Prayogshala Nepali Sankramanma Dilli Ra Maobadi

by Sudheer Sharma

आधुनिक नेपालको जन्म भएयता झन्डै अढाई सय बर्षको इतिहासमा दशक लामो माओवादी बिद्रोह सबभन्दा ठूलो आन्तरिक चुनौतीका रुपमा देखा परेको थियो | निश्चय पनि त्यो बिद्रोह दिल्ली वा दरबारमा जन्मेको थिएन, हाम्रै पहाडी कान्ला-कन्दराबाट उब्जेको थियो | तर, त्यसको तीव्र फैलावटमा ती दुई शक्तिकेन्द्रको निर्णायक भूमिका रह्यो | तीमध्ये दरबारले पराजित भएर आफ्नो अस्तित्व नै नामेट पार्यो भने माओवादी आफैलाई बदलेर शान्तिपूर्ण मूलधारमा फर्क्यो | बाँकी रह्यो दिल्ली, जसको नेपालनीतिको अभिस्ट अझै पहेलीकै रुपमा छ |

यो पुस्तकमा नेपालका माओवादीलाई केन्द्रमा राखेर तत्कालीन राजतन्त्र र भारतीय संस्थापनसंग उनीहरुको त्यहि उतार-चढावपूर्ण सम्बन्ध केलाउन खोजिएको छ | यस अर्थमा, प्रयोगशाला नेपालि सङ्क्रणमा दिल्ली, दरबार र माओवादीको भूमिकाको लेखाजोखा हो |

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, History

418 pages, Paperback

First published September 20, 2013

Reviews

[GhanaShyam Khadka · Rating 1 out of 5]

A book you can give a miss. It has generated more hype than its substance. For detailed review, please wait for a week.

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The Chief Editor of Kantipur Daily, Mr. Sudheer Sharma has written a book in Nepali called “Prayogshala - Nepali Sankraman ma Dilli, Durbar ra Maobadi” (Laboratory - Delhi, Royal Palace and Maoist during Nepal's transition) herein after referred only as "Prayogshala". It hit market almost one year ago but I got to read it only during holidays of Dashain – Tihar of 2014. The book is about how India experimented (s) different things by using Maoist, King and Political Parties during the period of 2052 BS to 2063 BS and even today. The book was an instant hit and Sharma garnered a lot of praises and citations. His main focus was to analyse India’s intervention in Nepal’s domestic affairs in different phase of #Maoist movements and how #India tried to tilt the movement in its favour. In this process, India’s equations with different power sectors have changed and Sharma has tried hard to link every event with India’s interventions. I will come to this issue little later in my review.

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Before I will write more on Prayogshala (Laboratory or House for Experiment), I would like to make a mention of two notable books among others which I read during the vacation. The first one is: Manjushree Thapa’s “Seasons of Flight”. I have stopped reading MST long time ago because of her questionable contributions to literature. I had bought this book long time ago as a mark of respect to Nepalese writers but now, have stopped doing so. The book is just an average novel without anything much to offer to the readers.


Another book that I read is “Open Secret” of KP Dhungana published by FinePrints. The author tries to show that Indian establishment was involved in various crimes in Nepal to eliminate Pakistan encouraged terrorists/criminals. The book also shows that Nepal Police and Government turn a deaf ear to investigate such incidents. To derive this conclusion, author has done a good research but the references are regularly repetitive. In many pages, completely unnecessary, irrelevant, mundane and boring details have been provided making the book an ordinary one. Nothing much one can say about the book.

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Coming back to review of Sudheer Sharma’s book Prayogshala, the book was an instant hit. It garnered wide appreciation despite being ordinary chronicles of events. No new fact or new details having any significance have been revealed by the book. The book suffers from the myriad of drawbacks.

It makes continuous attempt to link anything and everything with Indian establishment and Research and Intelligence Wing of India. In the process, it throws some facts based on the interviews given by retired Indian “babus”. The book works hard to give credentials to rhetoric that nothing happens in Nepal without India’s expressed permission. This is a very sincere effort by Sharma to instil inferiority in Nepalese People. As stated by KanakMani Dixit sometime ago (in different context, though), this is another building block of that systematic game plan to show that Nepal is subservient to India.

While writing the book, there is hardly any first person account of the author. As Sharma was not a party to any of the game changing power deals concerning Nepal and India, everything he mentions is based on interviews of retired Indian bureaucrats, various leaders from across the entire spectrum. To make the book little bit interesting, he inserts some juicy stories about the meeting of different parties. However, all these accounts are sourced from different people’s articles, books etc. This makes the book devoid of any new content.

