It is a book which depicts the epic- Mahabharata from the point of view of the Kauravas. The author has presented it as an antithesis perspective epic-sequel in honour of the vanquished in the lore of History. It follows his book,'The roll of Dice: Duryodhanas Mahabharata" - Ajaya Book 1. Both the two volumes are the flip side of the Mahabharata with its Heroes and villains reversed.
The plot is excellent and the author has done justice to the vanquished side.The depth of his detailing of characters and its perspective is adorable. With a simple, clear and powerful presentation, Anand has been able to keep the book thrilling and aching for more.
The book helps in understanding the Mahabharata better and throws off the veil of Heroes and Villains and present the characters in a more human way. The divinity of characters is ripped off and they are presented as mere mortals. Even Lord Krishna is presented as a manipulator and someone who likes to play God. The book though revolves around the epic- Mahabharata,it derives hugely from the lesser known folklores and stories that are not part of the original epic.
The central philosophy of the book delves with the principles of Dharma, Adharma and Varna-the caste system.It sometimes even fits the ancient plot in the framework of current timeline, philosophy, ideas and politics.
The characters are given casteist shades to paint them Adharmic most probably to give voice and strength to the villains of the epic.
It seems this black-wash of central characters of Mahabharata was necessary to give voices to the vanquished. The fact that many of the stalwarts like Bhishma, Drona,Karna etc sided with the Kauravas and that unfair means were used for a fair objective is thought provoking.
However many of the original events within the epic has been ignored,modified and chiselled in such a way which doesn't justify some of the characters.Fictional events, fictional philosophy and facts which cannot be historically attributed has stolen the sheen off the very well written book.
The book raises valid questions through its characters, which throbs with life.The authors imagination is commendable as writing something which happened thousands of years and that too the voices of the vanquished from the Mahabharata is a marathon and uphill task.
Anand has been successful in resurrecting the dead villains and gave them voices to tell their side of the tale. After reading the book, a big question emanates from the mind.What is Dharma and What is Adharma. Who won the Mahabharata war.Was the war so necessary to decide the fate of Dharma and its advocates.Did the war help really to forge the spread the mantle of dharma.
At times, the book may also hurt the sentiments of the devout, when Lord Krishna is depicted as a manipulator who plays God to achieve his own objective and when the Pandavas are not allowed divine lineage and characterizing them in a offensive way. Of course it can be passed off as a necessity to pull down the aura of divinity but it also dilutes the Mahabharata. Perspectives should be looking at an event,person or fact from different angles rather than substituting it to create a suitable perspective.
A must read for those who are interested in religion,mythology, philosophy and all readers of the Mahabharata.
A five star rating.......enjoy reading !!!
*** Rajesh Chandra ***
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