Book Review – Bravehearts Of Bharat

The book Bravehearts of Bharat is authored by noted author Mr. Vikram Sampath. Vikram Sampath is one of the leading historians in the nation. Vikram Sampath is also a noted author who has authored books on icons like Veer Savarkar, Wadiyar dynasty to name a few. He is also first member which is a great recognition for his talent at history writing. His education background is in sciences and finance, which makes his writing very lucid to read. The same can be said about this book, Bravehearts of Bharat, which has been authored in a simple language. 

The book has 15 chapters dedicated to the under–reported historic heroes of India, who acted as a bulwark against expansionary domestic & global powers in various points in Indian history. The book includes stories from rulers who were from all over the country and not only from Delhi but from different states in the nation. One of the criticisms that history writing in India has got is that it doesn't cover the rulers from the south/north east. Vikram Sampath has provided a wonderful roadmap on how it can be covered in an equitable manner. Vikram Sampath has given adequate representation to rulers of all states and regions. For example, 5 rulers from South namely; Cholas, Rani Rudramma Devi, Rani Velu Nachiyar, Rani Abbaka Chowta Ullal and Travancore Martanda Varma have been covered. 

Even the under– reported history of the north east has been given justice, by giving space to the illustrious history of Lachit Borphukan of Manipur and Rajarshi Bhagyachandra Jai Singh, has been given space which the region deserves. The central India rulers like : Rani Naiki Devi, Punyashlok Ahilya Bai Holkar have been covered in detail. The virtually unknown heroes of the north like Banda Singh Bahadur, Begum Hazrat Mahal and Chand Bibi of Aurangabad have also been given academic space prominently by Vikram Sampath. 

The book also addresses the second criticism that Indian history has been unkind to the role that women rulers have played in taking the country to a higher pedestal. In this regard, 8 stories of women rulers have been covered in detail which is a bold move by the author. The other salient feature of the book is the detailing of the ruler along with providing relevant context due to which even a newbie in reading history can understand the “itihasa” with ease. 

The detailed history along with expounding on their economic and administrative reforms makes the book an enjoyable read throughout the book. The coverage of cultural contributions by these rulers and comparing it with the present day context also serves as a major point for reference for readers which is crucial when discussing the contributions for the rulers . Illustrations using maps, figures help the reader have a visual understanding rather than just having a theoretical read is a smart move by the author.

The history writing of those heroes who had huge contributions in the making of country but were unknown due to various reasons, have been given a big media space for which Mr. Vikram Sampath deserves a lot of praise. Overall, the book is very well written from an academic point of view and the book can act as a reference point for those readers who would like to read history for recreation.