You must have heard about Chanakya, a great intellectual with deep knowledge of politics and economics who played a very important role in establishing the Mauryan empire of the Indian subcontinent.
The book ‘Chanakya’s Chant’ by Ashwin Sanghi presents two stories in parallel. One dates back to 2300 years ago which shows that how Chanakya dethrones the Nandas and coronates Chandragupta Maurya as the king of Magadha. In this, the reader will get to know about the political and economic principles of Chanakya. The reader will also see how Chanakya uses many political tactics to form a united India.
Another story is fictional and set in the present. In this, an old man Gangasagar Mishra has been personified as Chanakya who builds the political career of a poor girl named Chandni Gupta and leads her to become the Prime Minister of India. Chandni Gupta has been personified as Chandragupta Maurya here. The reader will see how Gangasagar uses his political skills in modern day politics to lift a poor girl from the slums to lead the country. In this story, it is clear how today’s politicians use tactics to create illusions in the mind of the public.
When I read the book, I was totally surprised by the level of shrewdness in each political activity. The reader will most likely say after reading the book, “aisa bhi hota hai!” (who knew this happens) or “jo dikhta hai woh hota nahi,” (everything is not what it seems).
In addition to this, the reader will also enjoy the drama present in the story, Chandni’s love story, and the sacrifices she makes.
Overall, the book is one of the best attempts to draw a similarity between both narratives, i.e. Chanakya’s and Gangasagar’s tactics. One who is interested to know about what goes on behind the scenes in politics will enjoy this book thoroughly. It’s a book for those who want to know of the fame of Chanakya and understand the use of his values in modern day.