CUCKOLD Paperback

"CUCKOLD" by Kiran Nagarkar is a masterful historical novel set in the tumultuous 16th-century Rajput kingdom of Mewar, during a period of intense conflict with the Sultanates. The story is narrated by Maharaj Kumar, the heir apparent to the throne of Mewar, a fictionalized character based on Prince Bhoj Raj. At the heart of the narrative is his unconventional marriage to the enigmatic and devout princess, Mirabai, who famously considers Lord Krishna to be her true husband and refuses to consummate her marriage with the prince. Nagarkar skillfully weaves a rich tapestry of political intrigue, philosophical musings, and deeply personal struggles, as Maharaj Kumar grapples with his unrequited love, the demands of kingship, and the changing tides of history, all while questioning the very nature of duty, devotion, and desire in a world on the brink of profound change. The novel won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2000 and is celebrated for its unique blend of historical detail, psychological depth, and modern sensibility.