The Expression Hub

Author: Ashwin Sanghi

Genre: Historical- Drama

“You can’t win the game until you are not focussed.”

Anonymous

Its the third week of the year. Hope things are going well for all. A lot of harvest festivals are being celebrated in the country. So, happiest wishes to all for their respective occasions. May these harvest festivals bring a lot of happiness, wealth and health to you and your families. Despite the celebrations on, I thought I shouldn’t miss on your weekly recommendations. After all, I am sure you must be eagerly waiting for your weekly updates in the same manner I am eager to write. Though sometimes, it feels like a difficult task but the sense of responsibility and accountability which I feel towards you all keeps me on my toes. So, that means have to deliver you the content on time facing issues like laziness, procrastination:p

So, coming to this week’s pick- This week’s pick revolves around a person who acted as a kingmaker in the ancient times to one of the most powerful kings and united our country into a single, powerful unit. This he achieved through his diplomacy tactics and a highly shrewd mind. The person I am talking about was also a highly revered teacher, the author of one of the most revered books of economics and statehood- Arthashastra. He was also the one who was responsible for making Chandragupta Maurya the king- Chanakya. But after around 2500 years ago, history repeats itself how? Read on to find out more below-

About the book: Chanakya’s Chant narrates the story of how Chandragupta Maurya became the king of united Bharat and one of the most powerful kingdoms- Magadh. But it all seemed lost until it was discovered one person- Pandit Gangasagar Mishra through an ancient inscription.

Pandit Gangasagar Mishra was a poor brahmin who becomes a puppeteer to a host of ambitious yet foolish individuals . He has a single dream to witness Chandini Gupta, a daughter of a Dalit man rise to the highest ranks of power. Will he be able to fulfil his dream amidst the challenges of casteist and communal hatred? Will Chandini Gupta – his so called star protagonist be able to rise up to the challenge and become the Prime Minister of India ?

Analysis: This book contrasts the past events with the present. It rolls back and forth showing us how events take place in both the past and present. In the past, the son of a person from a humble background was trained by one of the finest teachers to become the king of united India. In the present, a daughter who just had the tool of education was trained by one of the finest teachers and kingmakers to rise up the ranks of power. It is interesting to note that the author could think in such a progressive manner that apart from a male protagonist, he chose to make a female character the second lead. This is a good thing.

The book also tries to connect a link between the movie industry, spirituality, business, politics and crime. The connection between these is so interesting that one does end up giving it a thought about how things function. The book also has beautiful insights as the author has fit in different quotes and references seamlessly in the story line. These insights have been fit so beautifully that they feel as if the author has written it by himself. This is a talent thtat deserves a huge round of applause.

Verdict: For those who love to read historical fiction, they must have this one on their reading list. A beautiful story line which is gripping by nature and does not have a single dull moment. The author seems to have put in a lot of effort and research while writing the prolific piece. Also, the second lead being a female makes it way ahead of its time. Generally female lead characters are not much explored. So, this is a welcome change. Then what are you waiting for?Go ahead and grab a copy of yours. Do add it to your reading list and share your experiences about the same.

Cite Bite: ” Battles are won and lost before they are fought.”

Rating: ****

Que: What is the name of Chanakya’s childhood crush?

a. Mrinalini

b. Suhasini

c. Mandakini

d. Suvasini