Description
The first protests against British rule that sparked attempts of revolution motivated by the burning desire for freedom from the foreign oppressor were made in the kingdom of Khurda with the Barunei Fort still bearing witness to it today. Led by the king himself and implemented by able generals and courtiers, the aroused and terrorized populace took on the various invaders—Maratha, Mughal and British—who not only tried to impose their will on them but also cast their evil eye on the Temple of Jagannath at Puri, which is revered and lives prominently in the hearts of every resident of what was earlier known by different names and is now the state of Odisha. This book is real history. It is deeply researched and the facts and incidents mentioned are supported by official and personal documents. It outlines the determination of the rulers, the intrigues and conspiracies among courtiers and others to grab the throne and the wily diplomacy that the king and his councillors adopted to avoid physical conflicts with the invaders. Of course, when such efforts failed, the people responded to force with force, many a time with disastrous results for the invader. In this context, the stories of the Paikas and their leaders are well brought out. All this is laced with sharply-etched happenings and roles of dubious characters that infest the pages of this interesting history. On the whole, an interesting and gripping read.
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