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Urnabhih
Misrakesi comes to the newly-formed Mauryan court with a mission-to avenge the death of her sister. However, an encounter with Chanakya, the man she had planned to kill, sets her on an unexpected path…She lands the highly-coveted job of a spy, masquerading as a dancing girl.
In a kingdom fraught with intrigue, Misrakesi must always remain one step ahead. With the help of her handsome but arrogant chief Pushyamitra, she must concoct the perfect blend of sweetness and seduction to vanquish the enemies of the state. But when she is sent to subtly conquer a powerful neighboring kingdom, she might be in for more than what she bargained for.
Will she succeed in her mission? Or more importantly, will she even survive to tell the tale?
Meticulously researched, this historical page-turner packs in romance, political intrigue, and mystery to make for a racy read.
In a kingdom fraught with intrigue, Misrakesi must always remain one step ahead. With the help of her handsome but arrogant chief Pushyamitra, she must concoct the perfect blend of sweetness and seduction to vanquish the enemies of the state. But when she is sent to subtly conquer a powerful neighboring kingdom, she might be in for more than what she bargained for.
Will she succeed in her mission? Or more importantly, will she even survive to tell the tale?
Meticulously researched, this historical page-turner packs in romance, political intrigue, and mystery to make for a racy read.
368 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 1899
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272 people want to read
About the author
Sumedha V. Ojha
3 books33 followersSumedha V. Ojha is a Geneva based ex-bureaucrat, historian, author, columnist and web series maker; author of the Urnabhih series set in Mauryan India. She is focused on a 360-degree understanding of Ancient India based on Indic and Shastric epistemology, focusing on Sanskrit and Prakrit literature, the Mauryans and Gender issues.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 14, 2021
Chandragupta Maurya, aided and guided by his mentor and guru Chanakya, has just subjugated the Nandas and marched into Pataliputra. A ganika (courtesan) named Misrakesi, out to avenge the death of her sister, ends up being recruited as an agent by Chanakya and falls in love with the spymaster Pushyamitra, with whom she has a stormy affair as they battle conspiracies.
This was Sumedha Verma Ojha’s debut novel, and you can see it’s a debut novel that hasn’t had the benefit of a very good editor. A good editor would have sorted out a lot of the problems that plague this book. For instance, they’d have wiped out inconsistencies (dasa versus daasa, Yavana throughout but suddenly switching to Greek), and would have questioned the need to write some of the words in Hindi, for which the English equivalents are common as well as logical to use (maanav, badaam). Possibly, they’d have trimmed the very long and convoluted passages that end up being repetitive. And they’d have got rid of the many, many instances where the point of view inexplicably (and jarringly) switches from one character to another, including very minor characters.
A good editor would have seen that there are far too many places where Ojha seems to give in to the urge to show off all the research she’s done and just bungs in words for the sake of it without explaining much (“There was good quality Harahuraka and Kapisayana with them as well as svetasuras Mahasura and other acid fruit drinks apart from the long-lasting sukta-varga”, where the only term explained in a note is the last one). They’d have possibly seen that the characters were a bit flat and that the love story was really not coming through: it seemed to be more wild sex than anything else.
All said and done, I found this disappointing as far as the story and the writing goes. The research is very good, and Ojha does a good job of evoking the Mauryan period, which is why I’m giving it those two stars.
This was Sumedha Verma Ojha’s debut novel, and you can see it’s a debut novel that hasn’t had the benefit of a very good editor. A good editor would have sorted out a lot of the problems that plague this book. For instance, they’d have wiped out inconsistencies (dasa versus daasa, Yavana throughout but suddenly switching to Greek), and would have questioned the need to write some of the words in Hindi, for which the English equivalents are common as well as logical to use (maanav, badaam). Possibly, they’d have trimmed the very long and convoluted passages that end up being repetitive. And they’d have got rid of the many, many instances where the point of view inexplicably (and jarringly) switches from one character to another, including very minor characters.
A good editor would have seen that there are far too many places where Ojha seems to give in to the urge to show off all the research she’s done and just bungs in words for the sake of it without explaining much (“There was good quality Harahuraka and Kapisayana with them as well as svetasuras Mahasura and other acid fruit drinks apart from the long-lasting sukta-varga”, where the only term explained in a note is the last one). They’d have possibly seen that the characters were a bit flat and that the love story was really not coming through: it seemed to be more wild sex than anything else.
All said and done, I found this disappointing as far as the story and the writing goes. The research is very good, and Ojha does a good job of evoking the Mauryan period, which is why I’m giving it those two stars.
July 9, 2022
After the downfall of Nanda dynasty, a new kingdom led by Chandragupta Maurya was in making. As expected, a new establishment would have its challenges on multiple front. Urnabhih, is a nice approach towards telling the story of Mauryan secret services, keeping a scribe of Chanakya as the central character.
The refreshing part of the story is that the events of Mauryan empire is being told with minimum appearance of Chandragupta and Chanakya, of course without ignoring there significance. Another striking thing is to understand the influence of Sungas in Mauryan empire. The story, although a fiction, sounds real because of the presence of real historical characters.
However, the flow of the story, complexities involved in events and unfolding of secrets do sound like any other novel, or soap opera. All love making descriptions could have been easily avoided. To be frank, those are boring. Instead a few characters could have been given more space, and that might have made the story more binding.
Anyway, Urnabhih is a good attempt towards putting a great deal of events in a story.
The refreshing part of the story is that the events of Mauryan empire is being told with minimum appearance of Chandragupta and Chanakya, of course without ignoring there significance. Another striking thing is to understand the influence of Sungas in Mauryan empire. The story, although a fiction, sounds real because of the presence of real historical characters.
However, the flow of the story, complexities involved in events and unfolding of secrets do sound like any other novel, or soap opera. All love making descriptions could have been easily avoided. To be frank, those are boring. Instead a few characters could have been given more space, and that might have made the story more binding.
