Iktara Bole focuses on poetic observation rather than the conventional plot. It is focused on broadening a young reader’s awareness of the world, history, and current issues. The book is structured as a series of columns or essays by Priyamvad that explore larger topics, such as the experiences of foreign travellers in India (on figures like Fa-Hien, Xuanzang [Hiuen Tsang], Al-Biruni, Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta, Vasco Da Gama, William Hawkins, and François Bernier). The book’s clear structure, with one chapter dedicated to each traveller, makes it an excellent resource for young history enthusiasts. The text explores the travellers and their major works, such as Al-Biruni’s Tariq-ul Hind and Marco Polo’s A Discussion of the World. The illustrations by Dilip Chinchalkar support the educational nature of the text, often depicting the historical figures or concepts being discussed. This volume is an excellent tool for nurturing a young person’s interest in history, geography, and critical observation.
November 2025, volume 49, No 11