historical examples of service and leadership. How do you think history can help children understand patriotism in a deeper way?

Sreelata: Children connect deeply with stories.

So, when history tells them stories about rulers like Sayajirao Gaekwad III funding B.R. Ambedkar’s education, or Mysore becoming the first Indian state to generate hydroelectric power and have electric street lights under Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV or a Madhav Rao Scindia I introducing civil aviation, the Gwalior Light Railways and other reforms for the first time, to better the lives of his people, it could inspire them to realize that patriotism isn’t just love of your country by maybe defending its borders or remembering the past but is something that could help empower others to build a better future too. That, be it safeguarding the forests and tigers of Rewa or creating schools and hospitals, or just standing up to injustice, even subtly, as many maharajas did under colonial rule is also patriotism.

Such examples could influence them into investing themselves in activities that build character as well as community spirit that would be good for the country.

Frontlist: The maharajas often balanced opulence with responsibility. How did you ensure that their contributions to the nation were highlighted without romanticizing their privilege?

Sreelata: By neither vilifying or glorifying either.

Not all maharajas were progressive—some believed in feudal hierarchies and resisted reform. Most however despite their privileged background did selflessly choose to serve their people in whichever way they could. Their privilege was real, often inherited and protected by our colonial powers. Yet, within that privilege, some chose service over mere subservience, and nation-building over self-preservation.

So, I tried to highlight just that.

Frontlist: Your storytelling blends history with imagination. Was it challenging to maintain historical accuracy while making the stories engaging for younger readers?

Sreelata: Yes. Absolutely. Balancing accuracy with imagination was extremely challenging. I needed to spark their imagination with wonder not boredom-which is how history is usually viewed. So, I tried to blend historical details in imaginary or unusual scenarios-like introducing the Tropic of Cancer to make a point in Bhopal or the Ravi Varma painting in Pudukkottai or Rewa’s tiger hunt and Mysore’s elephant fight- while still sticking to the facts or truth. In fact, I would role play as a ten or eleven year old and ask myself if I would enjoy reading it if I were that age.

Frontlist: Which lesser-known maharaja’s tale do you believe deserves more recognition in the national narrative for their contribution to India’s independence or social reform?

Sreelata: Maharaja Ripudaman of Nabha. He brought in a lot of reforms-judicial and social- like the Anand Marriage Act for the Sikhs. He disliked the British and was not afraid to speak his mind He publicly denounced Jallianwala Bagh, opposed the Press Act and the moment they could, the British cooked up charges against him and punished him for it. They made him abdicate and exiled him. Whatever his eccentricities, his legacy as a progressive monarch, a social reformer and a true nationalist deserves to be recognized more by India. A tiny kingdom with a lion hearted king.

Frontlist: Having written multiple books about India’s heritage, how has your own understanding of patriotism evolved through your writing journey?

Sreelata: Most of my books so far have had something to do with India’s rich history, and the wonder is that with each I have broken fresh ground. As I research or examine a new angle of a historical or mythological character that I have already written about, it’s still like a window opening out into an amazingly untapped world once again. Every time it fills me with pride and yes, happiness that I belong to a culture and civilization such as this. If that’s not patriotism I don’t know what is. So, I guess my patriotism has evolved tremendously with each book- especially with this Maharajas book.

Frontlist: What do you hope young readers will take away about India’s past—and their role in its future—after reading Fascinating Maharajas of India?

Sreelata: As is evident, Fascinating Maharajas of India is an invitation to see India’s past as a legacy of great leadership, resilience, and reform amidst tales of grandeur and privilege. It is my hope that it will fill them with pride and yes happiness that they belong to a culture and civilization as rich and diverse as this and realize that patriotism and nationalism can go hand in hand with service to others. It is my fervent wish that my young readers can one day, see themselves in these stories and understand that India’s diversity is its strength and yes, realize that their voice matters in shaping tomorrow’s India.