‘Dhruvadevi’ Book Review: Sarvajeet Dinesh Chandra’s Epic on the Forgotten Gupta Queen

Book Title: Dhruvadevi: The Queen Who Made Chandragupta
Author: Sarvajeet Dinesh Chandra
Publisher: Penguin India
Number of Pages: 386
ISBN: 937730010X
Date Published: Sept. 24, 2026

Book Review

Sarvajeet Dinesh Chandra’s “Dhruvadevi: The Queen Who Made Chandragupta” is a debut historical thriller set in the Gupta Empire around 377 CE. It reimagines Dhruvadevi not simply as a royal wife, but as a sharp political actor whose choices help shape the rise of Chandragupta II. The book is best for readers who enjoy historical fiction, palace politics, and stories centred on women whose influence has been overlooked.

Sarvajeet writes in a clear, dramatic style that moves easily between romance, danger, and political manoeuvring. His language is accessible rather than heavily academic, which helps readers enter an ancient world without feeling lost. At the same time, the novel carries the flavour of an epic: royal courts, alliances, espionage, rebellion, and civil war are described with a sense of scale and urgency.

History is treated as a starting point rather than a fixed script. The author uses known figures and the Gupta-Saka conflict, but admits that Dhruvadevi’s inner life and many events are imagined. This gives the novel freedom to explore female agency, marriage as a political tool, and the violence behind empire-building. The risk is that readers wanting strict historical accuracy may feel the line between record and invention is sometimes blurred.

The strongest part of the book is Dhruvadevi herself. Sarvajeet gives her intelligence, anger, and agency, making her more than a symbol of a forgotten past. Yet the novel occasionally leans towards familiar thriller beats—betrayal, assassination, and dramatic reversals—which can make the politics feel more modern than ancient. Even so, it is an engaging, readable introduction to a queen history largely left behind.

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About the Author

Sarvajeet Dinesh Chandra is a storyteller drawn to the overlooked figures of history, particularly the forgotten women and men whose courage, decisions, and ambitions have helped shape the fate of empires. His writing brings neglected historical narratives into focus while exploring their relevance to the world we live in today.

His debut novel, Dhruvadevi, revisits the ancient world through the lens of contemporary questions surrounding gender, personal freedom, and nationhood. The novel is the first instalment in his planned trilogy set during the Gupta era. His interest in Dhruvadevi took root during his postgraduate studies at MICA, where he founded a theatre group and discovered Jaishankar Prasad’s play Dhruvaswamini. The character of Dhruvadevi left a lasting impression and eventually inspired his own literary exploration.

The son of archaeologist and prolific Hindi author Dr Dinesh Chandra, Sarvajeet developed a passion for writing and Indian history at an early age. He began composing poetry, ghazals, and songs in both Hindustani and English, sharing some of his work through his Unpen podcast. He also hosts the India’s Golden Age Podcast, which examines the lessons of India’s past and considers their significance for the future.

Beyond literature, Sarvajeet is a business strategist and serial entrepreneur who combines creative storytelling with strategic thinking. He co-founded Craftsvilla, an online marketplace dedicated to Indian arts and crafts, reflecting his commitment to preserving and promoting the country’s cultural heritage.

He holds a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from M.S. University and a PDPC from MICA, Ahmedabad. His interests include theatre, Sukyo Mahikari, and wildlife safaris. He lives in Mumbai with his wife, Jasravee, and their son, Aarav. Readers can connect with him on social media through @authorsarvajeet.