History quiz in a new format

THIS is the first children’s books in a seven-book middle-grade adventure series by bestselling author Amish Tripathi. ‘Dhruv-Tara & The Great Indian History Quiz’, aimed at young readers aged 8 to 15, is an attempt by the best-selling author to present “Indian history through a decolonised lens”.

Dhruv Trivedi is competitive, impulsive and used to winning easily. Tara Dhoba is a new entry to his school in Mumbai, an equally bright student, and becomes the first classmate to ever challenge Dhruv. The rivals are forced into an uneasy partnership when they are chosen to represent their school in India’s biggest-ever student quiz contest.

Amish has attempted to present history, usually perceived as a boring subject by many, in the garb of an adventure to engage with the young minds. The book, divided into 13 chapters, is quite fast-paced and uses Gen Z lingo so as to speak to them in a language they understand.

All through the book, Dhruv and Tara are full of curiosity, asking questions from everyone at every stage. Because, according to Amish, curiosity is a skill that kids need to develop in the age of AI. There are no religious undertones as the author has written about various invasions of India through an economic lens.

Written in an easy manner, the book also teaches youngsters about a healthy competitive spirit and teamwork. The 200-page book is quite well-researched, as is clear by a seven-page ‘Reference’ section in the end. A part of Amish & Immortal Writers’ Centre, Jash Dholani is the commissioned writer of ‘Dhruv-Tara’, which has been beautifully illustrated by Nayan Bose.