ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Karuna Sinh is a highly qualified individual with an MA in English. She is from Rajasthan and is well acquainted and related to the descendants of some of the personalities figuring in this book. She has done the research and is knowledgeable on the period as well as on the personality and songs of Meera.
INTERVIEW:
Q. Tell us something about your book, The Flute and the Sword?
The book is historical fiction about the 16th century Rajputana. It depicts the life journey of Mirabai and her brother Rao Jaimal and, at the same time, also highlights a turbulent period of that era. A struggle collectively faced by men, women, children, rich and poor.
Q. What do you think makes The Flute and the Sword a good story?
The story is about devotion and duty. Both the protagonists play the role with full conviction while performing their duty with utmost dedication.
Q. What inspired you to start writing?
Firstly, the history of the 16th century in India which underwent a lot of turmoil. To weave a tale about such a vast span of that period in a single book was a challenge. Secondly, the portrayal of Mirabai through one's interpretation. Thirdly my maternal connection with the legendary generation.
Q. What kind of research did you do, and how long did you spend researching before beginning this book?
The research was extensive and took almost one year. I read all the books, materials which were recommended or provided to us on the subject.
Q. What were the key challenges you faced when writing this book?
The accuracy of the timeline, facts about lineage, the authenticity of character names, and the characterization of Mirabai. We are two independent thinkers who argued a lot while portraying Mirabai's character.
Q. If your book was to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?
Well, I never thought about it. The characters are very pious, so don't know who can do justice.
Q. Future of SALISMANIA.com through your eyes?
Encouraging a lot of potential writers to showcase their hard work and talent to a broader audience. To bring out the hidden gems amongst Indian writers, every effort made by Salismania counts.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The book, though fiction, follows an authentic timeline as it tells the story of the two remarkable grandchildren of Rao Duda, Meera, and Jaimal.
Meera was a gifted child, recognized for her intellectual brilliance and piety from her childhood. Her devotion to Lord Krishna was intense and never changed, even though she was married to Bhojraj, the son of Maharana Sanga. The book traces her life until she reaches Dwarka and is finally absorbed by her lord.
Jaimal, on the other hand, remained constantly at war, struggling to preserve his kingdom against powerful forces ranged against it. The constant struggle against Marwar finally leads to the destruction of Merta with the curtain coming down with Jaimal indomitably leading the defense of Chittor against Akbar.
Teeming with characters well known in history, the book offers a slice of it in painful though valorous detail. Despite their tragedy, the Mertias are a force to reckon with but as the Authors put it, in the 16th Century they created their own Camelot which rose and fell within three generations.