Chanakya’s Chant / Book Review

All things are subject to interpretation; whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth.

-Friedrich Nietzsche

Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac. It is up for grabs for anyone to take, if he is willing enough to be wily enough! In Chanakya’s Chant, Ashwin Sanghi has championed utter deviation and moral degradation for taking power. End justifies all means. And Mr. Sanghi has Chanakya to back his claim. Written as a part history & part present, the author skillfully interweaves the ancient Bharat with Chandragupta Maurya at helm and the modern India, with Chandini, clad in her trademark off-white saree as its Prime Minister. Behind them are master strategists whose scheming and sharp minds click as the rapidly rotating gears in their heads ensure that their protégés are at the centre stage.

In recent times, we have seen a flurry of well-written, well-researched historical and mythological thrillers. Be it Ashok Banker’s Ramayana series (Krishna Coriolis or Mahabharata series, which I haven’t read), The Immortals of Meluha by Amish Tripathi and Chanakya’s Chant by Ashwin Sanghi.  But to paint them in the same brush would do gross injustice to all the aforementioned writers. Chanakya’s Chant is strikingly different from ‘Immortals…’

Really, Chanakya’s Chant is an altogether different crackerjack of a novel. Wonderfully written, to the point, beautifully descriptive when required – this novel has all the elements to keep the reader hooked and booked throughout the read. Carrots & Sticks or Saam Daam Dand Bhed – anything and everything is allowed if Power is the mistress you want to keep. The book is riddled with well-known quotes, but Mr. Sanghi uses it at all the right places, drawing smiles from the readers.

Let’s first talk about the Modern day Chanakya, Gangasagar Mishra, a Brahmin teacher from small town India – who has an astute political mind, with the keen understanding of the turning of the cogs and gears of the bureaucracy. He is seen giving wicked nooskas to all, getting the job done – that is planting Chandini at the 7 Race Course Road. So it can definitely be said that behind this particular successful woman, there was a man. Gangasagar pulls all plugs, turns all the tables, plans all coalitions, times the withdrawals of support, in short leaves no stone unturned in ensuring that his protégé  has all the strings of control. The esteemed reviewers of the book feel that this book is a ‘tour of the polluted river of Indian Politics’, I beg to differ. I feel that no politician worth his salt is ever capable of treating Politics as a chess game. While normal politicians flail their hands in dark, thinking short term and not beyond their material means, Gangasagar is a juggernaut of a man capable of thinking beyond the obvious, making concerted efforts and pulverizing obstacles into powder. While Chanakya, his guru and mentor, is just his mirror image attired in a different garb. His fight, though, is against the mighty Alexander himself!

The past is beautifully depicted, the present efficiently portrayed. The tight plot compels the readers to turn the pages fast. This book has the ability to shock you, as morals are cast aside as intrusions and irritants they could do without. Read this book not to emulate, but as an enjoyable read worthy to contemplate and bask in Ashwin Sanghi’s skill consummate.

 

A few days back, I emailed this review to Mr. Sanghi himself. He was kind and gracious enough to reply……….!! (Yes, indeed…)

Vismay-

I am touched by your words of appreciation. There is no greater reward for a writer than to receive praise from a reader… you made my day with your review. Many thanks indeed 🙂

Warmly,

Ashwin

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