If we have to compare this book with recently written book “Maile Dekheko Darabar (The Palace that I had seen” of Bibek Shah, Bibek’s book clearly stands out in terms of quality of information and in terms of credibility. Bibek was there making his hands dirty and he had certainly much more credible information with him whereas a journalist can only pretend that he too was there. This is where “Prayogshala” stands out lowly. In fact, Sharma has extensively referred work of Bibek to make any points.

Another aspect where “Prayogshala” miserably suffers is compiling information not from so credible sources. In fact, the research Sharma has done is to rely on anything and everything written on Maoists, King, India etc. So, without any distinction, he quite regularly cites Janadesh – Maoist’s mouthpiece to tell his views. There is no filtering of information and hardly any application of sound mind in gathering references. This further deteriorates the quality of writing.

In Sharma’s books, the heroes and villains are pre-meditated. It seems Maoist brought panacea to all ills created by political parties who were struggling to establish multiparty democracy. Hence, the book is well scripted to create stardom of Maoist, and to create larger than life picture of Maoist Leaders. The Author seems to be so much moved by Maoist’s vision that he treats the general peace loving public nothing more than a trash. This can be seen in his derogatory reference to people’s retaliation against continuous Maoist protests in Kathmandu. It seems author was shattered as Moist had to call off all their protests due to unimaginable public outcry in Kathmandu. So, the shattered soul has only the contempt to the people of this republic.

However, at one instance, Sudheer is very honest about himself. He recognises his fallacy of showing soft heart to Maoists and recognises his failure to come to any conclusion despite talking with and reading numerous sources. So, he, howsoever painful it might be to state this disclaimer, accepts his futile attempt at the very beginning that he has nothing to offer in his book. Painfully honest disclosure indeed.


To close the review, I borrow words from Vinod Mehta, a celebrated India journalist, who writes in Lucknow Boy: A Memoir (2010), “For a journalist, credibility is like virginity. You can lose it only once.” Sudheer may be a celebrated among his tiny amateur circles of journalists, many a times, his actions as an editor of Kantipur have come under scanner and this is hardly a first stance of his losing it. The book falls devastatingly short of hype it could luckily, managed to create.

[Dhiraj Shrestha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to review this book with a quote of C. S. Lewis “Isn't it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back, everything is different...” Prayogshaala is a history of recent past in which period I have lived, and it amuses me that so much have happened in this short span of time.

I appreciate Sudhir Sharma for capturing each and every event that has took place day by day during the period of Maoist Insurgency period in a very precise and beautiful way. The Book is written in a very lucid manner with a mix plot of thriller, suspense, conspiracy, loyalty, betrayal, human greed, human desire, human audacity, human suffering, sacrifices human can make etc. I think this book can also be read with these angles apart from documentation of history of Nepal.

The title of book 'Prayogshalala' is given after considering the bigger role played by India in Nepal. Writer believes that 'India' is doing micro management in Nepal, and India has been testing various theories in Nepal. After reading Book, I would like to put role of India with some excerpt from "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

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Excerpt from "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupery -
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"I'd like to see a sunset... Do me a favor your majesty... Command the sun to set."

"If I commanded a general to fly from one flower to the next like a butterfly, or to write a tragedy, or to turn into a seagull, and if the general did not carry out my command, which of us would be in the wrong, the general or me?"

"You would be," said the little prince quite firmly.

"Exactly. One must command from each what each can perform," the king went on. "Authority is based first of all upon reason. If you command your subjects to jump in the ocean, there will be a revolution. I am entitled to command obedience because my orders are reasonable."

"Then my sunset?" insisted the little prince, who never let go of a question once he had asked it.

"You shall have your sunset. I shall command it. But I shall wait, according to my science of government, until conditions are favorable."

"And when will that be?" inquired the little prince.

"Well, well!" replied the king, first consulting a large calender. "Well, well! That would be around... around... that would be tonight around seven-forty! And you'll see how well I'm obeyed."
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I think role played by India in Nepal is same as of king as described in "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

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Further, Book suggests that Maoist has succeeded because India wanted Maoist to succeed which in my view is not correct. Maoist has succeeded because Maoist wanted to succeed (as the little prince of Antoine de Saint-Exupery wanted to go thats why he went, and not because king has directed him to go), and all the other concerned parties along with India do not have option other than to support Maoist. Further, Monarchy has been gone not because of movement of Maoist, but because Monarchy has to have go (may be if Maoist have not started insurgency, and believed in peaceful politics, Monarchy may have gone earlier that this).

