Title: 21 Kesaris
Author: Kiran Nirvan
Genre: Non-fiction
Publisher: Bloomsbury India
Rating : 4.8/❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Blurb:
10,000 Afghans. 21 Sikh soldiers. One epic battle. On 12 September 1897, 21 soldiers of 36th Sikh regiment stood undeterred as they guarded the post of Saragarhi against the onslaught of almost 10,000 Afghan tribesmen a battle for the ages that ended in them laying down their lives in a final handtohand combat. The unparalleled heroics of these 21 men have, however, been long forgotten by history. What led to the Battle of Saragarhi? What was the socio-political scenario at the time? Who were these tribesmen and why did they attack an outpost in such great numbers? Who were the 21 soldiers and how were they able to keep the enemy at bay against all odds? Based on colonial era records and information provided by the 4th Sikh battalion, the legatee unit of 36th Sikhs, 21 Kesaris attempts to answer these questions while paying homage to the brave soldiers who defended the kesari flag depicting their Khalsa heritage with their last breaths.
My Thoughts:
The men fought till their last breath like true lions defending their territory.
⚔️
A well researched and well written book bringing forth the epic battle of Saragarhi and the unparalleled bravery of 21 soldiers of 36th Sikh Regiment.In the initial few chapters, the readers are introduced to the region of Afghanistan, it’s history, native inhabitants and Socio-political scenario.The birth of Sikh religion, the atrocities of the Muslim rulers, the formation of Khalsa and it’s ideals play a crucial role in the events.The Chronicles of the Saragarhi battle is bound to give one goosebumps.
⚔️
The writing is lucid,supplemented with detailed maps, photographs, documents, newspaper articles and personal letters.I couldn’t resist falling in love with author’s style of writing and presentation giving the essential insight into the subject.The account is bound to strike a chord with every reader.
⚔️
The peerless valour of 21 soldiers holding the fort in face of death,fighting with 10,000 Afghans without losing morale stunned me.Their conduct echoes with their deep sense of duty, devotion and determination.
The sacrifice will remain immortalized in the pages of millitary history, memorials built in remembrance and the honours bestowed upon the heroes. The author did a splendid job bringing forth such an important event of our past, the tale of men in uniform who upholded their ideals even in their last breath. A must read for everyone.
⚔️
I want to thank @bloomsburyindia for the proof copy provided in lieu of honest review.
⚔️
⚔️
⚔️
⚔️
⚔️
#book #bookstagram #bookworm #booklover #bibliophile #Nonfiction #history #Khalsa #1897 #war #booknerd #martyr #reader #booksandcandles #bookart #bookstagramIndia #bookstagramfeature #unitedbookstagram #photography #photographer #photo #bookphotography
thebookcollector32 