There are two plots in the book one set in a time about 2300 years ago during the time of Chandragupta and one in present day. The two protagonists have different backgrounds but soon you can see a common thread. The author uses a mantra to connect the two and they share the same umbilical cord, so to speak.
The book is well researched and the story is compelling. It does not become predictive, simply because though the actions taken by Chanakya and Gangasagar maybe the same in essence, their circumstances are completely different. Both the characters develop with the story- in the end we finally see the full picture of two great men. While the nexus is conspicuous, the reason isn’t-we come to understand it only in the end.
The style is simple and the protagonists’ observations and dialogue are sharp and witty. The plans are extensive and well thought out- each move is calculated and meticulously planned. At no point do you feel, it was all too easy. Chandini(Gangasagar’s protegee) and Chandragupta are no means puppets to the mentors, they are genuine leaders.
I like the fact that, the author talks about doing good to people, even when the politics is back bending and ridiculously unscrupulous. The success of the plots is dependent on other characters’ trust on the two king makers and it isn’t blind trust but one of mutual understanding.
The book shows us that politics is not about only pulling each other’s hair, but involves much more and requires the understand of a lot of varied fields. Overall, a well researched, thought out and written book exciting, thrilling and an enjoyable book.
Rating:- 8/10
P.S:- Do you want a complimentary copy of this book? Leave a comment telling us why and we have five copies to give away!
reason: I work in the corporate culture. While i beleive in wholesome goodness but my work environment subtly speaks otherwise. I wish to learn how to manage both without losing my self rather my true identity
>I would love to receive complimentary copy of the book because 1. It is an brilliant attempt to draw a connect between something that is modern and something that is as old as Chankya's Era. 2. With so much muddy politics in all spheres of life that we can not escape even if we want to but if this book can inspire to impart some goodness by doing our own good share; the world will be a better place to live in.
>Sounds like an exciting read... and I would like a complimentary copy too :)
Chanakya was a legendary character, a seminal figure, who walked on this earth like a colossus... well over 2 millennia ago and whose legend continues to live on. He was the first great political realist, a Master strategist, the world's first "Management Guru," and a true Man of Destiny (Yug Purush). His protégé was one of the greatest Emperors of all times – Chandragupta. I am keen to know more about them... and I wonder what would India (and her people) been like had they lived in today’s times. If only... we could find visionaries and leaders like them.
There is a need for some serious introspection, a need for soul searching - to understand as to where we went wrong in the last millennium or in the last one thousand years, that the great Empires and the Vedic civilization collapsed, that this great land saw the advent of conquerors after conquerors... the ones who could not be rebuffed or defeated, and this land was plundered of her wealth and saw the forced demise of a part of her culture. Paying mere lip service to our culture and traditions and reminiscing about our past glories will not do and is not enough. A glorious past is no guarantee for a shining future unless we are prepared to jettison petty-mindedness for serious intent to execute the common goal of making India (Bharatavarsh) emerge as a great power in the 21st century.
In these times of turbulence and violence - the 'Kali Yuga' – Chanakya’s thinking, his teachings and his philosophy are even more relevant.
The very fact that Chanakya made his arguments about statecraft, economics, power and governance, without a reference to religion or divinity, makes him a true political scientist as well as the founder/father of political science. The stress was not on "religion" but on "dharma," that elusive word which lays down what is right and indicates one's righteous duty. He was also the pioneer economist of the world.
Each of us needs his guidance like never before. 'Coz a nation is made great by her people. And we all know... a weak spine cannot support a strong and righteous mind... and vice versa.
>I would love to have a copy of the book to get the finer nuances of Chanakya's diplomacy and administrative skills. Our today's workplace has become quite challenging and gauging intentions have become quite tough. We have to rely more on stereotypes and outer body language but most of the time it is found to be in-effective. So is the need for today's soft diplomacy where you try to keep everyone happy yet thinking, so that nothing is taken for granted. I have heard a lot about Chanakya's shrewd ways of getting things done and so would love to go through this book in our today's challenging times.
>The world has had its diplomats since time immemorial.Diplomats come and go but there are a very few who are still studied and talked of. Chanakya stands tall in this list.He was the prime minister under Chandra Gupta Maurya and dealt in commerce,warfare,economics etc. But he is known more for his wisdom.A man who taught is to live.To quote him,""Once you start a working on something, don't be afraid of failure and don't abandon it. People who work sincerely are the happiest."
What the world needs now is a modern Chanakya. I would love to have a complimentary copy of the same.