Further, Book suggests that Maosit (particularly Prachanda and Baburam) have realised that the path taken by them is not taking anywhere, and hence, they have changed it. I think this is not the case. Human by nature wants to rule over other, and if we consider the sacrifices made and sufferings endured by Maoist in these periods of insurgency, and their clear view towards complete power capture, I think Maoist will not settle until unless they have complete control over power.

However, whatever may be the case, Maoist have to give answer to history whether it is justified to hold development of 2 decades, kill more than 17,000 people just to remove King? Further, they also need to answer how they are justified in destroying one complete generation (it is said that 20 years is one generation), and who will be responsible for them.

[Jaiseri · Rating 4 out of 5]

प्रयोगशाला धेरै अघि देखि चर्चा सुनेको तर पढ्ने साइत नजुरेको पुस्तक हो । हात परिसक्दा पनि यसको आकारले धेरै समयसम्म सुरु गर्नै डर लाग्यो । खासमा म सुरु गरेको किताब सकेसम्म पढेर भ्याउने कोसिस गर्छु । अनि अलि पट्यार लाग्दा किताब सुरु ग¥यो भने त्यसले अन्य राम्रा किताब पढ्नबाट समेत बञ्चित गराउँछ । त्यसैले निकै संकोच मानेर यो पुस्तक पढ्न सुरु गरेको थिएँ । पढ्न सुरु गरेपछि रोकिन गाह्रो भयो ।
देशमा माओवादीको उदय र खिलराज रेग्मीको सरकार गठन सम्मको प्रसंगहरु पुस्तकमा समावेश छन् । समय र सन्दर्भ मिलेका बेला पुराना कुराहरु पनि अटाएका छन् । हालको राष्ट्रिय राजनीतिमा सकृय थुपै्र नामहरुको अन्तरकुन्तर पनि पुस्तकमा समावेश छ । माओवादीको ०५२ साल भन्दा अघिको इतिहास र ०५२ पछिका पार्टीका भित्रि कुराहरु पनि पुस्तकमा समावेश गरिएको छ । माओवादी समस्या समाधानार्थ भएका देखिएका र नदेखिएका प्रयासहरुका बारेमा पुस्तकले थुप्रै कुराहरु बाहिर पस्केको छ । कृष्णप्रसाद भट्टराई विरुद्धको अविश्वासको प्रस्ताव पनि माओवादी समस्या समाधानमा अग्रता लिएको विषयलाई लिएर नै थियो भनेर पुस्तकमा उल्लेख गरिएको प्रसंगले अलि अचम्भित बनाएको थियो ।
प्रधानमन्त्री (कृष्णप्रसाद) भट्टराईले माओवादीसँगको वार्ताप्रयासलाई सुरुमा गोप्य राखेका थिए ।। तर जब त्यसको तयारी पुरा भयो, उनले पोखरा भ्रमणमा रहेका राजा विरेन्द्रलाई त्यहीँ गएर सबै कुरा बताए । कांग्रेस सभापति गिरिजाप्रसाद कोइरालाले त्यसै दिन दरबारबाट सबै कुरा थाहा पाए । उनको निर्देशनमा भोलिपल्टै, २०५६ फागुन २९ मा सत्तारुढ कांग्रेसका ६९ सांसदले आफ्नै प्रधानमन्त्री विरुद्ध संसदमा अविश्वास प्रस्ताब दर्ता गरे । आफ्नै पार्टीको असहयोगका कारण पदच्युत हुने देखेपछि प्रधानमन्त्री भट्टराईले चैत्र ३ मा राजीनामा दिए । तीन दिनपछि कोइराला प्रधानमन्त्री बने । पृ. ४८. ४���.

