One of the finest book, a satire on political class and their selfish propagandas , insecurities and jealousies that shape the destiny of nation. This book is a wonderful piece of fiction written by Shashi Tharoor. “The Great Indian Novel” is a political satire, ingeniously interweaving the mythological characters from epic “Mahaharata” into political players covering time span of independent struggle of country to degenerative politics till 1980’s. Skillful narration of recognizable events in freedom struggle of India keeping mythological characters of Mahabharata at centerpieces is extraordinarily brilliant.
The book re-interprets “Mahaharata” and cleverly moulds the characters into the prime events and characters of 20th century political class. In a way , author was ingenious to choose the epic, as Mahabharata, is perhaps the first and the most bitter account of power struggle that culminated in a catastrophic avoidable war.
This book has two parts with first devoted to the Indian freedom struggle and second towards the dreams of independent nation and slow degradation of politics. This book comprises of 18 books(chapters), symbolizing, war of Mahabharata, which was fought for 18 days. The first part deals with the insecurities and lust of power that eventually divided the country on sectarian basis and contempt of basic human values that was binding us for centuries till independence . The clumsy power struggle that plagued this nation leading to bloodshed and division. The second part showcases the games planned and executed to grab and latch on to power right after gaining independence till 80’s. The nepotism and narcissism of policy makers.
In the end, author dwelled and raised a point whether the hallowed principles(non violence of Gandhi and non alignment of Nehru) of our leaders had any relevance in real world or were just futile exercises by our narcissist leaders .The protagonists were later seen embracing each other in heaven under the righteous Yudhishtir drawing conclusion that “Dharma” is paramount and practicing life without Dharma is despicable.
Its a beautifully crafted book, a masterpiece full of sarcasm and humor(sometimes crude) but nonetheless a must read by all means.
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