Anyway, Urnabhih is a good attempt towards putting a great deal of events in a story.
January 8, 2015
Indian historical fiction gets a fillip with Sumedha Verma Ojha’s Urnabhih. While India's mythological and Mughal period has been mined regularly few have touched Ancient India which is a treasure trove of plotlines.
The novel is set immediately after the fall of the Nanda dynasty as Chandragupta has just seized power. The fragility of the empire can be sensed as Chanakya sets his sights on consolidating power for the young King by retaining the old Nanda ministers in the new administration and expanding it further by bringing the kingdom of Kaikeyi, bordered by the Greeks, into the Mauryan fold.
In this setup of holding the kingdom from within and countering the machinations of a foreign nation enters Misrakesi, a courtesan, the main protagonist of the novel and a delightful one. A fresh recruit in Chankya’s famed spy network, she hold her own and more. As a character Misrakesi is in the Amrapali mold and the writer gives a nod to her a little into the middle of the novel.
The writer’s grasp of the period is evident as she weaves the plot into the period quite like Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi’s TV series Chanakya and Bharat Ek Khoj on Doordarshan which brought a welcome touch of reality after B R Chopra’s ostentatious Mahabarata and Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana. Her writing is assured and etching the nuances in a relationship is her forte making the characters come alive.
The novel is quite a page turner, I finished it in two sittings thoroughly enjoying it. I had mixed feelings when I read the book was to have a sequel. Mixed feelings as in Urnabhih was complete in itself as in you didn't want to disturb the ending and if the sequel could match the original. But the joy of seeing the characters again makes the sequel a welcome wait.
It had been a while since Amita Kanekar’s lovely book ‘A Spoke in the Wheel’, the novel has two storylines one in the Buddha's period and the other in the Mauryan period, came out and the void after that has been delightfully filled by Sumedha Verma Ojha’s Urnabhih.
The novel is set immediately after the fall of the Nanda dynasty as Chandragupta has just seized power. The fragility of the empire can be sensed as Chanakya sets his sights on consolidating power for the young King by retaining the old Nanda ministers in the new administration and expanding it further by bringing the kingdom of Kaikeyi, bordered by the Greeks, into the Mauryan fold.
In this setup of holding the kingdom from within and countering the machinations of a foreign nation enters Misrakesi, a courtesan, the main protagonist of the novel and a delightful one. A fresh recruit in Chankya’s famed spy network, she hold her own and more. As a character Misrakesi is in the Amrapali mold and the writer gives a nod to her a little into the middle of the novel.
The writer’s grasp of the period is evident as she weaves the plot into the period quite like Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi’s TV series Chanakya and Bharat Ek Khoj on Doordarshan which brought a welcome touch of reality after B R Chopra’s ostentatious Mahabarata and Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana. Her writing is assured and etching the nuances in a relationship is her forte making the characters come alive.
The novel is quite a page turner, I finished it in two sittings thoroughly enjoying it. I had mixed feelings when I read the book was to have a sequel. Mixed feelings as in Urnabhih was complete in itself as in you didn't want to disturb the ending and if the sequel could match the original. But the joy of seeing the characters again makes the sequel a welcome wait.
It had been a while since Amita Kanekar’s lovely book ‘A Spoke in the Wheel’, the novel has two storylines one in the Buddha's period and the other in the Mauryan period, came out and the void after that has been delightfully filled by Sumedha Verma Ojha’s Urnabhih.
November 2, 2014
Urnabhih is a wonderful start to what I hope is a series to come. Set in ancient India, it follows the path and travails of a beautiful spy, who is a major strategic character (fictional) in the setting up of Mauryan empire in India.The book captures you completely in its detailed description of not just the locations, but also the garments worn by the characters, the habits, the manners of conversation, and the culture which might have been. The use of hindi words at many occasions makes the average Indian reader relate to the book more. We always have access to books which have been set in the western world, and while reading one of Ken Follet's "The Fall of Giants", I had wondered if we can ever have such a set up for Indian history. Urnabhih, here, sets an example, (and hopefully a trend) of such sorts, because it will revive your interest in the chronology of Indian history, the writings, and the teachings of Chanakya. We get a brief glimpse into how the administrative set ups were then, how the princely set ups worked, how royal marriages became political alliances of sorts. If you've had the chance to read old Amar Chitra Kathas, then Urnabhih helps use those images to build up an elaborate royal set up, which are a delight to read.
The book in itself, offers many sub stories and plots. The characters are well etched out and even the sporadic ones have a role to play in some way.The novel while completing the tasks it set out in the first chapter, leaves a door open to the ongoing conquests of the Greek, and you wonder whats happening there!
Looking forward to the next one, this is one history lesson no one can put down!!
The book in itself, offers many sub stories and plots. The characters are well etched out and even the sporadic ones have a role to play in some way.The novel while completing the tasks it set out in the first chapter, leaves a door open to the ongoing conquests of the Greek, and you wonder whats happening there!
Looking forward to the next one, this is one history lesson no one can put down!!
October 19, 2014
What if James Bond was a woman and worked for one of the greatest empires of the Ancient World instead of Her Majesty?
Probably not a question anyone has ever asked and I don't think the author Sumedha V Ojha had that on her mind either. But it is the best way in which I can summarize the heady, unputdownable page-turner that is Urnabhih.
There is a plot in itself, full of stratagem, maneuverings and enough twist and turns to give George R R Martin himself a run for his money.
There are the characters, authentic, human, relatable and the setting, so articulately described that I can scarcely imagine how the upcoming TV adaptation will do it justice.
And finally there is the killer fact that the glorious and progressive world described in this book is not pure fantasy but a real time and place in history, bustling with technology and culture. Having spoken to the author, I understand that this book was merely a means to bring her years of research on ancient India to life but clearly she has discovered a knack for telling a kick-ass story on the way.
