Neal Nathan Celebrates History And Imagination Through Award-Winning Novel Raaz Mahal – The Palace Of Secrets

Exploring The Intersection Of History And Fiction

Neal Nathan discusses his inspiration, extensive research, and challenges in creating Raaz Mahal – The Palace of Secrets, a suspenseful historical thriller blending rigorous inquiry with compelling storytelling.

Neal Nathan is a shining star in the literary world, blending meticulous research with the art of storytelling to produce works that captivate imaginations and enrich minds. His debut novel, Raaz Mahal – The Palace of Secrets, is not merely a book—it is a journey into history, intrigue, and human discovery. With a dazzling academic background that spans engineering, information systems, and public policy, coupled with extensive professional experience in consulting and technology, Neal blends intellectual rigor with creative flair like few authors can.

Mosaic Digest magazine is proud to feature an exclusive interview with this multi-talented author, whose literary debut has won well-deserved praise not just in the United States but across the globe. Neal’s ability to weave historical authenticity with thrilling fiction is exemplified in Raaz Mahal – The Palace of Secrets, a novel that dares to explore the mysteries surrounding one of the world’s most iconic architectural wonders, the Taj Mahal.

From its conceptual spark to the painstaking research process, Neal’s narrative is a testament to the boundless curiosity and dedication of an author who values both truth and imagination. His ability to engage readers with finely developed characters, intellectual frameworks, and thought-provoking ideas positions him among a rare breed of writers whose stories are as illuminating as they are entertaining. Recognized by esteemed reviewers, celebrated in print and online media, and now available in multiple languages for readers worldwide, Neal’s work transcends borders and resonates deeply with audiences everywhere.

At Mosaic Digest, we are thrilled to bring you an intimate conversation with Neal Nathan—a storyteller who effortlessly marries history and fiction, intellect and passion. Whether you have already been swept away by Raaz Mahal or are about to discover it for the first time, this interview offers a rare glimpse into the mind behind the masterpiece.

Neal Nathan seamlessly merges historical depth with thrilling narrative, crafting a masterpiece that captivates readers and enriches intellectual exploration.

What inspired you to create the novel ‘Raaz Mahal – The Palace of Secrets’? 

A few years ago, I came across some fascinating information about the world-famous Taj Mahal—largely drawn from public domain sources, yet surprisingly underappreciated. It immediately captured my interest. Stimulated, I began researching and cross-verifying one reference after another, gathering some twenty to twenty-five intriguing, pertinent historical accounts in about a year. Driven by sheer academic curiosity, I began mapping them onto a timeline and sketching flowcharts. Together, they hinted at a truly remarkable story. I started sharing my findings informally with family and friends. At first, we considered whether this could lead to a thesis or a research paper—but then the idea of turning it into a novel, a thriller, began to take shape. I said, ‘Let me give it a shot—maybe just write a few pages of the storyline.’ I still don’t know exactly how those two or three pages transformed into over three hundred—and that’s how ‘Raaz Mahal – The Palace of Secrets’ was born.

“Stimulated, I began researching and cross-verifying one reference after another…they hinted at a truly remarkable story.” – Neal Nathan

Can you tell us about the research process you undertook for the book? 

Typically, authors begin with a storyline or theme and then research the historical context, settings, and social nuances to enrich it. In my case, the process unfolded in reverse—research came first. One can see ‘research’ as ‘re-search’—not necessarily about uncovering something entirely new, but also about revisiting and re-examining what already exists or is claimed. I focused on locating verifiable primary sources, cross-checking them myself, and conducting an independent analysis. In the novel, the protagonist relies on two analytical frameworks to carry out his mission: one, the seven levels of primary and secondary historical evidence; and two, the structured differentiation between facts, probabilities, possibilities, hypotheses, and beliefs or opinions. Interestingly, I followed the very same frameworks in my own research. While the Internet Archive website proved invaluable, offering an extensive collection of digitized manuscripts and historical records, I also had to make special requests to a major library for specific documents. The most critical part was ensuring consistency between my research and analysis, eliminating gaps or contradictions. I knew I had to be patient and thorough before I could confidently begin the writing phase.

“Research came first…re-examining what already exists or is claimed.” – Neal Nathan

How did your background in engineering, consulting, and policy influence your storytelling and approach to writing? 

My engineering and consulting background proved valuable in conducting and organizing the research. Interestingly, the protagonist himself is an engineer turned archaeologist, and in many ways, I infused his analytical approach to problem-solving with my own technical perspective—though always within the framework of a suspenseful narrative. Policy-making, however, operates on a very different plane. In the novel, when the bureaucracy begins to erect obstacles, the protagonist remains cautious, fully aware of the risks involved in disturbing the status quo. My own experience observing policy dynamics in the workplace helped me portray how officials might react to, downplay, or outright dismiss the protagonist’s carefully reasoned arguments.

“Offer a truthful distinction between what is historically verifiable and what remains uncertain.” – Neal Nathan

What challenges did you face while blending historical facts with fiction in your novel? 

One challenge was ensuring the historical references’ narration remained engaging and didn’t come across as dry or tedious. But perhaps the greater challenge was allowing those references to emerge organically through the story and dialogue—so they could surprise, intrigue, or even shock the reader at just the right moments.

How did you develop Vijay Kumar and the other key characters in the story? 

Contrary to what some readers may think, Vijay Kumar’s character is not drawn from any real-life individual. Sometimes, characters emerge organically from the subconscious, shaped more by narrative needs than direct inspiration. Readers may naturally draw parallels to other figures they’ve encountered in literature or life. In essence, the story required an intelligent, logical, and rational protagonist—someone neutral to the subject matter, slightly nerdy but not dull, and above all, human and vulnerable rather than a larger-than-life movie hero. He’s someone who understands the limits of confronting bureaucracy, yet remains intellectually uncompromising. As for the supporting cast, I wanted to maintain a sense of intrigue—keeping readers uncertain about who stands with the protagonist and who stands against him. I also consciously tried to keep the number of key characters small but richly developed.

To what extent do the controversies surrounding the Taj Mahal play a role in the novel?

Where possible, I steered clear of controversies in the novel, addressing them only in passing. This was intentional, as the protagonist’s journey is grounded in scientific discovery and evidence-based analysis. That said, weaving in elements of folklore and legends adds just the right touch of intrigue to enliven the story.

How have the translations of ‘Raaz Mahal – The Palace of Secrets’ in Hindi and Marathi impacted the book’s reach and reception? 

Publishing translations has certainly broadened the novel’s reach, especially in India. Readers of regional languages often have a deep interest in historical themes and appreciate the novel’s contemporary, thriller-style treatment. I’m grateful to the India-based publishers—Mehta Publishing (Marathi) and Garuda Books (Hindi)—for making the story and, in turn, the embedded historical references, accessible to a wider audience.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors who want to write historically inspired fiction?

Resist the temptation to shelter behind the fiction label and borrow historical facts solely to serve the storyline. Offer a truthful and transparent distinction between what is historically verifiable and what remains uncertain, likely leaving a more profound impression on readers. Also, in the internet age, some readers may verify references out of both scrutiny and curiosity. Another important consideration is that authors should respect their readers’ ability to discern fact from fiction and weave historical material into the narrative with clear intent and purpose.