‘Etched in Gold’

A Sanskrit biography of a king.

A cross-cultural alliance between Tanjore and Denmark. 

Etched in Gold is a lyrical and layered novel of

empowerment, cultural legacy, and the

enduring voice of two women separated

by time but united by a shared spirit.

Photo credits - Dan Turner

A lyrical and ambitious debut, Uma Srinivasan’s Etched in Gold brings the rich heritage of Thanjavur to life through dual narratives spanning centuries. From the grace of temple dancers to the rhythms of Carnatic music, this novel is a heartfelt tribute to cultural identity and artistic legacy.

— Indian Link

Read the full review on Indian Link.

Uma Srinivasan writes from the land of the Wangal people in Sydney, Australia. She had a long career as a Computer Scientist in India and Australia before turning to writing full- time. Her journey into historical fiction began with the translation of her mother’s Tamil novel,  Nandinayakan:A Temple Builder, published in 2015. In 2024, she co-authored the delightful children’s book Chaos in the Gym with her granddaughter, Anika Kuber. Etched in Gold, her first major work of fiction, was shortlisted for the 2023 “Write It Fellowship by Penguin Random House Australia.”

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Shankari Chandran

Shankari Chandran

Etched in Gold is a song across centuries—bold, beautiful, and quietly subversive. Srinivasan revives a forgotten legacy with grace and power.
- Shankari Chandran, winner of the Miles Franklin Literary Award 2023
Cathie Tasker

Cathie Tasker

I identified with Maya in contemporary Sydney who struggled with her craft of music. Maya helped me understand Amba in Tanjore in 1610 who was facing similar creative and personal struggles. A wonderful character-driven book. ––Cathie Tasker, Editor and Creative Writing Teacher
Pamela Hart

Pamela Hart

Etched in Gold transported me to a distant place and time, and made me feel like I belonged. Highly recommended. ––Pamela Hart, Award winning Historical Novelist

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