Monday, February, 17,2025

Latest News

Symphony of Stories

The final day of the Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 at Clarks Amer unfolded as a grand celebration of literature, intellect and diverse voices. The festival grounds buzzed with an eclectic mix of authors, scholars, artists and literature enthusiasts, all eager to absorb the wealth of thought-provoking discussions. From geopolitics to poetry, memoirs to mythology, the sessions kept audiences captivated, reflecting the festival’s essence as a melting pot of ideas. Amid these compelling conversations was one session that particularly stood out—Tripti Pandey’s ‘Rangeela Rajasthan’, an exploration of Rajasthan’s forgotten royal history, its untold stories and the intriguing tale of Ras Kapoor.

The AAF Bagaan at Clarks Amer witnessed a captivating session titled 'Rangeela Rajasthan', where acclaimed author and travel writer Tripti Pandey engaged in a thought-provoking conversation with journalist Vikas Kumar Jha. As an avid history enthusiast, I found myself utterly engrossed in the intriguing tale of Ras Kapoor, the enigmatic courtesanturned-royal consort, whose story had long been buried beneath layers of forgotten history.

Pandey’s latest novel, 'The Half Empress', sheds light on Maharaja Sawai Jagat Singh’s defiant love for Ras Kapoor, a woman of mixed heritage who shattered conventions to find her place in Jaipur’s royal corridors. “She was neither queen nor concubine—she was an anomaly in the rigid structure of Rajput royalty,” Pandey explained, her words carrying the weight of a researcher’s dedication. Vikas Jha probed deeper into the extensive research behind the book. Pandey revealed, “Digging into the archives, I found whispers of Ras Kapoor’s existence, mentioned as a ‘celebrity prisoner’ of Nahargarh Fort but history had largely erased her voice. I wanted to give her that voice back.”

What struck me most was how Ras Kapoor’s resilience, vulnerability and ultimate fate resonated with modern conversations about women’s agency. “Her story reminds us that power and privilege are often precarious, especially for women who challenge societal norms,” Pandey reflected.

The discussion took a deeper turn as the audience engaged with questions about historical biases and the erasure of women’s contributions. One attendee asked if Ras Kapoor’s story had parallels with contemporary struggles for recognition. Pandey’s response was both insightful and stirring: “Even today, women who carve their own paths face resistance. History may not have given Raskapoor her due, but literature can.”

Beyond the royal intrigue and the tragic romance, 'The Half Empress' offers readers a lens into nineteenth-century Jaipur, its rigid power structures and the consequences of defying them. As I left the session, I couldn’t shake off the haunting image of Ras Kapoor, was she a tragic victim of palace politics, or a woman who dared to live on her own terms? The answer, perhaps, lies in Pandey’s evocative storytelling, inviting readers to decide for themselves.

  Share on

Related News

visit e-papers

Daily Astro

17-02-2025

image

Aries

Today brings opportunities for growth, but you'll need to stay focused. Trust your instincts to navigate challenges.

image

Pisces

Your intuition will guide you. Trust your feelings and explore creative outlets for peace of mind.

image

Aquarius

Innovation is your theme today. Explore unconventional ideas to solve lingering problems.

image

Capricorn

Hard work pays off today. Your dedication and discipline will lead to well-deserved recognition.

image

Sagittarius

Adventure is calling! Embrace new opportunities, but keep a balanced approach to risks.

image

Scorpio

Your determination will be unmatched. Dive deep into tasks, but don't forget to take breaks to recharge.

image

Libra

Harmony in relationships is your priority. Compromise and understanding will strengthen your bonds.

image

Virgo

Focus on organization and details. A well-planned day will lead to productive results and personal satisfaction.

image

Leo

Leadership will come naturally. Take charge of situations but remain humble for the best outcomes.

image

Cancer

Emotional balance is key today. Spend quality time with loved ones to find comfort and clarity.

image

Gemini

Today is perfect for networking and sharing ideas. Your adaptability will help you tackle unexpected changes with ease.

image

Taurus

Patience will be your strength today. Financial matters might need attention, so think twice before making big decisions.

Gallery

17-02-2025