S3E130: Stories, History & Strong Women: Mallika Ravikumar on Writing for Young Minds
Award-winning author and historian Mallika Ravikumar joins The AboutHer Show to talk about writing history for young minds, women’s voices in literature, and her deep love for trees.
Winner of the Atta Galatta Bangalore Literature Festival Award for Best Children’s Fiction 2023 and the Binod Kanoria Children’s Book Award 2023 (Young Adult), Mallika shares her journey from law to literature, her fascination with lesser-known chapters of Indian history like the Battle of Baramulla, and the importance of strong female characters in historical fiction.
The conversation also touches on women’s visibility in historical writing and how storytelling can inspire young women to connect with their heritage, and ends with a fun, rapid-fire round.
Chapters:
(0:00) - Beginnings & Belonging
An introduction to Mallika Ravikumar — her worlds of writing, history, and nature.
(3:30) - Stories That Win Hearts
How winning the Atta Galatta Bangalore Literature Festival Award and the Binod Kanoria Children’s Book Award shaped her confidence and creative journey.
(6:16) - From Courtrooms to Chapters
Mallika reflects on her transition from law to literature and how the two disciplines intersect.
(11:00) - Unearthing Forgotten Histories
What drew her to the lesser-known stories of India’s past, especially the accession of princely states?
(14:26) - The Battle of Baramulla
A deep dive into one of the most critical yet under-discussed episodes in Indian history.
(19:25) - Writing History for Young Minds
Balancing historical accuracy with storytelling when writing for children and young adults.
(23:57) - Women Historians & Visibility
The challenges women historians and writers face — and why visibility still matters.
(27:21) - History Through a Woman’s Lens
How historical fiction can help young women connect with identity, courage, and heritage.
(30:07) - Writing Strong Female Characters
Is intentionality important when creating powerful women characters for young readers?
(34:52) - Advice to Young Women Writers
Mallika shares grounded, practical advice for women entering writing and historical fiction.
(38:01) - The Toughest Writing Challenge
The biggest challenges of writing historical fiction- especially for younger audiences.
(42:30) - A Life Rooted in Trees
Her passion for trees, tree walks, and storytelling through Tree Talk with Mallika Ravikumar.
(47:14) - When History Meets Nature
Imagining a book that blends history, ecology, and storytelling.
(50:48) - Rapid Fire Round
Quick, fun insights into Mallika’s inspirations, influences, and personality.
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