A review by confuzzledreader
Chanakya by Ashok K. Banker
4.0
Ashok K Banker has beautifully narrated the story of one of the India's wittiest legend- Chanakya. The author in the first book of The Itihasa series, introduces us to the prodigy as a 7 year old child who is brilliant and outshines his seniors in knowledge. This book narrates the story of young Vishnu Gupta, his childhood days and his connection with Chandragupta.
The book starts with Vishnu Gupta being scolded by his Guru because he came late for his class but Vishnu with his knowledge and wit leaves the teacher shocked and speechless. Vishnu at the tender age of 7, has read and learnt The Rig Veda by heart. His knowledge was often seen as showoff which made Vishnu look like a rude and arrogant child. But his father always told him to never showoff his knowledge but to blend in with the people.
Vishnu and his family were living happily in their village, when one day his father announced that they need to go to the Capital city of Patliputra for conference of the Brahmins. The city of Patliputra, as described by the author was corrupted and the city's minister was the one who was hell bent on obtaining power ignoring all the harm caused to the citizens. During one of the conferences , Vishnu started questioning the Gurus and left them speechless and this was when the minister first noticed Vishnu.
" Power is not a dog that comes wagging his tail when you whistle. It is a wolf that snarls and is powerful enough to rip your throat out with a single action. It cannot be domesticated; it must be conquered. And to conquer the wolf of power, one must use hard steel and even harder resolve."
The minister lured Vishnu's family to stay in Patliputra by offering them security and successful career but hid the real motive of making Vishnu stay. When Vishnu got to know the evil plan of the minister, he had no choice but to stay quiet for the sake of his family. What does the minister want from Vishnu? Will Vishnu leave the path of Justice and truth and keep quiet for the rest of his life?
You need to read the book, to get your answers.
I loved the book so much. It's such an amazing read with crisp narrative. I loved Vishnu Gupta's character and seriously I was dumbstruck while reading about him - how intelligent he was. The character of Chandra played a small part in this book yet it was powerful. The language is easy and understandable and the book is fast paced. I loved reading this very first installment of the Itihasa series by the author and very much eager to read the next book.
Definitely Recommended!
The book starts with Vishnu Gupta being scolded by his Guru because he came late for his class but Vishnu with his knowledge and wit leaves the teacher shocked and speechless. Vishnu at the tender age of 7, has read and learnt The Rig Veda by heart. His knowledge was often seen as showoff which made Vishnu look like a rude and arrogant child. But his father always told him to never showoff his knowledge but to blend in with the people.
Vishnu and his family were living happily in their village, when one day his father announced that they need to go to the Capital city of Patliputra for conference of the Brahmins. The city of Patliputra, as described by the author was corrupted and the city's minister was the one who was hell bent on obtaining power ignoring all the harm caused to the citizens. During one of the conferences , Vishnu started questioning the Gurus and left them speechless and this was when the minister first noticed Vishnu.
" Power is not a dog that comes wagging his tail when you whistle. It is a wolf that snarls and is powerful enough to rip your throat out with a single action. It cannot be domesticated; it must be conquered. And to conquer the wolf of power, one must use hard steel and even harder resolve."
The minister lured Vishnu's family to stay in Patliputra by offering them security and successful career but hid the real motive of making Vishnu stay. When Vishnu got to know the evil plan of the minister, he had no choice but to stay quiet for the sake of his family. What does the minister want from Vishnu? Will Vishnu leave the path of Justice and truth and keep quiet for the rest of his life?
You need to read the book, to get your answers.
I loved the book so much. It's such an amazing read with crisp narrative. I loved Vishnu Gupta's character and seriously I was dumbstruck while reading about him - how intelligent he was. The character of Chandra played a small part in this book yet it was powerful. The language is easy and understandable and the book is fast paced. I loved reading this very first installment of the Itihasa series by the author and very much eager to read the next book.
Definitely Recommended!