त्यस्तै माओवादी समस्यालाई राजाले आफू अनुकुल दलका विरुद्ध प्रयोग गर्न चाहेको अनि दलका नेताहरुले समेत सो समस्यालाई आफ्नो पहलमा समाधान गर्न चाहेकोले पनि माओवादी समस्याले पछिल्ला दिनहरुमा विकराल रुप लिने मौका पाएको तर्फ लेखकले संकेत गरेका छन् । राजा र राजनीतिक दलका अलावा भारतले पनि बेलामौकामा नेपालको अस्थिरताबाट फाइदा लिन खोजेको कुराहरु पुस्तकमा छ ।
माओवादीको भारतसँगको साइनोको बारेमा पनि पुस्तकले धेरै लेखेको छ । भारतमा प्रचण्डले विताएको समयलाई आधार मानेर माओवादी जनयुद्धलाई भारतको समर्थन भएको भन्ने पुष्टि गर्न खोजिएको छ । त्यसबाहेक पनि माओवादीलाई राष्ट्रिय राजनीतिमा ल्याउनका लागी ‘बाबुरामको बाटो’ सदर गर्नका लागी किरण पक्षीय कार्यकर्ता पक्राउ गर्ने लगायतका घटनाहरु अनि बाबुरामको जनसेनाद्वारा गिरफ्तारीका प्रसंगहरु पुस्तकमा अटाएका छन् ।
समग्रमा पुस्तक नेपाली राजनीतिक इतिहासमा चाँसो दिनेका लागी एकदमै सान्दर्भिक छ । पुस्तकमा समावेश जानकारीको श्रोत पनि खुलाइएकोले कति पत्याउने र कति शंङ्का गर्ने भन्ने निर्णय पाठक स्वयंले गर्न पाउँछन् । यसरी श्रोत खुलाएर इतिहास लेखिएको पुस्तक कमै पढ्न पाएको छु । इमानसिंह चेमजोङको किराती इतिहासको पुस्तक पनि श्रोत उल्लेख गर्ने सन्दर्भमा अब्बल थियो । तर इतिहास सिरोमणी बाबुराम आचार्यको पुस्तक अब यस्ते कहिल्यै नहोसमा श्रोत उल्लेख गर्ने काम भएको देखिँदैन ।
पुस्तक पढ्दा टिपोट गर्ने बानी पुरानो हो । एकबेलाका टिपोटहरुले भरिएका दुई कापीहरु पोलेर खाइयो । अचेल भने पुस्तक पढे पश्चातको प्रतिकृया लेखेर राख्ने गर्छु । पछिका दिनमा कुनै विशेष कुरा हेर्नु प¥यो भने टिपोट हेरे पुग्छ, फेरी पुस्तक पल्टाइ रहनु पर्दैन भनेर त्यो गर्न मन लाग्छ । तर त्यसो गर्दा पुस्तक पढ्न भन्दा बढि समय टिपोटमै लाग्छ । प्रयोगशालाको टिपोट मात्रै ५ हजार शब्द भन्दा बढि भएको थियो ।

[Maulik Maharjan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The literal translation of Prayoshala is "Laboratory".

The core theme of the book is how the nation got turned into a "Laboratory" of its own under various experimental guinea pig leadership. The book begins at the time of parliament dismiss by then PM Dr. Baburam Bhattarai and the writer takes the readers back to the start of first people's movement in 2046 along with the formation of Maoist. Mr. Sharma addresses Maoists, Palace, Political Parties and Foreign powers that come to play for consequential power struggle during various time period of political development from 2046. Mr. Sharma also provides detailed information about the formation, development, rise and fall of Maoist party during the great insurgency period.

This could be a pro or con on its own but the book is convergent on Maoist and their armed revolution, influence of foreign powers on political scenario, unprecedented victory in first election, dialogues on military adjustment of liberal armies, transformation from monarchy to a republic nation, fire & ice relationship with the neighboring countries to existential crisis faced after second general election. Compared to it, the book provides very less ideas on other political parties and their development during the same period of time. However, the book contains important issues sought out after 2046 in depth. In the final pages, the writer puts his words regarding the mistakes that various leaders made during their respective time frame that consequently put forward the country into such shambles.

Eventually over the course of the time, past gets erased; or say events get dimmed but this particular book by Mr. Sharma can for sure provide the upcoming generation of the nation sufficient light about the political history of the nation.

[Ashish Bhattarai · Rating 3 out of 5]

