Angol
A fort can be a defence. It can also become a refuge - and a promise.
From 1722 to 1805, Lohagarh tells the story of Bharatpur's rise under Badan Singh and Suraj Mal. The temples of Braj are protected, lands secured, and a new political order takes shape through war, diplomacy, shifting alliances and the labour of ordinary people.
After the catastrophe of Panipat in 1761, the broken Maratha armies, their families and priests find shelter, provisions and safe passage in Bharatpur.
Then comes the great test.
In 1805, when the British demand the surrender of Bharatpur's guest, Yashwantrao Holkar, the state refuses. Four assaults are launched against Lohagarh. All four fail.
Narrated by the fort itself, Zenith is a historical novel about refuge, loyalty, sovereignty and the people whose hands built and defended a fortress.
The second volume of The Lohagarh Saga, this book continues the story begun in Rise: Thun's Own Account.
This English edition is translated from the author's Hindi original.
