They ruled vast and influential kingdoms across our country. They laid down laws and systems of administration. They fought wars that had far-reaching impact, and negotiated peaceful times that nurtured the arts and the sciences. They made decisions that, whether right or wrong, shaped events and moulded our culture. They were the kings and queens who played lead roles in the spectacular drama of India's past.

From Kanishka, Harshavardhana, Razia, Akbar and Ranjit Singh in the north to Narasimhavarman, Rajaraja Chola, Krishnadevaraya, Mangammal, Marthanda Varma and Tipu Sultan in the south, and from Gautamiputra Satakarni, Amoghavarsha, Mihira Bhoja and Shivaji in the west to Bimbisara, Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka, Gopala I and the Bhaumakara queens in the east-this book tells the riveting stories of close to 50 important rulers whose actions left a mark on the history of India.

Read about their lives and the times they lived in, what they achieved and what they failed at- and why they are still remembered - in Kings and Queens of India. Packed with intriguing facts, this comprehensive volume is the perfect introduction to India's rich and utterly fascinating royal heritage.

Anu Kumar has studied history and management and, more recently, done a Master's in Fine Arts (Writing Fiction) from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, USA. She writes for readers of all ages. Her first fictional works for children were three books featuring Atisa, a young detective who travels through history on a specially designed balloon. Her books for children published by Hachette India include The Mahatma and the Monkeys, Chanakya: The Kingmaker and the Philosopher, Sarojini Naidu: The Nightingale and the Freedom Fighter, Vivekananda: The Monk and the Reformer, and twelve short books of the Myth Quest series.