लामो समयसम्म रहिरहेको राजसंस्थाको अन्त्य के कति कारणले सम्भव भयो? त्यसमा राजाले गरेका गल्तीहरु, जनयुद्ध थाल्दा सुरुवाती नारा बोकेर हिडेको माओवादीको नितिगत परिवर्तन र आन्तरिक विद्रोहले गर्दा देशको निर्णायक भूमिकामा दिल्ली कसरी बन्न गयो....माओवादी द्वन्द्व ताका राजनीति अवस्था के कस्तो रहयो, यस पुस्तकमा उत्तर पाउँन सकिन्छ।.....
देशमा रहेको बहुदलीय संरचना, दरबार र उदाउँदो शक्ति मिल्न नखोजी, आफू अगाडि बड्ने दाउपेचको भिडन्तमा देशको निर्णायक चाबी गुमेको कुराहरु भविस्यलाई पाठ सिकाउन सक्ने शैलीमा पेस गरिएको छ।
भारतसँगको निर्भरतालाई बेलैमा ध्यान नपुर्‍याए यसले देशको दुर्गामी विकासमा ठूलो धक्का दिने र  सार्बभौम नेपाली पहिचान गुम्दै जानेमा लगभग निश्चित जस्तै छ।  यसमा निर्णायक भूमिका खेल्न सक्ने नेपालीजन्ता, बुद्धिजीवी, नागरिकसमाज, संचारकर्मी र नेताहरुले बेलैमा ध्यान दिन अत्यन्त आवस्यक रहेको देखिन्छ।
माओवादीको एकल जनयुद्धले राजसंस्था हटाउन नसकेको र जनताको स्थर र जीवनशैली जनयुद्ध समाप्ति पछि पनि त्यति नसुधि्रएको अवस्थामा के जनयुद्ध आवस्यक थियो भन्ने प्रश्न सायद सदैव उठुरहेन छ? तर त्यसले समाजमा ल्याएको चेतनाको स्थर उन्नतिलाई हामीले नकार्न पनि सक्दैनौं।।

मैले लेखेको कुरा सहि छ है भन्ने प्रमाण पेश गर्ने क्रममा पुस्तक आलि लामो भएको आभास हुन्छ...
युवावर्ग र राजनीतिमा चासो राख्ने वर्गले पढनैपर्ने पुस्तकका रुपमा मैले हेरेको छु ।

[Agyat Luitel · Rating 4 out of 5]

यो पुस्तक को नाम चै जसले जुरायो, गज्जब जुरायो - प्रयोगशाला।

हामी Guinea Pig थियौ र रहिरहनेछौ। यसले मेरो नजरमा गिरिजा प्रसादको कद अझ अग्लो बनाईदियो। हुन त गिरिजालाई त्यस्तै देखाउनको लागी Selective किस्साहरु मात्रै जोडिएको पनि हुन सक्छ।।

[Bibek Sigdel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Politics.

[Roshan Bhatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Na

[Aishu Gyawali · Rating 5 out of 5]

मैले यो पुस्तक बुबाको सिफारिसमा पढेकी हुँ, र यो मेरो पहिलो राजनीतिक पुस्तक हो। प्रयोगशाला साँच्चिकै त्यस्तो कृति हो जुन हाम्रा जस्ता नयाँ पुस्ताले अवश्य पढ्नुपर्छ।

नेपालको पछिल्लो राजनीतिक इतिहास — विशेषतः माओवादी आन्दोलन कसरी सुरु भयो, जनआन्दोलनहरू कसरी भए, र देश कसरी परिवर्तन हुँदै गयो — भन्ने विषयहरूलाई लेखकले तथ्यमा आधारित, गहिरो, र सूक्ष्म ढंगले प्रस्तुत गरेका छन्। पढ्दाखेरी कतिपय खण्डहरू यति प्रभावशाली लागे कि शरीरमा goosebumps नै आयो। पात्रहरूको चरित्रचित्रण, ऐतिहासिक घटनाक्रमहरूको विश्लेषण, र राजनीतिक रणनीतिहरूको विवरण अत्यन्तै सटिक छ।

पुस्तकले नेपाललाई ‘प्रयोगशाला’ बनाइएको अवस्था देखाउँछ — जहाँ विभिन्न शक्तिहरूले आफ्नो स्वार्थका लागि राजनीति चलाएका छन्। यसले हामीलाई बुझाउँछ कि नेपालको इतिहास केवल पुस्तकमा सीमित विषय होइन, यो हाम्रो समाज, अनुभव र भविष्यसँग गहिरो रूपमा जोडिएको यथार्थ हो।

यदि तपाईंलाई नेपालको राजनीति, इतिहास, वा सामाजिक परिवर्तनबारे बुझ्ने गहिरो इच्छा छ भने, प्रयोगशाला पढ्नैपर्ने पुस्तक हो।

[Subrit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up during this era and have been interested in politics since my school days, reading newspapers and following events closely, so reading this book felt like reliving many of the news stories and events I remember from back then. It does an excellent job of explaining the behind-the-scenes details of Nepal’s political history from 2046 to around 2070, including the Maoist insurgency, shifting alliances, and the influence of neighboring countries. What I loved most was how it connects real events to the bigger political picture, making complex moments easy to understand. I highly recommend it, especially for the younger generation or anyone new to Nepali politics, as it provides a clear and engaging dive into how our country reached this stage.

