In a history-meets-mystery children's book, Greek author Jeanne Perrett tells THE GUIDE about building fantasies around the Fatehpur Sikri fort where two young kids find Emperor Akbar's sword. What's more, your kid can be part of the hunt in the sequel

It's an unusual idea. Where did it stem from?
Well, I suppose it is unusual to involve imaginary characters alongside historical ones, but really it's a classic adventure story set in a different era.

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Were you tired of reading typical history (and maybe mythology), and so decided to add a twist?

I love reading history and mythology books, and virtual history is my favourite way of learning about the past. You can imagine you are living in that period, eating the food, wearing the clothes, seeing what they saw and feeling what they felt, so I hope that this book provides some of that in novel form.u00a0u00a0

How did the concept of including real kids for characters surface? Do you think participative literature will work in India?
I hope so! I wanted to write a story which today's children would enjoy, but one which would carry them back to a time they have learnt about in their schools, a time when kids could run freely around the countryside, be adventurous, be free, get into trouble and out of it, again!u00a0

Many believe that Greek mythology is more intriguing than Indian history. Why did you embark on the later? What research did it involve?
Indian history is just as intriguing. It took a lot of research. You don't use all that you learn, but you need to learn a lot to give the right atmosphere. Apart from visiting the archaeological sites, I read a lot. I've got notebooks crammed with information, much of which I didn't use, but it was necessary to provide the right background details and the feel of the book. That done, I travelled in time, mentally, placing myself into that era and into the hearts and heads of the characters.

History is a risky area to tread in India, especially when combined with fiction. Extremists have wrecked havoc on artistic works that meddled with historic facts. Are you ready for the consequences?
I've been told that you can't say you've arrived in the arts in India unless your effigy has been burnt in the streets, at least once! So, yes, I'm braced. But seriously, we have made it very clear that this is entirely a work of fiction, set in the time of Akbar's rule. And of course it's children's literature, full of drama and adventure. No historian, however fanatical, can deny that the 16th century had more than its fair share of that!u00a0

Any real life inspiration behind the main characters?
I've been very lucky to always be surrounded by kids. I've brought up four of my own, and I had an English school in the village where we live, so children and their thoughts, actions and dreams have always been a part of my life. And I still feel as if I'm about ten sometimes! But Ash and Tara came to life in my head - they're not based on any particular children.u00a0u00a0u00a0

How much footwork did the fort-finding need?
Choosing the Agra fort was obvious as Akbar lived there during the period the book is set in. Visiting it and Fatehpur Sikri was wonderful and meant that everything I had read about became real and stayed in my head throughout the story. Of course, one then has to bring it to life and fill it with people, noise, food, furniture and that is where art and the miniatures of that era are useful. And of course, good old imagination.u00a0u00a0

Some say teachers make the worst writers. Your take...
Who said that? I don't see why teachers should be any better or worse than plumbers or grocers or any other professions!

Ash and Tara don't sound like names from 1568...
Ash is short for Ashok and Tara is an ancient name. Tara was the second wife of Brhaspati, the Lord of prayer and devotion. But yes, they sound modern, and that was intentional, to choose names which would sound good to children's ears. Since they are used for the title of the series, we wanted them to be catchy and easy to remember.u00a0

BE PART OF THE SEQUEL
To get your kid featured as a character in the next Ash and Tara book and win a bumper hamper worth
Rs 50,000, log on to www.penguinbooksindia.com/treasurehunt

Ash & Tara and The Emerald Dagger, Puffin Books, 146 pages. Rs 150. Available at leading bookstores

THE PLOT: Devious minds are at work, planning to steal Emperor Akbar's emerald dagger, which is supposed to bring good luck. Twins Ash and Tara, who live in a village across the Yamuna, reach the Agra fort and learn of this. Can they stop the ruthless Magesh and his accomplices from carrying out the plan? Or will they get framed for the theft and incur the wrath of the Emperor?u00a0u00a0

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