Move over ancient Rome and Greece. The world may just have found the next setting for historical movies and TV shows. Ridley Scott, Frank Miller, are you listening?
Probably not a question anyone has ever asked and I don't think the author Sumedha V Ojha had that on her mind either. But it is the best way in which I can summarize the heady, unputdownable page-turner that is Urnabhih.
There is a plot in itself, full of stratagem, maneuverings and enough twist and turns to give George R R Martin himself a run for his money.
There are the characters, authentic, human, relatable and the setting, so articulately described that I can scarcely imagine how the upcoming TV adaptation will do it justice.
And finally there is the killer fact that the glorious and progressive world described in this book is not pure fantasy but a real time and place in history, bustling with technology and culture. Having spoken to the author, I understand that this book was merely a means to bring her years of research on ancient India to life but clearly she has discovered a knack for telling a kick-ass story on the way.
Move over ancient Rome and Greece. The world may just have found the next setting for historical movies and TV shows. Ridley Scott, Frank Miller, are you listening?
May 19, 2017
My problem probably is that I went in with a lot of expectations. I'm not kidding you. Ridiculously high.
The writing style is not particularly up my alley. But I think everything else was done beautifully. I'm not well-versed with history so I don't know if everything is historically accurate. Even if it isn't, I don't care. The author has done a great job.
Was not a fan of Pushyamitra though.
I'm looking forward to everything else that the author has in store for Misrakesi and all those intriguing characters (except you, Pushyamitra) that she has established in this novel. I still feel a teeny bit let down by this one(my fault, really) and I hope the next one delivers.
Note: What a cover, huh. Can't take my eyes off of it.
The writing style is not particularly up my alley. But I think everything else was done beautifully. I'm not well-versed with history so I don't know if everything is historically accurate. Even if it isn't, I don't care. The author has done a great job.
Was not a fan of Pushyamitra though.
I'm looking forward to everything else that the author has in store for Misrakesi and all those intriguing characters (except you, Pushyamitra) that she has established in this novel. I still feel a teeny bit let down by this one(my fault, really) and I hope the next one delivers.
Note: What a cover, huh. Can't take my eyes off of it.
December 26, 2014
A fascinating tale ,told with much love , this book took me back to the ancient Indian period. The book is full of interesting details of dresses, ornaments, flowers and lifestyle of that period . Well researched and well written, it is a recommended read for all lovers of historical fiction .
August 9, 2017
Well researched. Well thought and interesting plot. Waiting for the second volume.
July 6, 2024
Detailed Review - https://www.anuradhagoyal.com/urnabhi...
January 18, 2021
A very engaging piece of historical fiction. What I really loved is that it is based in Mauryan times, inculcating the politics and culture of those times very well. Need many more works like these.
June 18, 2020
Espionage is an art. A smooth execution of one's disguise and to manipulate the enemy's mind to gain his confidence while gleaning the needed information is indeed an art. Imagine the formidable psychology of an agent to remain unfazed in spite of the mind-bending tests he undergoes to prove his mettle?
Espionage is an art of war; a psychological warcraft. Empires have toppled because of a successful espionage.
Urnabhih is a charming tale of one such espionage. A story of a danseuse seductress, Misrakesi who becomes a sexpionage through her successful, covert honey-trapping operations. A series of alliances forged and broken, leverage gain and utilized, cards getting played and tables turned in the empire.
She makes her way up the ranks to become an official state spy agent.
Although it had been thrilling adventures for her, she often was attacked by her conscience and did soul-searching for her pathological double-identity. However, living by her wits, she eloquently charms anyone she earmarked. Thus, in that sense influential over anyone entrapped by her seduction.
She was honing her innate skills in her art of concealment, deception during her clandestine activities. Unfortunately, she could not comparmentalize her emotions when it came to matters of her heart. Her feelings were rousing for the self-contained and stoic Pushymitra - the chief of the espionage network she was recruited into. Of course, he was beguiled by the intelligent and beautiful Misrakesi. He denied his feelings by being quite Draconian with her. This led to quite a duel of a romantic farrago.
The plot thickens. Both Misrakesi and Pushymitra set onwards a dangerous undertaking. With "the alive and all encompassing woman with him" by his side, Pushymitra was falling head over heels in love with her. The romance between them was blossoming with the passage of time.
"Against the sylvan background she looked like a painting etched in the new naturalistic style being developed" - the spellbound Pushymitra muses. The shringaram between Misrakesi and Pushymitra became ambrosial to a point I felt their romance tugging at my heart's strings.
They stayed focused in their covert operation of course. And as their mission reached a climax, Misrakesi was put to trial. She emerges a resilient heroine without letting the soldiers break her apart. The breaking point within the enemy state in fact happened only then. The couple infiltrated the enemy's governance, court and into their minds wholly, creating the desired falling-out among the ministers in the enemy state. And purported attack upon them with their army on standby for Chandragupta to conquer the throne.
Can there by anything deadlier than an intelligent and courageous female on a mission? Misrakesi proves herself to be a femme fatale.
I savoured every drop of the honey trap narrative slowly as I just did not want this book to end. The story was like ecstasy for me and I'm still reeling from its after effects. I can't wait for the sequel now. Urnabhih, is a finely spun espionage network with elements of Rajtantra and shringara rasa interwoven deftly, festoneed with ethereal garments, exotic jewelleries, pompous festivities, orchestrated entirely by Chanakya. Along with a skullduggery at foot - the phantom of Chandramuki. A million stars and more for this magnetic story 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Espionage is an art of war; a psychological warcraft. Empires have toppled because of a successful espionage.
