Title: Amma, Take Me to The Hill Forts of Rajasthan
Author: Bhakti Mathur
Illustrator: Priyankar Gupta
Publisher: Penguin Random House India
Type: Paperback
Length: 108 pages
Recommended Age: 9 years+
Books by this author have always held a special place in my heart, as they were the very first ones I used to introduce mythology to my child with Amma, Tell Me About Ganesha. What I truly appreciate about the author is how these books stay authentic to the original stories while presenting them in a way that is simple and accessible for young readers. The narration is crisp, engaging, and perfectly suited for children with shorter attention spans. Now that my child is 7 years old, I felt this was the ideal time to introduce some non-fiction.
This book follows two young boys, Shiv and Veer, as they embark on a journey across the majestic hill forts of the Rajput kings in Rajasthan with their Amma. They visit iconic forts such as Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, and Amer. If you are a history enthusiast who enjoys stories of battles, rulers, and the vast kingdoms that once spanned our country, this book will truly captivate you.
Narrated as a conversation between a mother and her curious sons, it makes history approachable and engaging. Rather than presenting dry facts, the book weaves them into a compelling narrative that keeps readers invested throughout.
The book is enriched with stunning illustrations by Priyankar Gupta, which transport you to the rugged, sunlit landscapes of Rajasthan. The Aravalli ranges, with their beauty and strategic importance, are brought to life vividly, making you feel as though you are exploring these regions firsthand.
As the journey unfolds, Amma introduces the children to significant historical events and legendary figures such as Bappa Rawal, Rana Sanga, Maharana Pratap, Queen Padmini, and Meera Bai. The book delves into the architecture and layout of the forts, explaining not just how they were built, but why. The military strategies, structural intricacies, and defensive mechanisms are described in a way that is both informative and fascinating. Even without visiting these places, the detailed descriptions and evocative illustrations make it easy to visualize their grandeur.
For my child, this was her first introduction to the concept of wars. It opened her eyes to the realities of conflict—loss of life, injuries, and the impact on everyday living. While she found it surprising, it also gave her a new perspective on the freedoms we enjoy today. The section about Rajput queens performing Jauhar particularly stood out and led to meaningful conversations. Although it was a complex topic, she was able to grasp its emotional weight and historical context with some guidance.
She especially loved the story of Meera Bai. Being a fan of Krishna, she was deeply intrigued by Meera Bai’s devotion. Since she is still quite young, some of the finer details about kingdoms and battles didn’t fully register with her, but for slightly older children, this book would be an excellent resource. It presents history in a memorable and engaging way, making it easier to learn and retain.
Overall, this book is not just for young readers. Parents too, will find it a delightful way to revisit and refresh their knowledge of history. It is an enriching, enjoyable read that brings the past alive for readers of all ages.
ADDED BY ASHA: The entire Amma Tell Me About series by Bhakti Mathur is one of the most loved and recommended series in the 4-8 years category. Themes covered are mythology, festivals and significant places. It also comes in The Full Amma Tell Me: Ten Book Set which usually works out more economical. The Amma, Tell Me Festive Series (set of 3 books – Holi, Diwali, Ramayana) is a sought after bargain every year in October, before Navratri and the festival season starts!
There is another interesting series called Amma Takes Me Places: A Box Set Edition which also is very popular! This theme includes books like Amma, Take Me to the Golden Temple, Amma, Take Me to Tirupati, Amma, Take Me to the Dargah of Salim Chishti and Amma, Take me to Shirdi. You can read the review of Amma, Take Me to the Taj Mahal on our website.
If you enjoyed this review and wish to know more about Rajasthan, you must buy the book from Amazon (kbc affiliate link),
CLICK & BUY NOW!Disclaimer: Sindhuja and her daughter are a part of the #kbcReviewerSquad and received this book as a review copy from the publisher via kbc.
