A mismatched historian couple visit the fictitious town of Badanadi to search for something to do with Aurangzeb. It is critical for Sarah, the historian’s wife who is doing a thesis on the amorous Maharajas of India. While they set about searching for this unknown, serendipity brings in an adventurer, amateur photographer, antique dealer and a small time thug to become part of this adventure.
The search for this knowledge takes them through the dusty streets of Badanadi as no one seems to be aware of anything. Is this a ‘stone’ or a ‘document’ or just a ‘monument’, is what all the explorers are left guessing. A visit to the office of the ASI provides some clues, but the historians must sit and solve the puzzle. As it unfurls, the excitement is palpable.
There is unconcealed glee for the historians when they get to the site which turns to a nightmare as confusion abounds when the characters reveal their colours. They just want to go home now. But will they succeed?
Written by a career economist, the novel starts by introducing the protagonists and then accelerates before taking the reader on a roller coaster ride.