Queen of Mahishmathi

Queen of Mahishmathi – by Anand Neelakantan is the third and final novel in the Baahubali: Before the Beginning trilogy, serving as a prequel to the popular Baahubali films. The book details Sivagami’s complex journey as she battles political enemies and her own inner conflicts to become the queen of Mahishmathi. The novel follows Sivagami as she continues her quest to fulfill her father’s wish and expose the corruption within the kingdom, particularly the activities at Gauriparvat. Unbeknownst to her, Maharaja Somadeva’s rivals are closing in, forcing Sivagami into a precarious position. Guided by Somadeva, she navigates the dangerous game of palace intrigue and warfare, a path that forces her to confront her own developing ruthlessness, mirroring the man she despises. The narrative explores her difficult choices between love and ambition, principles and cunning, and selflessness and envy, ultimately detailing her transformation into the powerful queen seen in the films. The book also features the story of Katappa as he becomes a devoted protector of the realm.