Chanakya’s Chant is a two parallel story – first one in ancient Bharat, and the other in modern India.The first story traces the life of a young boy Chanakya, a brilliant student, teacher and a strategist who mentors a young Chandragupta Maurya, right from childhood into finally ascending the throne of Magadh, the most powerful kingdom in ancient India.The second story deals with Gangasagar Mishra, a Chanakya-like character, who plays kingmaker in modern India. The Chanakya present day avatar, Gangasagar Mishra who holds the key to the story. The constant back and forth narrative works for most part of the novel, as the reader is taken through the original devices mechanized by Chanakya and then the present day adaptations of the same.Linking the interlude of 2300 years is a chant:‘Adi Shakti, Namo Namah; Sarab Shakti, Namo Namah; Prithum Bhagvati, Namo Namah; Kundalini Mata Shakti; Mata Shakti, Namo Namah.’A powerful chant and an ‘ancient Sanskrit mantra extolling the virtues of feminine energy’, this is the legacy that Chanakya hands over to Gangasagar Mishra and this is wherein the crux of the story lies.The book swift between the two stories as it moves towards a grand finale. The first thread is written well, but the second one is unconvincing. The numerous political episodes that dot the modern thread are a bit amateurish and simplistic, particularly to the politically aware reader.It is a compelling read. Especially for readers who are familiar with the protagonist Chankya - the witty prime minister of King Chandragupta.The book has a fluid storyline and its novelty lies in the author's ability to connect the events of history with a scenario that he paints of the modern era of politics. Witty dialogues, ingenious twists, amazing quotes and cunning politics make the book an enjoyable read. The language is better than some of the popular Indian writing that has recently hit the shelves.If anyone asks me to suggest a book to read by an Indian author, I would say "Chanakya's Chant" without any hesitation. The modern Chanakya, Gangasagar in this case, quotes instead of talks more often than necessary. The reason behind Gangasagar's ambition is made deliberately obtuse. The shift between past and present are done cleverly with both the main characters moving forward in similar path. Many characters die an untimely death by pure negligence to give them then space they deserve. Sometimes you just don't care why such a thing happened in the plot anyway. Sanghi tries hard to make each and every part of plot count which adds to complications and provides necessary plot twists at the right moment.I preferred reading olden times compared to modern one because contemporary politics is more complicated than what Sanghi makes it to be. Sanghi follows a specific pattern in writing and that style is repeated in his latest novel.
What do You think about Chankya's Chant (2014)?
It's a good book. It is interesting. But I liked The Krishna Key more.
—ami13
The plot's okay. However, I am not impressed by the writing style.
—heidi
Will be reading again. And again. And another time after that.
—David