Urnabhih is a charming tale of one such espionage. A story of a danseuse seductress, Misrakesi who becomes a sexpionage through her successful, covert honey-trapping operations. A series of alliances forged and broken, leverage gain and utilized, cards getting played and tables turned in the empire.
She makes her way up the ranks to become an official state spy agent.
Although it had been thrilling adventures for her, she often was attacked by her conscience and did soul-searching for her pathological double-identity. However, living by her wits, she eloquently charms anyone she earmarked. Thus, in that sense influential over anyone entrapped by her seduction.
She was honing her innate skills in her art of concealment, deception during her clandestine activities. Unfortunately, she could not comparmentalize her emotions when it came to matters of her heart. Her feelings were rousing for the self-contained and stoic Pushymitra - the chief of the espionage network she was recruited into. Of course, he was beguiled by the intelligent and beautiful Misrakesi. He denied his feelings by being quite Draconian with her. This led to quite a duel of a romantic farrago.
The plot thickens. Both Misrakesi and Pushymitra set onwards a dangerous undertaking. With "the alive and all encompassing woman with him" by his side, Pushymitra was falling head over heels in love with her. The romance between them was blossoming with the passage of time.
"Against the sylvan background she looked like a painting etched in the new naturalistic style being developed" - the spellbound Pushymitra muses. The shringaram between Misrakesi and Pushymitra became ambrosial to a point I felt their romance tugging at my heart's strings.
They stayed focused in their covert operation of course. And as their mission reached a climax, Misrakesi was put to trial. She emerges a resilient heroine without letting the soldiers break her apart. The breaking point within the enemy state in fact happened only then. The couple infiltrated the enemy's governance, court and into their minds wholly, creating the desired falling-out among the ministers in the enemy state. And purported attack upon them with their army on standby for Chandragupta to conquer the throne.
Can there by anything deadlier than an intelligent and courageous female on a mission? Misrakesi proves herself to be a femme fatale.
I savoured every drop of the honey trap narrative slowly as I just did not want this book to end. The story was like ecstasy for me and I'm still reeling from its after effects. I can't wait for the sequel now. Urnabhih, is a finely spun espionage network with elements of Rajtantra and shringara rasa interwoven deftly, festoneed with ethereal garments, exotic jewelleries, pompous festivities, orchestrated entirely by Chanakya. Along with a skullduggery at foot - the phantom of Chandramuki. A million stars and more for this magnetic story 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
April 8, 2023
The book's setting is really interesting - all the descriptions of historical events, places, food, lifestyle, culture, made me feel I'm there, made Pataliputra of then come alive on the page.
The story is decently engaging, I like that the focus of being a spy isn't on swordplay and whatnot but using the fact that men find the protagonist alluring to her advantage.
Her character is interesting and one I want to root for, however, traits that are shown to be unconventional for a 'ganika' - she has scruples, she's sensitive, emotional, cares - they're not utilised in the story as a strength, and in fact she is constantly put down by everyone around her for those traits.
I disliked the male protagonist - he's manipulative, controlling, self-serving, a typical brooding male stereotype who comes undone by this one special woman. Also, his reasons for deciding she's the one for him are so stupid and come so late in the story, it takes him that long to truly get who she is and then also, I don't think he understands her that well. The end is rushed and his nonchalance at lying to her about what affects her own body (and thereby, taking away her agency over her own body) is gross and we're expected as readers to just get behind that, even if she as a character is herself not comfortable with it. In fact, very little of the ending feels like it's her deciding and more of others (men in power) deciding for her.
I get that this book is set in a time when society is deeply patriarchal, god-fearing, even nationalistic, but the glorifying of war or patriotism, gender and social roles still doesn't sit comfortably. When the female protagonist can be taken liberties with to show progressiveness and set her apart, other elements could've been too.
There's also way too much focus on the physical beauty descriptions. Some parts are written well, are sensual, but then they keep going into repetitive, boring passages of how she's so beautiful, every man desires her, and whatnot. This could've been cut down a lot because it doesn't even add that much to the story in terms of showcasing their growing romance or anything like that. The subplot of the bramhachari getting taken in with her is kinda disgustingly voyeuristic and written from the male gaze completely.
Also, the maps are really unhelpful even though there are 3 maps, most of the places mentioned are difficult to find on the maps, many have different names on the map than in the text.
There are a lot of gripes I have with his book, so probably wouldn't read it again, but it was a decent, speedy, engaging read otherwise and was definitely different from the kind of stuff I read or have read before. This is maybe my 2nd Indian historical fiction though, so there maybe better stories out there that I'm unaware of.
The story is decently engaging, I like that the focus of being a spy isn't on swordplay and whatnot but using the fact that men find the protagonist alluring to her advantage.
Her character is interesting and one I want to root for, however, traits that are shown to be unconventional for a 'ganika' - she has scruples, she's sensitive, emotional, cares - they're not utilised in the story as a strength, and in fact she is constantly put down by everyone around her for those traits.
I disliked the male protagonist - he's manipulative, controlling, self-serving, a typical brooding male stereotype who comes undone by this one special woman. Also, his reasons for deciding she's the one for him are so stupid and come so late in the story, it takes him that long to truly get who she is and then also, I don't think he understands her that well. The end is rushed and his nonchalance at lying to her about what affects her own body (and thereby, taking away her agency over her own body) is gross and we're expected as readers to just get behind that, even if she as a character is herself not comfortable with it. In fact, very little of the ending feels like it's her deciding and more of others (men in power) deciding for her.
I get that this book is set in a time when society is deeply patriarchal, god-fearing, even nationalistic, but the glorifying of war or patriotism, gender and social roles still doesn't sit comfortably. When the female protagonist can be taken liberties with to show progressiveness and set her apart, other elements could've been too.
