India has had her share of strong women rulers. None perhaps as formidable as the quartet that ruled Bhopal with uncommon vision and chutzpah in the 19-20th century.

It is easy and perhaps completely justifiable to lapse into panegyrics over the Begums of Bhopal.

Formidable is a word that springs to mind when reading Preckels' account of Qudsiya Begum, Sikander Begum, Shah Jahan Begum and Sultan Jahan Begum who ruled Bhopal between 1819 and 1926.

Those were not easy years to rule a kingdom. Least of all, as a woman ruler. India was still under the British. Unrest was the order of the day. Royal principalities were being co-opted to the British crown. Amidst such turmoil, stood the four Begums of Bhopal.

Under them, the kingdom of Bhopal remained fairly calm.

These were women ahead of their times. Besides governing a large kingdom in perilous times, they also achieved much in their personal lives. Qudsiya Begum broke purdah, and was a fine equestrian. She was also skilled in the military arts- "more terrible to approach than a tigress", as the English observed. Sikander Begum cited the examples of Bilquis, the Queen of Sheba, to those who challenged the rule of a woman. Shah Jahan Begum wrote poetry under the penname Shirin. Sultan Jahan Begum ruled a kingdom and travelled the world.

Truly fascinating women and role models for our times as well.

Rating: Thankfully, this isn't a dreary paean to the Begums. It's a well-written book with anecdote; social history and politics all combined with the irresistible charm of the Big Four Begums. Engrossing.

• Begums of Bhopal by Claudia Preckel. Roll Books, Lotus Collection Rs. 295.

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