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This Amar Chitra Katha highlights the life of revolutionaries who were exiled to the dreaded cellular prison on Port Blair in the Andaman Islands. Many went insane and a few committed suicide, but Veer Savarkar refused to be daunted. He valiantly continued the fight for human dignity and freedom, even in prison. What was the secret of Savarkar's strength? He was utterly confident that India would achieve freedom. That conviction gave him hope and courage to overcome depression and keep fighting wherever he was, inside the prison or outside.

He was from a respectable family, well-educated and a lawyer, yet many Indians thought of him as 'untouchable'. It was up to B.R. Ambedkar to teach his 'depressed' community to fight the injustices that it faced each day. Hard working and wise, he became the icon of the underprivileged. History, however, will remember him as the architect of India's Constitution.

In the early 20th century when the hills of Kumaon echoed with the bone-chilling roar of a man-eating tiger, it was the sure shot hunter, 'Carpet Sahib' who went to put an end to the terror. But what was often missed was the intense sorrow he felt when one of these magnificent creatures had to be shot down. Jim Corbett understood the tiger and respected it. He recognized its irreplaceable place in the circle of life and described it as the 'large-hearted gentleman with boundless courage'. Amar Chitra Katha tells the story of Jim Corbett and traces his life and love for one of India's most valuable and endangered animals.

In the early 20th century when the hills of Kumaon echoed with the bone-chilling roar of a man-eating tiger, it was the sure shot hunter, 'Carpet Sahib' who went to put an end to the terror. But what was often missed was the intense sorrow he felt when one of these magnificent creatures had to be shot down. Jim Corbett understood the tiger and respected it. He recognized its irreplaceable place in the circle of life and described it as the 'large-hearted gentleman with boundless courage'. Amar Chitra Katha tells the story of Jim Corbett and traces his life and love for one of India's most valuable and endangered animals.

He may have looked like a demon, but Ghatotkacha was a guardian angel, always ready to help, always cheerful. The Pandava brother, Bheema, was lucky to have him as a son, for he saved his life more than once and if it were not for this brave young rakshasa, the Kauravas may well have been the victors of the famous battle of Mahabharata.

Wise Yudhishthira, strong Bheema, skilful Arjuna, brave Nakula and Sahadeva - five exceptionally talented brothers whose youthful exuberance made their Kaurava cousins very jealous. Things only got worse when Duryodhana found that everyone wanted Yudhishthira as king. It was their courage and skill that helped the Pandava princes survive several murderous plots and as a bonus, they won themselves wonderful wives!

This was no mere perch for any monarch, the goddess parfait herself embellished it with her thirty-two beautiful companions, whom she first cast into stone. Eventually king Vikramaditya received the throne as a gift from the Lord Indra, but he little realized that it would one day be used to remind the world of his virtues and guide future rulers to greatness.

Prince Khurram was a favorite of his grandfather, Emperor Akbar, who saw in the young prince a reflection of himself. Akbar was not mistaken. Khurram proved himself to be a brave soldier, an able commander and an excellent strategist. He was certainly the natural heir to his father, Jahangir, who recognizing his qualities gave him the title of Shah Jahan or Ruler of the World. But his stepmother, Noor Jahan, had other plans.

Malharrao Holkar of Malwa, in Central India, was so impressed by the religious devotion and regal bearing of eight-year-old Ahilya, that he decided to make her his daughter-in-law. A decision he never regretted. Recognizing her abilities, Malharrao trained the young girl in the art of statesmanship and trusted her enough to leave the administration in her hands when he went on military expeditions. Then, in a series of misfortunes, Ahilya lost her husband, father-in-law and son. The brave queen took charge and turned Malwa into a contented and prosperous kingdom. So much so that even the British, whom she opposed steadfastly, praised her as a truly great ruler.

When Usha, daughter of the asura king, Bana, dreamt of a handsome youth, she lost her heart to him completely. Little did she know that he was Aniruddha, grandson of Krishna. Nor did she ever imagine that their love would lead to a fierce battle between the Yadava forces of Krishna and the demon army of Bana, aided by the wild hordes of Shiva.

The Sultan of Gujarat has taken a liking to Kanwal and is out for Kehar's life. Can Kehar keep himself alive and also rescue Kanwal from the Sultan's clutches?

The battle between Alexander of Macedonia and King Paurava was the most difficult one the Greek invader had ever fought. Here he was faced with an adversary whose courage and pride demanded recognition. Even though Paurava lost the battle to Alexander's brilliant strategy on the battlefield he could not be conquered by the great conqueror.

Legend has it that the ancient town of Thanjavur came up on the spot where Vishnu defeated an evil demon. The mighty Cholas made it their capital in the 9th century CE, following which they increased, through conquests, the size and strength of their empire. Finally, after realizing all his military ambitions, the Chola monarch Raja Raja Chola I decided to build a great temple in Thanjavur dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thus Thanjavur became home to the majestic Brihadeeswara temple and many other shrines. Amar Chitra Katha tells the stories surrounding this ancient town and its monuments.

Birbal had proved himself to be the most reliable minister at court, time and again. He dispensed justice, dealt diplomatically with other rulers, led military expeditions and composed poetry. In addition, he also rescued Akbar from the dangers of arrogance and unfettered power. Most importantly, he made the Great Mughal laugh.

King Virat's honor was at stake and his son, Uttara, was anxious to show off his warrior skills. But faced by the enemy Kaurava hordes, Uttara's courage vanished. It was up to his hero, the famous Pandava, Arjuna, to ensure that the young prince succeeded in his mission and yet, Arjuna had to keep his own identity hidden or the Kauravas would gain the upper hand.

There was a great consternation in the court of Keladi, when the king married a commoner. But Chennamma, the merchant's daughter, proved to be a born queen. She became an expert rider and archer. She took great interest in the governing of the kingdom. When a scheming minister poisoned and killed the king, Chennamma was forced to take over as ruler. Before she could calm the troubled kingdom, Keladi came under attack from the powerful armies of Bijapur. Undaunted, Chennamma sold her jewelry to finance the battle. Then she marched out to meet the invaders, at the head of her army.

For the sick, the troubled and the oppressed Shirdi in Maharashtra was the place to go. It was where Sai Baba's all-encompassing love made them feel better, happier and more at peace. He could reveal himself as the Supreme Deity and yet assume the form of a street dog, turn water into oil and save a child miles away from burning flames. However, by the time he left this world in 1918, he had also made thousands understand that good acts are the only miracle needed to find God.

Aruni was willing to give up his life for his Guru, Uttanka cast aside his dreams for his teacher. Young or old, their devotion and obedience were almost superhuman. Luckily, as described in the Mahabharata, the gods looked kindly on them. After all, these young men had earned the right to happiness.

Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it' -- this clarion call was given by Bal Gangadhar Tilak. He was a towering figure in the Indian Independence movement. A nationalist to the core, he believed strongly that modern education would inculcate patriotism and self-respect in the people. His inspiring speeches and writing landed Tilak in jail several times. But this did not dampen his spirit or will to cast off the yoke of foreign rule from his motherland.

Was Tenali Raman a fool or the cleverest man at the court of Krishnadeva Raya? After all, he humbled great kings as well as learned scholars. Wiggling out of every predicament in unique and unexpected ways, this poet-jester reminds us of Birbal at the court of Akbar. Read his tales and laugh with joy even as his plain common sense leaves you gasping.