Rebel Sultans: The Deccan from Khilji to Shivaji By Manu S. Pillai

A RIVETING EPIC OF THE DECCAN—WHERE EMPIRES ROSE AND LEGENDS WERE BORN.

Spanning the turbulent centuries from the late thirteenth to the early eighteenth, Rebel Sultans is a masterful chronicle of the Deccan. Manu S. Pillai weaves a dramatic narrative that moves from the arrival of Alauddin Khilji to the historic rise of Shivaji. This is not just a history of rulers; it is a tapestry of intrigue, valor, and cultural brilliance set in one of India’s most fascinating regions.

Within these pages, you will encounter a host of compelling characters: the valorous Queen Chand Bibi, the Ethiopian warlord Malik Ambar, the mighty Krishnadeva Raya on the Diamond Throne, and Ibrahim II of Bijapur, a prince who famously venerated Hindu gods. From the rise and fall of the Vijayanagar Empire to the courtly politics of the Bahmani kings and their successors, this book captures the sweeping, often overlooked history of the Deccan with vivid detail and flair.

Why this book is a must-read:

• Narrative History at its Best: Pillai brings complex historical figures and forgotten kingdoms to life with the intensity of a novel.

• Broad Historical Scope: Provides a comprehensive yet deeply engaging look at a critical era in Indian history.

• Cultural Insight: Explores the rich syncretism, political power plays, and cultural identities that defined the Deccan.

• Essential Reading: A must-have for anyone interested in the history of Bengaluru and the broader Deccan region.

Travel through the history of the Deccan. Add Rebel Sultans to your collection at Beetle Bookshop today.