There's also way too much focus on the physical beauty descriptions. Some parts are written well, are sensual, but then they keep going into repetitive, boring passages of how she's so beautiful, every man desires her, and whatnot. This could've been cut down a lot because it doesn't even add that much to the story in terms of showcasing their growing romance or anything like that. The subplot of the bramhachari getting taken in with her is kinda disgustingly voyeuristic and written from the male gaze completely.
Also, the maps are really unhelpful even though there are 3 maps, most of the places mentioned are difficult to find on the maps, many have different names on the map than in the text.
There are a lot of gripes I have with his book, so probably wouldn't read it again, but it was a decent, speedy, engaging read otherwise and was definitely different from the kind of stuff I read or have read before. This is maybe my 2nd Indian historical fiction though, so there maybe better stories out there that I'm unaware of.
March 6, 2023
The pretty cover made me pick this book and I'm glad for it.
Set in the time when Chandragupta and chanakya where taking over Magadha, the story follows Misrakesi, a dancer and spy. She sets out to avenge her sister's death but that plotline is dropped within 2 pages, she gets convinced by Chanakya to work for him instead. There is a sense of constant alertness and paranoia needed to protect a monarch. There is romance in the book and it is a nice relationship.
The historical details in the writing is WONDERFUL, the general atmosphere is very well conveyed. Well pictured and beautifully worded .
The writing is very good and the plot is fast paced, the protagonist is one of the few heroines who doesn't switch off her brain or skills once she enters a relationship. That is a pleasure to read. She still kicks ass. And unlike Game of thrones, there's no gleefully graphic descriptions of cruelty or torture, any pain or death is described subtly and respectfully. The same can be said for moments of intimacy, subtle and non-vulgar.
Initially, the many places and terms made it a little hard to understand, even though I'm an Indian. It would probably be tougher for non-indians. The words and places are foreign enough to make this book nearly a fantasy.
Set in the time when Chandragupta and chanakya where taking over Magadha, the story follows Misrakesi, a dancer and spy. She sets out to avenge her sister's death but that plotline is dropped within 2 pages, she gets convinced by Chanakya to work for him instead. There is a sense of constant alertness and paranoia needed to protect a monarch. There is romance in the book and it is a nice relationship.
The historical details in the writing is WONDERFUL, the general atmosphere is very well conveyed. Well pictured and beautifully worded .
The writing is very good and the plot is fast paced, the protagonist is one of the few heroines who doesn't switch off her brain or skills once she enters a relationship. That is a pleasure to read. She still kicks ass. And unlike Game of thrones, there's no gleefully graphic descriptions of cruelty or torture, any pain or death is described subtly and respectfully. The same can be said for moments of intimacy, subtle and non-vulgar.
Initially, the many places and terms made it a little hard to understand, even though I'm an Indian. It would probably be tougher for non-indians. The words and places are foreign enough to make this book nearly a fantasy.
October 11, 2022
This book was a good introduction to the world and setting of the Mauraya era as well as a good revision for me because with my limited knowledge of Indian History, (something I am not proud of), I was unaware of the world of Ganika.
As I started reading it, it did sound intriguing, espionage and spy in the Maurya Era but regrettably, in the end, the tension and thriller weren't that satisfying. Kudos on the Maurya Era facts, but espionage needs much more at stake than this novel, which I felt was lacking in it.
As I started reading it, it did sound intriguing, espionage and spy in the Maurya Era but regrettably, in the end, the tension and thriller weren't that satisfying. Kudos on the Maurya Era facts, but espionage needs much more at stake than this novel, which I felt was lacking in it.
October 6, 2017
I truly feel sad that this book did not receive any recognition as compared to the other Indian books or books by other Indian authors. This book is one true entertainer. It has really taken us back to the Chanakya and Chandra Gupta Mourya era, with a female lead being a spy.
This book is a one time read for Indian History fiction lovers
This book is a one time read for Indian History fiction lovers
January 30, 2023
I yearned for more Chanakya screen/book time. Yet I loved the research, the spy plot and the tension build up. Author's language is lush and lucid. Misrakesi was a wonderfully rounded character - a rare breed with beauty and wits. The hero, though, was all brawn and minimal brain. If only Chanakya loomed larger & more frequently in the book, I'd give it 5 stars.
Looking forward to the sequel.
Looking forward to the sequel.
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October 23, 2020I tried a sample on my Kindle and decided not to continue. Even though the Mauryan period is particularly interesting and full of potential, the writing is too tangled for me, while the characters seem flat.
August 28, 2018
Rather wooden characters and an obvious plot.
July 3, 2022
Very good research but poor writing.
October 23, 2014
I was just back from a hectic but highly enjoyable tour when I picked up ‘Urnabhih’ by Sumedha V Ojha. Let me concede at the outset that I do not read too much fiction, especially English fiction. My fiction reading is mostly confined to reading Hindi fiction, a language which comes naturally to me and with which I am comfortable. However, since the author Sumedha V Ojha is a close friend (more like an elder sister) I was both curious and anxious to read her work. In the last couple of years my readings have been mostly confined to the dark and gory world of terrorism and security studies so I was quiet sceptical as to how much I would enjoy reading a work of fiction.
As I started reading all my scepticisms dissolved. The book is simply unputdownable. Aptly titled, ‘Urnabhih’ (spider’s web) the novel is a historical fiction set in the ‘early’ empire building phase of the Mauryan times. The newly enthroned Chandragupta Maurya after overthrowing the Nandas is in the process of consolidating his empire with the help of his mentor and Guru, Acharya Chanakya.
