Sultana Daku terrorised the United Provinces of British India back in the Twenties, and was considered the 'most dangerous man in His Majesty's Empire'



Sujit Saraf's novel combines swashbuckling adventure with a touching, human tale. Sultana tells his story through the night; in the morning he will be hanged. He goes back to his childhood; his love for his mistress the dancing girl Phulkanwar; his stealing King George's crown; his escape from the Najibabad Fort; the many rapes and murders he's been involved in. Having been born into a family of dacoits, this is the only life Sultana knows and, while he believes in his criminal destiny, he dreams of a different life for his son.

A story of human resilience, of power and powerlessness, of the often complicated relationship that rulers have with their subjects. Above all a grand narrative of love, longing and hope.

Author: Sujit Saraf
Publisher: Penguin
Price: Rs 450