Shantala Devi, the queen consort to King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala dynasty, has been a figure of historical intrigue and literary fascination. This article by Deeksha Tyagi explores the dual narratives surrounding Shantala Devi, contrasting historical records with fictional representations. While the author recognises that fictional potrayals help keep her in public consciousness, she asserts that only by examining both historical and fictional accounts can we gain a more nuanced understanding of her legacy.