Misrakesi, the main protagonist of the novel is a ‘ganika’ from Ujjaini who arrives in Patliputra to avenge the death of her sister Sukesi, but instead ends up working for the state as a spy under the Nagrik Suraksha Parishad. She has a caring but arrogant Chief in Pushyamitra Sunga who later becomes her lover and husband. Together Misrakesi and Pushyamitra prevent the assassination of the Samrat, solve the mystery of counterfeit currencies flooding the fledgling Mauryan Empire and upstage the brilliant Maha Amatya of Kaikeya Rajya to incorporate it into the Mauryan Empire of Chakravartin Chandragupta Maurya. Thus is fulfilled Acharya Chanakya’s desire of facilitating the political unity of Jambudweep (the name of ancient India). The soul of the novel is drawn from the writings of the period (especially Chanakya) and depicts the challenges to as well as responses of the newly established Mauryan dynasty very realistically. Acharya Chanakya is the main ‘sutradhaar’ of the novel. In the novel his presence in person is few and far between, but his ‘invisible’ presence looms large and carries the story forward. He plots, plans, cajoles, intrigues and blesses wherever needed.
The book is Sumedha’s labour of love for the Mauryan period and it shows. Apart from the taut and racy storyline, what really struck me is the deep research done by her on all facets of the Mauryan period in which the novel is set. Classifying it as a work of fiction would be simplistic and would overlook the deep insights that this book provides of Mauryan history, anthropology and sociology. Flipping through the pages of this brilliant work, the reader is transported to the Mauryan period; its dress, food, architecture and social stratifications, moorings and differentiations. ‘Urnabhih’ not only ‘tells’ a story but also makes you ‘see’ Patliputra and Kekayi. I have read very few novels where the settings of the period have as much prominence as the story itself.
One thing which struck me greatly is the status of women and the freedom (including sexual) enjoyed by them in ancient India. An orphan ‘ganika’ from a different kingdom with her wits and hard work could rise in the social hierarchy to nobility. The essence of a complete life symbolized by the important balance between ‘Arth’, ‘Kaam’, ‘Dharam’ and ‘Moksh’, somehow seems to have been lost to modern India under the pernicious purinitical influence of later Islamic and Victorian morals. Not having this book in your personal collection makes it poorer. It is a novel which needs to be bought, read and preserved.
The only complaint I have is that the novel did not answer the question as to why Misrakesi’s sister Sukesi committed suicide. What prompted her to do so? What was the mission she had with Siddharthak? While a follow up of this novel is coming soon, now that I am hooked, I would also like to read the precursor to this novel detailing Sukesi’s mission with Siddharthak. Sumedha, are you listening?
As I started reading all my scepticisms dissolved. The book is simply unputdownable. Aptly titled, ‘Urnabhih’ (spider’s web) the novel is a historical fiction set in the ‘early’ empire building phase of the Mauryan times. The newly enthroned Chandragupta Maurya after overthrowing the Nandas is in the process of consolidating his empire with the help of his mentor and Guru, Acharya Chanakya.
Misrakesi, the main protagonist of the novel is a ‘ganika’ from Ujjaini who arrives in Patliputra to avenge the death of her sister Sukesi, but instead ends up working for the state as a spy under the Nagrik Suraksha Parishad. She has a caring but arrogant Chief in Pushyamitra Sunga who later becomes her lover and husband. Together Misrakesi and Pushyamitra prevent the assassination of the Samrat, solve the mystery of counterfeit currencies flooding the fledgling Mauryan Empire and upstage the brilliant Maha Amatya of Kaikeya Rajya to incorporate it into the Mauryan Empire of Chakravartin Chandragupta Maurya. Thus is fulfilled Acharya Chanakya’s desire of facilitating the political unity of Jambudweep (the name of ancient India). The soul of the novel is drawn from the writings of the period (especially Chanakya) and depicts the challenges to as well as responses of the newly established Mauryan dynasty very realistically. Acharya Chanakya is the main ‘sutradhaar’ of the novel. In the novel his presence in person is few and far between, but his ‘invisible’ presence looms large and carries the story forward. He plots, plans, cajoles, intrigues and blesses wherever needed.
The book is Sumedha’s labour of love for the Mauryan period and it shows. Apart from the taut and racy storyline, what really struck me is the deep research done by her on all facets of the Mauryan period in which the novel is set. Classifying it as a work of fiction would be simplistic and would overlook the deep insights that this book provides of Mauryan history, anthropology and sociology. Flipping through the pages of this brilliant work, the reader is transported to the Mauryan period; its dress, food, architecture and social stratifications, moorings and differentiations. ‘Urnabhih’ not only ‘tells’ a story but also makes you ‘see’ Patliputra and Kekayi. I have read very few novels where the settings of the period have as much prominence as the story itself.
One thing which struck me greatly is the status of women and the freedom (including sexual) enjoyed by them in ancient India. An orphan ‘ganika’ from a different kingdom with her wits and hard work could rise in the social hierarchy to nobility. The essence of a complete life symbolized by the important balance between ‘Arth’, ‘Kaam’, ‘Dharam’ and ‘Moksh’, somehow seems to have been lost to modern India under the pernicious purinitical influence of later Islamic and Victorian morals. Not having this book in your personal collection makes it poorer. It is a novel which needs to be bought, read and preserved.
The only complaint I have is that the novel did not answer the question as to why Misrakesi’s sister Sukesi committed suicide. What prompted her to do so? What was the mission she had with Siddharthak? While a follow up of this novel is coming soon, now that I am hooked, I would also like to read the precursor to this novel detailing Sukesi’s mission with Siddharthak. Sumedha, are you listening?
November 17, 2014
Can dharma survive the cruel world of geo-politics ? Is it possible to be good and righteous in a world where progressively values have no meaning, where alien power systems hold forth on lands far beyond their borders and shape it in their mold through the soft and hard power ? Are these questions new, or not really ? For a India, at crossroads, rapidly moving to take centre stage in a world dominated by values which its culture holds abhorrent, these are live questions. How do we seek for a place in the world where the only currency is brute power. Is it possible to be different and yet hold primacy in a world where matsyanyaya seems to be the only approach to life ? These are questions which Indians are grappling with in our moment of inflection, a topic of many works of cogitation from modern seers, social thinkers, and politicians alike, but we can take heart in the fact that Indias “timeless history” as Namita Gokhale states so eloquently while talking about the Urnabhih offers if not a ready-made solution, at least a way, a path, a thought process to live by to get there, and as in the Indian way, how best to talk about such things, if not through a story. Urnabhih is such a story. A Panchtantra for grownups, a slice of something from the genre of the epics, a darn good yarn, and a bloody hard as nails perceptive insight of the world of real politic.
