After captivating millions of readers with mythological fiction, bestselling author Amish Tripathi is now turning the page to a new audience. The author will make his children’s literature debut with Dhruv-Tara & The Great Indian History Quiz, the opening title in a seven-book adventure series, and will unveil it during a special Instagram Live with actor Sonam Kapoor at 11 a.m. on July 9.
The live session will offer readers a first look at the book and feature a conversation on why history need not be confined to textbooks but can instead become an exciting journey of discovery for children.
Published by Westland Books under its children’s imprint Red Panda, the book is slated for release on July 27, with pre-orders already underway.
Known for blockbuster series such as the Shiva Trilogy, Ram Chandra Series and Indic Chronicles, Amish has sold over 8 million copies, earning the distinction of being the fastest-selling author in Indian publishing history. With Dhruv-Tara, he now shifts his focus from mythology to young readers, while retaining his long-standing fascination with India’s civilisational legacy.
The story revolves around two classmates at Mumbai’s Nalanda International School—ambitious quiz champion Dhruv Trivedi and inquisitive newcomer Tara Dhoba. What begins as an intense academic rivalry gradually transforms into a shared quest that takes them through forgotten chapters of Indian history, introducing readers to unsung heroes, ancient universities, scientific innovations and remarkable events that have shaped the country over centuries.
For Amish, the inspiration behind the series comes from his own school days.
“I loved history as a subject because I had a teacher who made it interesting and went beyond the textbooks. The aim of the Dhruv-Tara series is to give young readers an entertaining story while introducing them to a rooted and indigenous understanding of our history. I hope the children enjoy these books as much as their parents have enjoyed my earlier work,” he said.
Westland Books believes the new series has the potential to make history more engaging for children by blending mystery, friendship, teamwork and adventure with authentic historical narratives.
Gautam Padmanabhan, Business Head at Westland Books, said the publisher was excited to continue its long association with Amish through a completely new genre.
“The Dhruv-Tara series extends Amish’s storytelling to a younger generation, encouraging curiosity about India’s rich past while nurturing a lifelong interest in learning,” he said.
Vidhi Bhargava, Publisher at Red Panda, described the book as an adventure that combines the excitement of competitive quizzing with India’s civilisational heritage.
“At Red Panda, we believe the best stories inspire curiosity. This series explores rivalry, friendship, teamwork and self-discovery while inviting children to uncover the many fascinating stories that make up India’s heritage,” she said.
Aimed at middle-grade readers, Dhruv-Tara & The Great Indian History Quiz seeks to transform history from a classroom subject into a thrilling adventure, making the country’s past both accessible and entertaining for a new generation of readers.
