History is generally documented in a manner that is specific to either an event or people/individuals.This is a one-of-its-kind book that makes the reader reconsider history from the perspective of aplace or a monument, instead of the epochs around an individual or an event. The book focuses oneight important ancient places in North India which faced destruction at the hands of conquerorsand invaders. This is a journey through the tales, legends and history of these ancient sites—oftenpainful yet sometimes heroic. The lustre of these places as important centres of religion, learning,art and architecture attracted not only those who helped them flourish but also those who destroyedthem. The book spotlights these unfortunate places and the distressing tale of their demise.The author, Sabya Sachi Ghosh, brings forth research and observations that are unique to who heis, and is not. He’s a biker, a Master of English at The Doon School, and a visual artist, but not ahistorian.