The story which starts, tentatively, a little hesitatingly, apparently unsure of where things are going to go, a very natural beginning for a book which chronicles the adventures of the heroine in a very unsure and rapidly changing world, a dynamic world in which she has opted to live a life of intrigue and shadows, where nothing is what it is, and where the personal values of family, loyalty and attachment, must constantly battle the demands of serving a higher cause than oneself. Soon, the reader is plunged headlong into the rich and beautiful world of Mauyran period, painstakingly painted to a very real picture, the story coming alive and more a moving picture than words in a book as the protagonist plays a key role in historical events of the era, such as seeing through a smooth coronation of Chandragupta Maurya and the consolidation his rule. A book, whose colorful and vividly described cover are indeed a good judge of the pages within, which are a colorful, esthetically depiction of the ancient India come alive, as might be the case when the frescos of Ajanta would move in words, covers a journey of Mirakesi, who has chosen to make her life as a Ganika as she moves to being a hidden hand of the web which Acharya Chanakya is laying along India, a web of silk and steel to bind India into a single political formation, centered around the Charkavartin philosophies of an even older India. Is she the spider of her own web, or just being driven by the web of the preceptor ? A layered narrative where one is never sure what the motivations of the principle players are, as they themselves grapple with the competing pulls and pressures of the different calls, each of which they hold dear.
To add more of the story, would be giving it away, and the book, which in keeping with the theme of many layers, is at once a historical narrative, an espionage thriller and a treatise on balancing geo-politics with individual values, is truly one of the rare books, where the experience of the book through reading it is a bigger reward than the knowledge of the story. So any statement on the book, would need to end with just this recommendation that reading it would be the worthwhile investment of the rare commodity of our times, time.
June 10, 2022
A very well created era with beautiful details, suspense, intrigue, mystery - it is a page turner. It took me a while to get started with this book, but when I did, it was unputdownable. It is Sumedhas talent to bring that era to life in all its details. Just that part of it, makes for a delightful read. And then the suspense, the plot unwinds - but all along it keeps you in rapt attention.
January 26, 2015
This is a historical fiction set in the fourth century BC India when most of India was brought under one empire headed by Chandragupta Maurya shortly after Alexander the Great turned back after a brief foray into northwest India. History credits Chandragupta's success to his guru - the wily Chanakya - whose image in India is similar to that of Machiavelli in Europe. Chanakya's famous book 'Arthashastra' on statecraft devotes a lot of space to the art of spying and intrigue. In this book the author takes us into the world of intrigue and espionage using the fictional character of Misrakesi, a beautiful, intelligent and talented dancer and upper class courtesan.
Misrakesi had come to Pataliputra, Chadragupta's capital, with the intention of killing Chanakya - as she held him responsible for the death of her elder sister. Chankaya manages to convince her that he was not guilty, her sister had in fact died in the cause of the Empire and he convinces her to join the cause herself as part of the secret service headed by the tough Pushyamitra Sunga.
Misrakesi sets up a dance house using secret service funds where people will let their guard down when serviced with dance, wine and women and reveal their plots against the empire. Her relationship with Pushyamitra is rocky to start with, but as they work together they develop respect and affection for each other and become lovers. Misrakesi is successful in identifying a major plot by a rival kingdom to subvert Magadh's currency by flooding it with counterfeit coin. She and Pushyamitra then lead their own covert operation against the rival kingdom.
The plot has been ably constructed and has enough twists and turns to hold the reader's attention. The personalities of Misrakesi and Pushyamitra and their relationship have been developed quite well. It is an interesting book to read.
In the end the story left me intrigued about the use of the name Pushyamitra Sunga. The dynasty of Chandragupta Maurya ruled for nearly 150 years and included his illustrious grandson Ashoka the Great. in 185 BC the last Maurya ruler was assassinated by his army chief named Pushyamitra Sunga, who then went on to start the Sunga dynasty. The author appears to suggest that the Sungas had been serving the Mauryas for generations, until they decided to grab the throne for themselves. I have no idea if history bears this out.
Misrakesi had come to Pataliputra, Chadragupta's capital, with the intention of killing Chanakya - as she held him responsible for the death of her elder sister. Chankaya manages to convince her that he was not guilty, her sister had in fact died in the cause of the Empire and he convinces her to join the cause herself as part of the secret service headed by the tough Pushyamitra Sunga.
Misrakesi sets up a dance house using secret service funds where people will let their guard down when serviced with dance, wine and women and reveal their plots against the empire. Her relationship with Pushyamitra is rocky to start with, but as they work together they develop respect and affection for each other and become lovers. Misrakesi is successful in identifying a major plot by a rival kingdom to subvert Magadh's currency by flooding it with counterfeit coin. She and Pushyamitra then lead their own covert operation against the rival kingdom.
The plot has been ably constructed and has enough twists and turns to hold the reader's attention. The personalities of Misrakesi and Pushyamitra and their relationship have been developed quite well. It is an interesting book to read.
In the end the story left me intrigued about the use of the name Pushyamitra Sunga. The dynasty of Chandragupta Maurya ruled for nearly 150 years and included his illustrious grandson Ashoka the Great. in 185 BC the last Maurya ruler was assassinated by his army chief named Pushyamitra Sunga, who then went on to start the Sunga dynasty. The author appears to suggest that the Sungas had been serving the Mauryas for generations, until they decided to grab the throne for themselves. I have no idea if history bears this out.
