#619 - A Hoysala Adventure
by Nitin Kushalappa MP and illustrated by Priyanka Tampi
“A Hoysala Adventure” by Nitin Kushalappa and illustrated by Priyanka Tampi. Published by Penguin. A captivating story of feisty Devaki who finds herself on a perilous mission during the rule of the greatest Hoysala ruler Ballala II in twelfth century CE.
The story is set in 1185 CE. Twelve year old Devaki tends to her ailing father Pemma Virappa, the lord of Kodagu. He has been tasked with collecting revenue by the Hoysala emperor Balalla II. The king is not aware that Virappa is gravely ill. The royal thappal postal system seems to have fallen apart and their messenger hasn’t returned. With the forests being prowled by bandits, Devaki and her ten year old brother Bopa set out with a group of pilgrims to Shravanabelagola, Velapuri (modern Belur) and Dwarasamudra (modern Halebidu). Devaki wants to deliver the news herself to the emperor.
When they reach the capital Dwarasamudra, Devaki and Bopa are shocked to know that their father has been branded a traitor for not following the emperor’s orders. They also get to know of a larger crisis looming on the empire. A rebellion is brewing and an important member of the royal family has been kidnapped. The suspect is their father. Devaki has no choice but to dive headlong into the mystery now and clear her innocent father’s name and reputation. Can she reach the emperor in time? Will she be able to get back the kidnapped royal and help in quelling the rebellion? Read the thriller of a story to join Devaki on her adventurous journey through the Hoysala kingdom all the way from Kodagu to coastal Barakuru.
Filled with adventure, history and mystery, the book gives a beautiful glimpse into the twelfth century Hoysala kingdom in present day Karnataka. Reading the engrossing book made me and my eleven year old son feel as though we were part of Devaki’s journey filled with twists at every turn. Well developed plot and characters, vivid portrayal of the lives of people back then as well as detailed descriptions of the Hoysala temples made the book an irresistible read. The accompanying illustrations are fabulous and enrich the reading experience. The book was a perfect means for us to know more about this illustrious dynasty from our home state. My son who has been wanting to visit the temples at Belur and Halebidu is now hoping that he gets to go there soon :)
The book is part of the “Girls of India” series which makes us travel back to different eras of Indian history with the girls who lived in them. When I first saw this book in the Penguin catalogue, I was super happy as I had fantasied a book set in Hoysala times after having read the earlier books from the series. Overall the book is a “MUST READ” for bringing back an important chapter of history to life!
Recommended Age
The book is apt for children aged 9 and above.
P.S - Books from the series that we have enjoyed reading are “A Chera Adventure”, “A Harappan Adventure”, “A Chola Adventure” and “A Mauryan Adventure”.
Disclaimer - We received this book from the publisher, Penguin India, for review. Thank you to Mansi, from Penguin, for sending across the book!