NBT uses 'Rajatarangini' characters to introduce Kashmir's history to young readers

The National Book Trust (NBT) launched a novel series based on characters from Kalhana's 12th-century chronicle 'Rajatarangini' to introduce young readers in Jammu and Kashmir to the region's history.

The series includes novels on queen Yashovati, regarded as Kashmir's first woman ruler, and queen Kota Rani, the last woman ruler of the region.

According to the Nilamata Purana, queen Yashovati is believed to be not only the first known woman ruler of Kashmir and India but also the earliest known female ruler in world history.

NBT Director Yuvraj Malik said 'Rajatarangini' is valued for presenting history with remarkable objectivity, as Kalhana wrote that a historian's words should be free from attachment and prejudice.

NBT Chairman Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe said the series is part of an initiative to create greater awareness among young readers about India's cultural and historical heritage.