In a captivating talk, Sumedha Verma Ojha takes us on a fascinating journey through her transition from a bureaucrat in the Indian revenue service to a historical fiction writer, as she shares insights into the creation of the Urnabhih series set in ancient India during the Mauryan period.

Ojha addresses the challenges of representing this historical era in English literature, noting the underrepresentation compared to the popularity of mythological fiction. She emphasizes her commitment to historical accuracy, detailing the meticulous research involved, down to the minutest details of the Mauryan diet. The author introduces the series’ protagonist, Mr. Casey, distinguishing him from historical figures like Chanakya and Chandra Gupta. A highlight of the talk is the serendipitous collaboration that led to the Urnabhih series’ publication, stemming from interactions on a Facebook page. Ojha’s journey through 13 rounds of editing, balancing Sanskrit within the English narrative, is a testament to the challenges faced during the editorial process.

Ojha expresses delight at the positive response to the first book, spurring her determination to turn it into a series. Her deepening knowledge and research, including the creation of the web series Mauryalok, further enriched her understanding of the Mauryan era.