Book discussion - Devadasi: An exploration of feminine power in ancient India

Join us for a captivating book discussion with Ambassador Sangeeta Bahadur, as she delves into her latest novel Devadasi. 

Set in ancient India, the book explores themes of empowerment, societal transformation, and the clash between tradition and progress. Ambassador Bahadur, a distinguished diplomat and author of the acclaimed KAAL series, will offer insights into her storytelling process and the complex world of her characters. The event will include an interactive Q&A session, followed by a brief book signing.

About the book

Devadasi is a powerful, sensuous tale of a woman’s defiant journey towards independence, self-respect, and emotional fulfillment. Set in the sixth century BCE, it transports readers to the vast Kingdom of Avanti, ruled by the enigmatic King Palaka. His rigid, patriarchal rule is shaken by the arrival of stunning and unconventional Kalyaani, who defies every expectation and calls herself a Divyadasi—not a handmaiden of the gods, but of Shakti herself.

As Kalyaani challenges Palaka’s authority and the fate of the kingdom itself, the story unfolds as a gripping clash between two worldviews: one of freedom, creativity, and abundance, and the other of control, submission, and sterility. With each page, the reader is drawn deeper into the drama, where every twist forces them to question the very notions of power, love, and identity.

In Devadasi, ancient India’s mysticism intertwines with the universal struggle for self-discovery, making this a must-read for those seeking a narrative rich with history, passion, and the unrelenting pursuit of freedom.

About the speaker

Ambassador Sangeeta Bahadur is a celebrated author and former Indian diplomat, having held key international postings in Spain, Belgium, Mexico, and the UK, where she served as Director of The Nehru Centre. At the Ministry of External Affairs, her roles included Deputy Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and resident faculty at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service. 

She concluded her distinguished 35-year career as High Commissioner to Malta. A Global Finalist in the 2022 SHE INSPIRES Awards, she is recognised for her leadership and cultural diplomacy. 

A gifted storyteller, Ambassador Bahadur is the author of the critically acclaimed KAAL series, which integrates Indian spiritual traditions into heroic fantasy. Devadasi is her first stand-alone novel.