Raj by Gita Mehta

The novel is set in the early 20th century and spans nearly half a century. It begins with Jaya’s birth in 1897, at the time of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Jaya is raised in the traditional ways of her Rajput ancestors, but she is also exposed to Western ideas and values through her education and her interactions with the British.

As Jaya grows up, she becomes increasingly aware of the political and social changes that are taking place in India. She witnesses the rise of the Indian National Congress and the growing unrest among the Indian people. She also sees the increasing influence of the British Raj, which is determined to maintain its control over India.

Jaya is torn between her loyalty to her family and her kingdom, and her desire for a new India that is free from British rule. She eventually becomes involved in the independence movement, and she plays a significant role in the struggle for Indian self-rule.

Raj is a sweeping historical novel that tells the story of India’s transition from a feudal society to a modern nation. It is a complex and nuanced novel that explores the themes of tradition, change, and identity. The novel has been praised for its historical accuracy, its vivid characters, and its lyrical prose.