Kashmiri-Indo-American Novelist
Rakesh K. Kaul
Stories where civilizational memory meets the crises of the modern world.
From Kashmir’s forgotten queens to a planet fighting for water.
HarperCollins
Penguin
Bridport Prize 2025 Shortlist
Jaipur Literature Festival
Forthcoming · November 2026 · Vitasta Publishing (India) . Pippa Raan Books (UK)
WaterFire Day Zero
A climate thriller rooted in Indian myth
We have always looked at water.
We have never looked from it.
When California smokejumper and climate-science student Jala Elena Dhar travels to India to confront a man weaponizing global thirst, an attempt to erase her awakens something older than death. As water systems fail across continents, she must become the very force he believed he could control.
Every life begins with water. Every life continues water’s journey.
“Kaul presents a gripping narrative and a convincing young protagonist… A lively and involving combination of fantasy and cli-fi."
“Jala is The Gaia Redemption …”
The Novels
Historical fiction from Kashmir’s feminine power
Two novels of the queens, warrior heroines, and civilizational memory of Kashmir.
The Last Queen of Kashmir
Novel · HarperCollins India · 2016
A best-selling historical novel of Kota Rani, the last queen of Kashmir — treachery, betrayal, and the quest for land and faith in Kashmir of 1330 AD.
Hindustan Times: ‘The Last Queen of Kashmir is an engaging tale of medieval history. Do read the book and find out’
Dawn: The Warrior Princess of Kashmir
Novel · Penguin · 2019
A sci-fi epic of a young warrior princess — featured at the Jaipur Literature Festival, and praised by Anupam Kher as “a message for all eternity.”
‘Stories unite the world and they are worth fighting for… The core of this fantastic tale is a message for all eternity.’
‘Kaul illuminates not just the vital importance of the love and strength held in the heart of every woman, but the unimaginable power of the cosmic feminine force.'
Kota Rani · कोटा रानी
Hindi Edition
The Hindi translation of The Last Queen of Kashmir — Kashmir ki Antim Maharani: Kota Rani, translated by Kshama Kaul (Pralek Prakashan).
The Last Delivery
Awards & Short Fiction
Shortlisted for the Bridport Prize 2025 Short Story competition, one of the leading international short-story platforms.
Photo, Film, Television & Rights
The novels of Rakesh K. Kaul — including the forthcoming WaterFire Day Zero — are available for film, television, and translation rights.
Photographs are available for purchase/licensing.
Selected Writing
Essays, commentary & scholarship
A selection of signature essays on Kashmir’s history, philosophy, and geopolitics.
Forthcoming Scholarship · Fall 2026
Yajñopavītadhāraṇamantravidhiḥ Tattva Vivriti
A Provisional Commentary on MS 1128-घ from the Śrī Raghunāth Temple Manuscript Library, Jammu.
Sri Pashupatinath Journal, Nepal
CNN News18 · 2026
Times of India · 2026
Fair Observer · 2024
Swarajya · 2023
Fair Observer · 2022
Watch & Listen
On screen and in conversation
The Last Queen of Kashmir
Official Book Trailer
Dawn: The Warrior Princess
Book Trailer
Unlocking the Wisdom of Water
A Conversation on WaterFire Day Zero
Pandit Gopi Krishna: The Non-Guru Guru
Unlock the secrets of the Panchasthavi
Book Talk Modi@20: Dreams Meet Delivery
in conversation with Minister of External Affairs, Government of India, DR. S. Jaishankar
Explore the profound legacy of Pandit Gopikrishna, a pivotal figure in yoga and spirituality.
Author & Craft
What Is Your Story?
India Heritage Center · Author & Entrepreneur
Scientists of Tomorrow
Lead Actor · dir. Ritwik Ghatak · Films Division of India
The Last Delivery
Workshop on Indic Literary Principles
Talks, Lectures & Appearances
On stage and at the podium
Festivals, universities, museums, and cultural forums across the US, UK, and India.
Featured Lecture · October 16, 2023
India Calling: Walt Whitman Reconsiderations
A featured lecture at the birthplace of the American poet Walt Whitman.
Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site, New York
Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla · 2021
Jaipur Literature Festival · 2020
About
Rakesh K. Kaul
At Mount Kailash — a Getty-qualified photographer in the field.
Cultural Work
Beyond the page
Leadership in the arts, cultural restitution, and India-studies institution building.
The Arts of Kashmir
Recovering the Tengapura Durga
Museum & Cultural Boards
Arts Leadership
Other Cultural & Community Roles
Advisor to the film The Kashmir Files.
Ek Saath COVID fundraiser led by Anupam Kher, supporting a campaign that raised more than $400,000.
Get in Touch
Invitations, interviews & enquiries
correspondence.