[Kshitiz Dahal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rich and insightful details of major political events in Nepal from the birth of the Maoist insurgency around 1996 to the demise of the first constituent assembly in 2012 and formation of a consensus government headed by the chief justice in 2013. As the name suggests, the book presents accounts of important activities and decisions of the Maoists, Nepali palace, and different government institutions in India (leaders, the foreign ministry, Indian ambassadors to India, RAW, etc.), which will provide insights on the draconian transformation of Nepali politics.

[Sulav Karki · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's amazing book about history of contemplation politics of Nepal particularly dealing with 10 year civil war.. the author also highlights the role of India and its influence in Nepal during that time period and the transition after. The micromanagement by RAW in Nepal's politics at that time was enormous according to the book and it makes sense. Now this is a Nepali book but for the English viewera out there, we have the Nepal nexus also by Sudheer sharma.
All in all a must read book if you are fan of Nepali politics.

[Himal Kunwar · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a book that everyone, especially young leaders and those curious about politics, should explore. This book reads like a story, uncovering how people in Nepal's civil war became both heroes and villains at the same time. It also shows how foreign countries step in when their demands aren't met and how people can sometimes put their personal ambitions above their country's well-being. This thought-provoking book raises many questions about politics, and it may make you see the political game in a new light. It's a must-read for those interested in Nepal's history and politics.

[Ajay Mishra]

A rather bleak portrait of Nepalese politics. At times I could see the glimmer of hope for the future. Most of the time, however, it was turning me pessimistic. I don't know how accurate the details in this book are. But even if a few details here and there are mere speculations, this is a very insightful read.

[Sophiya · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great repository of key events, pieces of evidence and conspiracies that shaped Maoist insurgency and hence, changed the trajectory of Nepal's political landscape. Halfway through the book, I was anxiety stricken as the same political games continue to this day with the same players literally and Nepal still a laboratory.

[Ishan]

This book is about how Maoists begin their revolution and the compromisation they made during their revolution with Delhi, Darbar, communists and congress. The direct and indirect of Delhi in Nepal affairs are mentioned. After Bhurejnati by Gopal Khanal, this book is good to know about Nepali politics.

[Rishav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to grasp the knowledge about the history of political affairs of Nepal. Shows how the Maoist insurgency was a hoax funded by the foreigners to destroy the Dharmik, Cultural, Social, Peace, Integrity, Developmental and other aspects of Nepal.

[Krishna Kafle · Rating 4 out of 5]

outstanding book......it will help to know about the past history of moasist...

[Tabin Lyatosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight about politics of Nepal.

[Prakash · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good source of information for those who are interested in knowing the history, it’s situation and people who were struggling to change something for the better on the days to come.

[Surat Kathayat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

[Nabin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

[Bikesh Shrestha · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eye-opener, a contrasting book to the innumerable false propagandas.

[Lochan]

Masterpiece. Every things boils down to strategy, desire for power, vision and effective execution.

Well written.

[Puskar Singh]

Nothing to much

[Sameep · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a common public, it made me realize not all the events as they are covered in the media are completely true. To have any opinion or analysis, recollection of various events from different perspectives and from larger time frame is a must. Thank you for putting it all together.

[Subash Khanal · Rating 4 out of 5]

idk about accuracy of facts mentioned in this book but this book is a must read if you want to know about the historical background of the Maiost war situation . It feels that Sudheer Sharma added some spices to make it intresting for readers.

[Sujan Thapa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good one. Gives details of Maoist insurgency. Few opinions and lots of facts. Must read to know the arbiters of Nepali politics. There's new king in town.

[Neeraj Adhikari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was constantly amazed the entire time while reading this book. I was left with a feeling that you don't really know Nepal's politics, especially what happens behind the scenes in Nepal's politics without reading this book. Sudhir Sharma is a person who, after decades of work in journalism, has understood the major forces shaping Nepal's politics very well. He has done an excellent job describing to the average reader the whos, hows, and whys of the decade-long civil war period and its aftermath. This book is a must-read for every Nepali person.

[Ghintang · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the way it was written . All the controversies , scandals and things that happen in day to day political scenario of Nepal that you read in news daily can be visualized and we can relate to it. Lot of secrets opened in this book yet it kinda felt not so real. You question yourself could that really have happened ?

But a must read book if you want to know Nepal's current situation and how it reached up to this level.