Book Review: I, Duryodhana

Author: Pradeep Govind

Duryodhana is always projected as the antagonist in the Mahabharata epic. He is known as the tyrant who was opposed to Dharma and as a result, the Kurukshetra war happened that saw the destruction of lineages particularly the Kurus.

However was he the only one to blame?

What about the betrayals, he faced when the Kounteya’s arrived causing ripples in his childhood? As per the laws of the land he was meant to be the legitimate successor of King Dhritarashtra given that the Kounteyas weren’t Pandu’s biological sons. The book talks about straying away from the path of righteousness that happened on all counts and even by those who were the torchbearers of the virtue, eg, Yudhisthira

The book takes you through the sojourn of the entire Mahabharata through Duryodhana’s eyes. He comes across as someone with not entirely black but grey shades. He faced betrayal from his kith and kin across the spheres of his life. He was disliked and wronged as well. Though that doesn’t excuse his actions, be it insulting Draupadi before the world or denying Indraprastha to Pandavas later, or the deceitful game of dice that changed the course of the history of Bharata.

The book doesn’t take sides but makes you think. It makes you ponder over the what-ifs in a new light from Duryodhana’s perspective. It shows that all that glitters is not always gold.

I first read about Duryodhana’s perspective in Maithili Sharan Gupt’s translated book years ago. This book only vindicated my stand. A great job is done by the author. Flawless language suited to the times with adequate hyperbole with a fast-paced narrative is the USP of the book. A must-read for mythology lovers.

Subscribe for updates

Related Stories

Pages

Book Review: The Great Indian Tamasha, Adventures of a...

Author: Rasika Bhatia This is a hilarious memoir by the author who happens to be...

Book Review: Who Wants to Marry Kai Juicewalla?

Author: Kainaz Jussawalla The memoir is a laugh riot and the author has poured her...

Book Review: Murder At The Club

Author: Sushama Kasbekar The murder mystery begins with finding a dead body in an elite...

Book Review: India’s Money Heist: The Chelembra Bank Robbery

Author: Anirban Bhattacharya This is the author's second book in my kitty and he doesn't...

Book Review: Be You Now

Author: Sagar Makwana This is a self-help guide written by a life coach. Personally I am...

Poem: Her cherubic miracle

'Her cherubic miracle' He came into her life when she saw lone despair. Motherhood’s Jubilant elation...

Popular Categories

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here