>I want to read about the means chanykya used to gain his ends....to be a kingmaker means you have to outhink many minds..and be the voice that speaks to the king..indespensible and irreplaceable....finally is the king safe from the kingmaker? too much of deviousness...politics is war without blood...so is it the right thing? want to know the relevance of chanakya in modern times..viz a viz our ambitious neighbours...how do we deal with them as a nation and do we have such statesmen?we need them badly.
>I got to know today about this book from your Facebook account which I followed just yesterday. Now the competition is over even then I would love to buy this book. The reason that I have heard a lot about Chanakya but never read much about him. Last week my friend gave me many insights of Chankya. That discussion impressed me so much that just after coming home I started reading about Chankya and his quotes. Now I would love to read more from different point of views and this book can help me a lot. So I'm gonna have this book.
>@booklover - I'm a foreigner but currently study in india..and I was just web searching some interesting book that perhaps i could buy online..and most of the online bookstores listed this book as one of the Bestseller! truly im impressed..i never heard of Chanakya..but now Im get excited to know him and get this one! :)))
>I am a voracious reader of books and this book seems very very different and interesting. I might have an opportunity to talk about this book to both Undergraduates and Masters student to whom I am teaching in one of the universities in Australia. I also believe in analysing books and can start a discussion forum in LinkedIn where it would be useful to a lot of corporate staff. Not only will it be useful to all, it can also become more popular and it can also help in more sales.
>Reason why I want its complimentary copy: Some rules, policies and things are evergreen; relevant for all times. N I believe present times are the best times to know and implement Chanakya's Chants!
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Comments (27)
reason: I work in the corporate culture. While i beleive in wholesome goodness but my work environment subtly speaks otherwise. I wish to learn how to manage both without losing my self rather my true identity
1. It is an brilliant attempt to draw a connect between something that is modern and something that is as old as Chankya's Era.
2. With so much muddy politics in all spheres of life that we can not escape even if we want to but if this book can inspire to impart some goodness by doing our own good share; the world will be a better place to live in.
Chanakya was a legendary character, a seminal figure, who walked on this earth like a colossus... well over 2 millennia ago and whose legend continues to live on. He was the first great political realist, a Master strategist, the world's first "Management Guru," and a true Man of Destiny (Yug Purush). His protégé was one of the greatest Emperors of all times – Chandragupta. I am keen to know more about them... and I wonder what would India (and her people) been like had they lived in today’s times. If only... we could find visionaries and leaders like them.
There is a need for some serious introspection, a need for soul searching - to understand as to where we went wrong in the last millennium or in the last one thousand years, that the great Empires and the Vedic civilization collapsed, that this great land saw the advent of conquerors after conquerors... the ones who could not be rebuffed or defeated, and this land was plundered of her wealth and saw the forced demise of a part of her culture. Paying mere lip service to our culture and traditions and reminiscing about our past glories will not do and is not enough. A glorious past is no guarantee for a shining future unless we are prepared to jettison petty-mindedness for serious intent to execute the common goal of making India (Bharatavarsh) emerge as a great power in the 21st century.
In these times of turbulence and violence - the 'Kali Yuga' – Chanakya’s thinking, his teachings and his philosophy are even more relevant.
The very fact that Chanakya made his arguments about statecraft, economics, power and governance, without a reference to religion or divinity, makes him a true political scientist as well as the founder/father of political science. The stress was not on "religion" but on "dharma," that elusive word which lays down what is right and indicates one's righteous duty. He was also the pioneer economist of the world.
Each of us needs his guidance like never before. 'Coz a nation is made great by her people. And we all know... a weak spine cannot support a strong and righteous mind... and vice versa.
then, I would be raving about it all over at Twitter where I follow u guys:)
mostly, because i am still unable to take part in the contest '5 things that changed my life' as only 1 book managed to change my life :)
this review makes it all the more 'collection-worthy' for our home library, my hubby n i simply love reading!!
don't abandon it. People who work sincerely are the happiest."
What the world needs now is a modern Chanakya.
I would love to have a complimentary copy of the same.
Please email your mailing address with phone number to bookreviews@bookrack.in, stating your blogger moniker!
my details r on the way...
thanks a ton:)
I might have an opportunity to talk about this book to both Undergraduates and Masters student to whom I am teaching in one of the universities in Australia.
I also believe in analysing books and can start a discussion forum in LinkedIn where it would be useful to a lot of corporate staff.
Not only will it be useful to all, it can also become more popular and it can also help in more sales.
Hence I deserve a complimentary copy