This book was always on my wishlist, but somehow did not get down to reading it, until I read The Krishna Key by the same author.
In 340 BC, a young man, Vishnugupta, vows to avenge his father’s death. He decides to call himself Chanakya – Chanak’s son from then on, and worked on his agenda of uniting Bharat and making it strong enough to withstand attacks from outside. He fulfils his vows by installing Changragupta Maurya on the throne of the Maurya Empire, using cunning, deceit, strategic planning and thinking ahead of his adversaries.
Centuries later, Gangadhar Mishra seems to be a kingmaker of epic fame, using tactics not dissimilar to those used by Chanakya. A small town boy, faced with financial difficulties after the death of his father, overcomes all the obstacles in his path to become the most important man in Indian politics. A kingmaker who holds all the strings, and manages to pull them perfectly to attain his goal. Uncannily similar to Chanakya, a few centuries ago.
It is a captivating story, pacy, entertaining, and revealing. The wheeling and dealing that go on behind the scenes, the games people play for power, the sacrifices, voluntary and involuntary, the cruelty, and the heartlessness with which people get to their goals. Power, the all important thing, nothing seems to be more important, lives, emotions,relationships everything seems to secondary. A story which seems to be an accurate portrayal of the political scene in modern India. What was even more fascinating was that it seems to have been true even during Chanakya’s time.
The book brought to life the political turmoil, and the personal agendas that helped establish the Mauryan Empire in India’s history, while drawing parallels in today’s political world. Far more interesting that the way we read all this in our history lessons, ages ago, I have to say.I loved the author’s storytelling style, in which he had both eras happening in simultaneously, in different threads, in every chapter.
The one thing I would have wished for, is that Chandni Gupta’s character had been better defined. While Gangasagar’s character in the book was well defined, I felt that Chandni’s was lacking. She felt a little hollow sometimes. Her motivations unclear. As if she were just a puppet with no mind of her own. Chanakya’s motivations seem to be quite clear, while Gangasagar, to me, just felt driven by power, nothing else. There was seemed nothing more important to him.
All in all, a very interesting read, and one that keeps your interest through out. And finally – what about the title – Chanakya’s chant? Well, you will have to read the book to find out. All I can say is that it is sure to be interesting. I also enjoyed it much more than The Krishna Key.
I liked it a lot as well..and yaa..I thought Chandni could have been better defined 🙂
I just started reading the Krishna Key..getting a deja vu of Dan Brown novels 🙂
Some how Chandni got lost somewhere. I wish he had built up her character a bit more. But I liked it more than the Krishna key:) tell me how you find it.
I am first yipeeeeeeeeee
🙂
For some reason it was a struggle for me to rea n I discarded this half way. Maybe should try n re-read! Ashwin sanghis book seems to hv a info overload tht it goes off the head at times…. must speak something of my IQ level huh 😀
I too feel information overload in Ashwin Sanghi’s book. At some point you feel lil bored with so much information. Probably my lack of interest in historical fiction makes me feel lil bored with this book 🙂
Krishna key was complete info overload. This was much, much better in comparison, imo. Did you read the Krishna key?
Nope till now 🙂
Let me know how you find it when you do .
I read Chanakya’s chant recently and loved it. Loved the way both stories progress parallelly and it makes you realise that regardless of the era we live in, power still seems to be all consuming. Waiting to get my hands on Krishna Key 🙂
Exactly! I enjoyed this one far more than Krishna Key. Waiting to hear how you find KK.
This is one book that is definitely on my list. Have you read ‘The Great Indian Novel’ by Shashi Tharoor? It is hilarious
I did! And I loved it!
i thing krishna key is making everyone what to read chanakya chant.. will read it some day..
Yes, that seems to be the case. Do share your opinion when you read it 🙂
Sounds interesting, but not really the type of book that I would like to read.
🙂 Yes, as I was telling you before – you read such different and interesting books.
@Smitha
Hee hee
How? I don’t seem to find it in me to read this book that sounds interesting, for instance. I stick to books that are easy for me. 🙂
You have already praised The Krishna Key sky high. And now you are saying you enjoyed this book even more? Wow! 🙂
I did not praise it sky high 🙂 Or did I? Well, this was still better than The Krishna Key 🙂
You liked it didnt you?? Yayy! Yes I felt so too that Chandni Gupta’s character could have been etched better. But the book as a whole made for a thoroughly enjoyable read to me and thats why I’m really looking forward to reading Krishna Key. Hope I get to pick it up soon 🙂
I did 🙂 It was great! And waiting to hear your view on the Krishna Key 🙂
Have the book now 🙂 will read it soon!
You haven’t read this – for a change I’ve read an Indian author before you 🙂
I’ll have to read this book. Not for the story or thriller, but for the historical insights this provides. I was impressed with The Krishna Key for the same reason. Somehow, history interests me more than current affairs!
Destination Infinity
Absolutely…I too agree that CC is better than KK !!! 🙂