Most historical novels follow the same pattern. They focus on facts, timelines, and well-documented events. But Abundance by Amit Majmudar does something different. It breathes life into history. It gives us a perspective we rarely get.
A Story We Think We Know
The novel tells the story of Maharani Jindan Kaur, the last queen of the Sikh Empire. Many history books reduce her to a footnote. They call her rebellious. Some label her as defiant. But Majmudar presents her as something more—a mother, a strategist, and a survivor.
The book begins at a time of turmoil. The British are expanding their rule in India. The Sikh Empire is crumbling. Jindan’s son, Duleep Singh, is taken from her and sent to England. She fights, not just for her kingdom, but for her son, her dignity, and her identity.
A Contrarian View on Strength
Most books about powerful women focus on victory. They highlight conquests, revolutions, or grand speeches. Abundance takes another route. It shows strength in loss.
Jindan Kaur loses almost everything—her throne, her wealth, even her ability to see her son grow up. But she never loses herself. She is forced into exile. She is discredited. Still, she remains fierce. She never surrenders her belief that her son will one day reclaim his place.
Strength isn’t always about winning. Sometimes, it’s about refusing to disappear.
The Beauty of Majmudar’s Writing
Amit Majmudar is a poet, and it shows. His words feel rich, almost lyrical. He doesn’t just describe places—he makes you see, feel, and hear them. You can sense the grandeur of the Sikh court. You can hear the whispers of betrayal. You can feel the loneliness of exile.
But the writing is never overwhelming. It’s elegant yet easy to read. Every sentence moves the story forward. Every scene has a purpose.
A Fresh Take on Historical Fiction
Many historical novels focus on big battles and political drama. Abundance focuses on the personal. It doesn’t just show what happened. It shows how it felt.
It’s not a novel about war. It’s a novel about motherhood. About memory. About dignity in the face of defeat.
And that’s why it stands out. It doesn’t glorify rebellion or violence. It celebrates resilience.
Why You Should Read Abundance
If you love history, this book will give you a new perspective. If you love strong female leads, Jindan Kaur will inspire you. If you love poetic writing, Majmudar’s prose will leave a mark.
Some books teach. Some books entertain. Abundance does both. It reminds us that history isn’t just about winners and losers. It’s about people who refuse to be forgotten.
