Rise of Kali

Duryodhana's Mahabharata

By: Anand Neelakantan

Narrated by: Siddhanta Pinto

Length: 16 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

The Mahabharata endures as the great epic of India.

While Jaya is the story of the Pandavas, told from the perspective of the victors of Kurukshetra, Ajaya is the tale of the Kauravas, who were decimated to the last man.

From the pen of the author who gave voice to Ravana in the national best seller Asura comes the riveting narrative which compels us to question the truth behind the Mahabharata.

The dark age of Kali is rising, and every man and woman must choose between duty and conscience, honour and shame, life and death....

The Pandavas, banished to the forest following the disastrous games of dice, return to Hastinapura. Draupadi has vowed not to bind her hair till she washes it in the blood of the Kauravas. Karna must choose between loyalty and gratitude, friend and Guru. Aswathama undertakes a perilous mission to the mountains of Gandhara, in search of the Evil One. Kunti must decide between her firstborn and her other sons. Guru Drona has to stand with either his favourite disciple or his beloved son. Balarama, having failed to convince his brother about the adharma of violence, walks the streets of Bharatavarsha, spreading the message of peace. Ekalavya is called to make the ultimate sacrifice to uphold a woman’s honour. Jara, the beggar, sings of Krishna’s love while his blind dog, Dharma, follows. Shakuni can almost see the realization of his dream to destroy India.

As the Pandavas stake their claim to the Hastinapura throne, the Kaurava Crown Prince, Suyodhana, rises to challenge Krishna. As great minds debate dharma and adharma, power hungry men prepare for an apocalyptic war. The women, highborn and humble, helplessly watch the unfolding disaster with deep foreboding. And greedy merchants and unscrupulous priests lie in wait like vultures. Both sides know that beyond the agony and carnage, the winner will take all. But even as gods conspire and men’s destinies unfold, a far greater truth awaits.

©2015 Anand Neelakantan (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

This is an exceptional way to know Mahabharata from the other side.

This is an exceptional way to know Mahabharata from the other side. I always baffled at the “varnashankar jayate “ concert raises by Krishna in 2nd chapter of Bhagvad Gita, but was never imagined the possibilities of caste system of that time. This book had raised many valid questions on the concept of Dharma as its is imposed on us. Well done author and narrator. Kudos.

Brilliant

This is a masterpiece. A brilliant retelling of a vast epic. I am sure that even a person unfamiliar with the Mahabharata will find the story compelling. As a person familiar with Vyasa’s epic, I am amazed with the subtlety the author uses to blur the lines of propriety, of dharma and adharma.

This novel is nothing about the actual Mahabharata

All the characters (including lord Krishna) were shown as if they’re behind power and women. This book will definitely hurt people’s feelings. The author also targeted certain castes and communities so harshly. A person would believe this story and start showing hatred towards bharat if they’ve no knowledge of Mahabharata before.