A gripping new graphic novel has sought to bring alive the iconic Golconda fort as well as the people who ruled it through different periods of history.
A former IT company employee, Nikhil Gulati’s non-fiction work focuses strongly on this 16th century monument that lies on the western outskirts of Hyderabad city.
The writer’s own story seems almost typical. Having completed his MBA from IIM-Ahmedabad, he eventually quit his job to pursue his passion – writing. Gulati’s book Shepherd’s Hill – the Rise and Fall of Golconda promises to take the readers back in time, through an enchanting portrayal of history.
In the book, the narrator takes a stroll along the colossal stonewalls of the fort, explaining to readers as he goes along the various chronicles of bygone eras.
I have written short fiction stories. This (graphic novel on Golconda) is my first attempt at historical non-fiction.
– Nikhil Gulati
The novel uses literature, tour guides as well as old paintings for historical and visual accuracy. The siege by Aurangzeb, for instance, is talked about at length.
There are scenes in the book which show how Golconda looks today – immediately followed by pictures which show how the fort might have been earlier.
Gulati has made generous use of old paintings to depict the attire of the people in those days, teamed with accompanying texts.
(With inputs from PTI)
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