A really interesting idea - to do a fictional version of the rise and fall of Vijayanagar (major city in southern India, now amazing ruins (and an increasingly popular tourist site) named as Hampi. This occurred over a 300-year arc from early 14th century to early 17th century.
Rushdie relied in part on Sewell's book (linked here) - Sewell was a British civil servant who pulled together various sources, including Portuguese chroniclers.
Central character is Pampa Kampana - a goddess enters her as a result of an early trauma - she essentially founds the city (from seeds) and tracks its rise and fall across various kings.
Whether for storytelling purposes or a nod to current trends, Rushdie uses mostly all females for the central characters (other than the kings).
Much fantasy, but some elements that track Vijayanagar history - particularly in the last part of the story. Portuguese traders show up; Portugal gains power along the west coast (though not significant to Vijayanagar's outcome). Author uses Rama Raya's name as final king; Rama Raya sowing discord among Islamic sultanates to the north which defers pressure from that direction, then they figure it out and attack; he uses the name "Talikota" as the decisive battle.
Yo-yo swings between religious tolerance and cultural/artistic freedom, or not, in author's description of Victory City's history.
Rushdie describes the ideal state in a way that just sounds like Utopia (unfortunately).
Pampa Kampana's last act is to write down the entire history of her creation in verse. The power of words.
Overall, I liked this.
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