Books published by publisher Amar Chitra Katha Pvt Ltd

From his father he learned social etiquette from his mother, India's age-old philosophy and culture. From his Muslim mentor he learned to respect different faiths and from his English tutor the best of Western and Indian thought. But none of them could have molded the young Jawaharlal Nehru into the fiercely idealistic Indian so famous throughout the world today, that distinction he achieved by his own intelligence, keen observation and hard work.

Shivaji, famous as a warrior and patriot, was also renowned for his kindness. His behaviour managed to convert a spunky young mother, an avenging widow, and a terrified maiden into devoted friends. Not only did the powerful Maratha display humility and a constant sense of fair play, he also upheld the honour of every woman whether rich or poor, enemy or ally.

Amba, the eldest of the three princesses of Kashi has decided that she will marry Shalva, the king of Saubha. Things take an unexpected turn when Bheeshma disrupts the swayamvar and kidnaps the three princesses for his brother, Vichi-travirya, the ruler of Hastinapur. Amba vows to avenge the insult meted out to her. She appeals to several kings and princes to help her destroy Bheeshma but they all refuse as he is too powerful an adversary to challenge. Disappointed and filled with rage, Amba decides to take revenge herself and prays to Shiva to guide her. Amar Chitra Katha tells the compelling story of one who played a crucial role in the final outcome of the epic battle of Kurukshetra.

King Rama was special. He was handsome, brave, talented, wise and a devoted son and husband – in fact, he was the most perfect of all men. Born to wealth and power, this hero of the Ramayana was remarkably unspoiled by his good fortune. This is because finely distilled in him were the exceptional qualities of his forefathers – Dilipa’s single-minded devotion, the warrior skills of Raghu, and the courage and righteousness of the handsome Aja.

The only way Kumbhakarna could be kept out of mischief was to make him sleep twenty-four hours a day! Nothing would rouse this hulking ogre – not the trumpeting and trampling of elephants, not the deafening din of drums, and certainly not a rain of rocks. But when the aroma of fresh cooking wafted across his nose, he was up in a trice! However, that mightiest of warriors – Rama of Ayodhya – was lying in wait.

The Param Vir Chakra is the highest decoration of valour in wartime, awarded to members of the Indian Armed Forces.The men who have been awarded this ultimate honour displayed indomitable courage and selfless devotion to duty, while defending the borders of our nation. It is only the most fearless who can summon the will to stand their ground and fight the enemy in the face of death. Only the bravest can challenge the ultimate sacrifice, so that no one else has to.Amar Chitra Katha tells the stories of 21 fearless heroes, for whom their own lives were less important than the sovereignty of India, and the safety of their fellow citizens. 21 stirring tales of bravery, courage and sacrifice, that need to be told and remembered, as an inspiration for generations to come.

Tirupati is the story of how the little town at the foothills of the Eastern ghats became a cultural spot for pilgrims and newlyweds. Following a spat with her husband, Goddess Lakshmi left Lord Vishnu and came down to earth. Missing the presence of his better half, Vishnu, also known as Venkateshwara, left his holy abode and reached earth. Here he wandered far and wide, became a poor hermit and took shelter with a devotee. A young princess, Padmavathi, falls in love with him and Venkateshwara reciprocates by going through a difficult long process to propose her. They get married in a divine architecture arranged by the groom, which is now known as the temple of Tirupati. The temple celebrates this very eternal marriage making it one of the favourite destinations for newly married couples who wish to pray for a happy conjugated life. The book, Tirupati, describes in detail this story of marriage between Padmavathi and Lord Venkateshwara and how the Temple of Tirupati came into being.

Intelligent, brave, competent and just, Razia was chosen by her father, Sultan Iltutmish, to succeed him to the throne of Delhi. The people loved her and trusted her but the Amirs or nobles found it difficult to swear loyalty to a woman. Sultana Razia ruled for only three and a half years but she proved her father right by being a wise and just ruler who protected and nurtured her subjects. She led her armies and was a brave soldier. Her only enemy were the times that did not accept a woman as a leader.

Legend has it that the ancient town of Thanjavur came up on the spot where Vishnu defeated an evil demon. The mighty Cholas made it their capital in the 9th century CE, following which they increased, through conquests, the size and strength of their empire. Finally, after realizing all his military ambitions, the Chola monarch Raja Raja Chola I decided to build a great temple in Thanjavur dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thus Thanjavur became home to the majestic Brihadeeswara temple and many other shrines. Amar Chitra Katha tells the stories surrounding this ancient town and its monuments.