Picture an Indian-American storyteller who brought the opulent courts of Mughal India to life with her pen—meet Indu Sundaresan! This bestselling author of historical fiction weaves tales of powerful women, grand passion, and intricate politics, most notably in her celebrated Taj Mahal Trilogy. With a knack for blending meticulous research with vivid imagination, Sundaresan invites readers to step into a world of emperors, empresses, and enduring love.
Born in India and now calling Seattle home, Sundaresan’s journey from Air Force bases to literary acclaim is as captivating as her novels. Her stories don’t just entertain—they illuminate the unsung roles of women in shaping history, making her a beloved voice in historical fiction.
The Making of Indu Sundaresan
Indu Sundaresan was born in India, the daughter of an Indian Air Force pilot, Group Captain R. Sundaresan, whose storytelling flair left a lasting mark. Raised on Air Force bases across the country, she grew up immersed in tales of Hindu mythology and wild adventures spun by her father and grandfather. After earning an undergraduate degree in economics in India, she moved to the United States for graduate studies at the University of Delaware, securing an MS in operations research and an MA in economics. But the pull of storytelling proved stronger than spreadsheets, and soon after graduating, she began crafting novels, channeling her heritage and love for history.
Indu Sundaresan’s Unforgettable Stories
Sundaresan’s Taj Mahal Trilogy is her crowning achievement, a sweeping saga set in 17th-century Mughal India. The first novel, The Twentieth Wife (2002), traces the rise of Mehrunnisa, a Persian refugee’s daughter who becomes Empress Nur Jahan, the powerful wife of Emperor Jahangir. Its sequel, The Feast of Roses (2003), dives into Nur Jahan’s reign, showcasing her unmatched influence in a male-dominated court. The trilogy concludes with Shadow Princess (2010), focusing on Princess Jahanara, daughter of Shah Jahan, as she navigates love and power amid the Taj Mahal’s creation.
Beyond the trilogy, Sundaresan’s versatility shines in works like The Splendor of Silence (2006), set during World War II’s British Raj, and The Mountain of Light (2013), which follows the Koh-i-Noor diamond’s storied journey. Her prose is lush yet accessible, painting vivid scenes of bazaars, palaces, and courtly intrigue. Sundaresan’s strength lies in her ability to humanize historical figures, particularly women, whose ambitions and resilience resonate across centuries.
Why Indu Sundaresan Matters
Indu Sundaresan’s work bridges cultures, bringing Mughal India’s grandeur to a global audience. Her meticulous research and focus on female perspectives challenge traditional historical narratives, spotlighting women like Nur Jahan and Jahanara who wielded power behind the veil. Her novels, translated into 23 languages, including a Tamil edition by her mother, Madhuram Sundaresan, have earned her accolades like the Washington State Book Award for The Twentieth Wife. For readers, she offers a portal to India’s past, blending education with enchantment.
Her storytelling also inspires aspiring writers, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, proving that a love for history and narrative can transcend borders. Sundaresan’s ability to make the past feel alive and relevant keeps her work timeless.
- Born: India, date undisclosed
- Key Works: Taj Mahal Trilogy (The Twentieth Wife, The Feast of Roses, Shadow Princess), The Splendor of Silence, The Mountain of Light
- Awards: Washington State Book Award for The Twentieth Wife, Light of India Award for Excellence in Literature
- Lives: Seattle, Washington, with her husband and daughter
Ready to lose yourself in Mughal India’s splendor? Snag The Twentieth Wife and dive into Indu Sundaresan’s captivating historical fiction!