Munish Sood
MANDI: Prominent Hindi novelist and literary historian Dr Gangaram Raji is representing Himachal Pradesh at the National Chinar Festival underway in Srinagar, a week-long cultural and literary event organised by the National Book Trust (NBT), Government of India.
The festival, which runs from August 2 to 10, brings together distinguished writers, scholars and artists from across the country to celebrate India’s diverse literary heritage. At its heart lies a unique initiative — a national workshop on the “Rajatarangini”, the ancient Sanskrit chronicle of Kashmir composed by 12th-century historian Kalhana.
As part of the initiative, nine eminent historical fiction authors from different states have been invited to reinterpret and fictionalise key characters from the Rajatarangini. Dr Gangaram Raji has been chosen to contribute a novel on Queen Didda, one of the most enigmatic and powerful rulers in Kashmir’s medieval history.
His upcoming novel, titled “Saam Daam Dand Bhed aur Rani Didda”, will mark the 19th addition to his rich literary portfolio. The work will delve into the political intrigue, diplomacy and strategy employed by Queen Didda in a male-dominated royal court, exploring her rise as a formidable monarch in ancient Kashmir.
According to NBT coordinator Lalit Lalitya, “The idea is to revive historical narratives through contemporary storytelling. Each invited author has selected a character from the Rajatarangini and will produce a full-length novel that combines historical research with creative exploration.”
In addition to the Rajatarangini workshop, the Chinar Festival features a National Book Fair, interactive sessions for children, art and writing workshops and special programmes on Kashmir’s cultural legacy. The event reflects a broader effort by the NBT to take literature beyond metropolitan centres and engage directly with regional voices and histories.
Literary legacy of Dr Gangaram Raji
Born and raised in Himachal Pradesh, Dr Gangaram Raji is regarded as one of India’s most original voices in historical fiction. His novels are known for weaving rich historical detail with compelling storytelling, bringing to life lesser-known figures from India’s past.
Among his acclaimed works are Ek Thi Rani Khairigarhi, General Zorawar Singh, Bam Master Bhai Hirda Ram, Mera Dard Na Jaane Koy and Lomharshak Raja Siddh Sen. His narratives are deeply rooted in research but maintain a readability that appeals to both scholars and general readers.
Beyond fiction, Dr Raji is also respected for his contributions to cultural discourse and literary scholarship in Hindi literature. His selection for the Chinar Festival is not just a recognition of his individual talent but a tribute to Himachal’s growing presence in India’s literary landscape.
As Dr Raji prepares to pen the life of Rani Didda, he carries with him not just the weight of history, but the voice of a region and a tradition committed to remembering its past through the power of the written word.
