Apr 26, 2011 07:17 PM
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Chanakya's Chant is the second novel by author Ashwin Sanghi. The first was 'The Rozabal Line' published under a pseudonym Shawn Haigins, which I have not read.
Chanakya's Chant is a historical and modern political fiction, simultaneously moving in two time lines. The historical story is, of course, that of Chanakya and Chandragupta Maurya- the rudiments of which are known to anyone who has ever watched Chanakya or the currently airing Chandragupta Maurya on television.
Chanakya is a poor Brahmin youth - a brilliant political strategist who vows to end the rule of corrupt and profligate Dhanananda- the ruler of Magadha, and unify the whole of Bharat under a single emperor. He chooses a Kshatriya boy, Chandragupta as his protege and through a long and rigorous process of machinations, wars and intelligence, eventually succeeds in his aim.
Around 23 centuries later, a Chanakya-like character is born in modern India- Pandit Gangasagar Mishra who wants something similar- the power to install the Prime Minister of India. This Brahmin chooses a young slum girl, Chandini Gupta as his candidate. Through a brilliant application of Chanakya's principles on modern India, he too eventually succeeds.
The idea is brilliant.The author draws fascinating parallels between the politics & economics between ancient and modern India. We are still a nation of people divided by the same issues and driven by the same ignorance. He comments on caste politics, religious riots, criminal politicians, sexual depravity and does not mince words anywhere. The marriage of politics and economics is amply demostrated to the reader.The same principles work everywhere and everytime- sama, daama, danda, bheda- meaning persuasion, money, punishment and misinformation. One thing I liked was the reference to colonial hang-ups in India.
The characters of both Chanakya and Mishra are cunning, crafty people who have few scruples and only one principle- There is no principle. The aim is power and no cost is too big. The author employs- successfully- many euphemisms and a number of borrowed quotes to underline this philosophy.
That being said, I found the part about the ancient India more believable and engrossing. Although the author justifies Gangasagar's political success by attributing it to his understanding and unraveling of the political statistics and human deviance, sometimes I found to be an over-simplifiction of the India's variable and dynamic demographic. The solutions provided for myriad cabinet problems- a bit too easy. Of course I may be wrong and these things may never have occurred to any politician.Also I think the electorate is a little immune to financial scandals- governments don't topple over if another ones comes to light.
A few minor quibbles. One is the use of profanity. An author is only as good as his words. Used unnecessarily, these words just detract from the story. Second is inconsistencies. If the color of a character's eyes is important enough to be mentioned at least 4 times, at least make sure it remains the same throughout.
All in all, the book is a very interesting read about politics and economics, as well as an insight on kings and kingmakers. Good enough, but not a must-read.
Publisher- Westland Ltd.
Pages- 448, paperback(including the bibliography)
Price- Rs 146 at Flipkart
