"Chanakya’s Chant" by Ashwin Sanghi is based on politics and Indian history. This is his second book, after the first one “The Rozabal Line”.
Author tells us two stories simultaneously which happened in different time periods.
Author tells us two stories simultaneously which happened in different time periods.
Present day– A Brahmin teacher, Gangasagar Mishra, makes slumchild, Chandini as the premier of India, with the help of business man Agrawalji and mafia don, Ikrambhai. This story gives insights on economics and current politics.
2300 years ago – Chanakya’s father was killed by King Dhananandha of Magadha. Chanakya escaped to Takshila University and after his education came back and took revenge on the king by making Chandragupta as the emperor of Magadha. After installing Chandragupta as the king, Chanakya rested from the kingmaker responsibility and wrote 'Arthashastra', the science of wealth.
The strategies by the intelligent, cold blooded and cunning lead characters Chanakya and Gangasagar makes the entire book gripping and fast paced. The story of Chanakya stands out as more interesting of the two. The plans of Chanakya are really entertaining.The Gangasagar’s story is tad monotonous. It would have been much better if Gangasagar struggled in some parts.
Both the stories are linked by the Chanakya’s chant, which Gangasagar recites all the time.
It is believed that if this chant is recited 400 times a day for over 400 days, the orator shall have Chanakya’s powers to actualize another leader-so long as it’s a woman.
Author used simple language and suitably adopted many quotes from different sources.The story is unpredictable throughout.
Good read.
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