A king who composed more than 400 songs. A princess who followed a beloved temple idol to the very end. Emperors who tamed wild cheetahs and kept zebras as pets. Queens who fought the mightiest and cruellest powers on land and sea. Determined warriors, artistic temple builders, wise administrators, prolific writers, unabashed food-lovers and expert musicians... Who were these incredible, multifaceted rulers from the past who stood out among hundreds of others? From Kattabomman to Krishnadeva Raya, from Abbakka to Durgavati, from Velu Nachiyar to Shantala, and from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to Mahendra Varman – what was extraordinary about them and their reign? In over 15 fascinating stories, this charmingly illustrated book takes you to the kingdoms, courts, palaces and battlefields of glorious royals, who shaped events in their own times and made their place forever in our history.