‘I take back all my books thus far and declare Vaishali ki Nagarvadhu as my only work.’ (Acharya Chatursen)

Aacharya Chatursen was an important Hindi-language novelist, famous for works like Goli, Somnath, Vayam Rakshamah and Aabha. His best-known works take inspiration from historical events and characters.

His most famous work, Vaishali ki Nagarvadhu, is considered to be one of the best Hindi novels of all time. Based on the life of Ambapali, this historical novel presents a vivid image of life in India during the fifth to sixth century BC, giving the listener a glimpse of history, culture, traditions and politics of that time. It is a story about kingdoms and kings, monarchy and republic, privileges and sacrifices and also about power and subservience.

In the Republic of Vaishali - which comprises eight different states and is run by their elected representatives - lives the beautiful Ambapali. Considered to be the most beautiful woman in the whole republic, she is eventually forced to dedicate herself to the republic as a Nagarvadhu (literally, the wife of the city). She, however, demands various privileges in exchange for this and is granted all of them by the authorities, with the condition that she must fulfil her duties well. However, intoxicated by her newly found power and popularity, she soon falls in love with a man, giving birth to a son. Now a mother, she desires that her son should rule the kingdom of Magadha. Where does this desire lead her? Does she get what she wants, or does destiny have something else for her in store?

Please note: This audiobook is in Hindi.