December 28, 2016
I am thrilled to have read this novel by Sumedha. The details that she has gone into to describe the main characters and even certain events is fantastic. I personally did find it getting a bit longer on some occasions but it was well compensated for by some fantastic story telling and an interesting plot.
Urnabhih is a story of Misrakesi, a nartaki who is trying to make her way in the world of spies. Two "missions" have been shown in detail and somewhere around the middle, this spy story becomes a spy-romance story and ends up as a purely romantic novel. The transition is soft and someone like me who usually stays away from romance novels did not find it a least bit boring. Maybe because of the undercurrents of thrill and spying.
The author seems to have a special liking for the clothes and fashion and has described every single accessory worn by Misrakesi and even other characters in great detail. I normally skimmed over these sections to be frank. Probably just being a guy.
All in all, I will surely recommend this novel for a nice read for anyone who likes historical fiction or even simple spy stories.
This is Sumedha's first work and I look forward to more of them from her :-)
Urnabhih is a story of Misrakesi, a nartaki who is trying to make her way in the world of spies. Two "missions" have been shown in detail and somewhere around the middle, this spy story becomes a spy-romance story and ends up as a purely romantic novel. The transition is soft and someone like me who usually stays away from romance novels did not find it a least bit boring. Maybe because of the undercurrents of thrill and spying.
The author seems to have a special liking for the clothes and fashion and has described every single accessory worn by Misrakesi and even other characters in great detail. I normally skimmed over these sections to be frank. Probably just being a guy.
All in all, I will surely recommend this novel for a nice read for anyone who likes historical fiction or even simple spy stories.
This is Sumedha's first work and I look forward to more of them from her :-)
December 19, 2014
An absolute breeze. I have a habit of not touching fiction, just on a mindset it disturbs, as you create the characters which might not be necessary to be there in, aftermath. But there are always some exceptions, and this is one of them. I got into the Mauryan world, every time I picked up this book, even though not a continuous read due to my workload, author was able to transport me into hers and thats probably because detailed outlook she gives about it.
She has put in a very sincere effort, and has tried to be as close to the Mauryan age, and does not attempt to loom threads out of none. Starting from the food, the names,the choice of words, various perfumes, and list goes on... The narrative gets a bit serious after the Kaikeyi princess starts narrating about the Alexander's invasion, and we can very well see through the cross roads of civilisation. All the more, there will be part 2, and would love to dwell in it again, just for the honesty, how it is to view it from Jambudvīpa. Inside out.
She has put in a very sincere effort, and has tried to be as close to the Mauryan age, and does not attempt to loom threads out of none. Starting from the food, the names,the choice of words, various perfumes, and list goes on... The narrative gets a bit serious after the Kaikeyi princess starts narrating about the Alexander's invasion, and we can very well see through the cross roads of civilisation. All the more, there will be part 2, and would love to dwell in it again, just for the honesty, how it is to view it from Jambudvīpa. Inside out.
Read
March 30, 2015First of all, an interesting novel - the story unfolds in quick succession of events and holds you to the end.
The language suits the story, and flows like a spring.
The pace is fast and yet the writer keeps you spellbound through beautiful depictions of various events, characters, customs and depictions of various aspects of the society and people of that time..
She seems to have gathered deep knowledge of the period before venturing out to put en to the paper...nobody can accuse her of saying anything frivolously...each aspect of the society and its customs, mores like clothes, festivities have been explored and described with an eye for details
The period comes alive as you go through the story and you start feeling all the fears, sorrows and thrills felt by various characters, and particularly the main protagonists - Misrakeshi and Pushyamitra..
Read to discover more!
The language suits the story, and flows like a spring.
The pace is fast and yet the writer keeps you spellbound through beautiful depictions of various events, characters, customs and depictions of various aspects of the society and people of that time..
She seems to have gathered deep knowledge of the period before venturing out to put en to the paper...nobody can accuse her of saying anything frivolously...each aspect of the society and its customs, mores like clothes, festivities have been explored and described with an eye for details
The period comes alive as you go through the story and you start feeling all the fears, sorrows and thrills felt by various characters, and particularly the main protagonists - Misrakeshi and Pushyamitra..
Read to discover more!
July 10, 2016
Tasteful reconstruction of a time in India that is otherwise hard to conceive or even believe to have existed. To put life into vague ideas about the once prosperous India by etching intricate details of the life of the royal employees in words makes this book an awe inducing read. The weaving of facts with fiction is seamless. The inter relationship of characters can be indentified with, the stong position of women in the society is surprising yet impressive and the subject of monogamy/polygamy presented is can make the modern day Indian look regressive.
November 20, 2025
The story is okayish. But I found it hard to connect with the characters. There are some very interesting characters to play with here, but the author misses the opportunity. From what we know, ancient India would have been a very patriarchal place. There are just too many decent people in the story. The characters could have been more grey instead of being plain good/bad.
Furthermore, for a book that claims to be about espionage, there is very little of it. The book is closer Mills and Boons than John Le Carre.
Furthermore, for a book that claims to be about espionage, there is very little of it. The book is closer Mills and Boons than John Le Carre.
July 4, 2015
A fascinating tale of ancient India...the characters brought to life with their detailed looks, mannerisms and emotions...alas, the book had to end! Nevertheless, the promise of a sequel has left me with mixed feelings...whether the second one would be able to live up to the original..fingers crossed.
March 7, 2016
I was thrilled to when a friend recommended this book, set in one of the most exciting periods in Indian history. The author's writing is reminiscent of the descriptions used in epics. There's a lot of detailed description, and obviously, a lot of research has gone into it. As a romance novel, it makes for a pleasant read on a Sunday afternoon over a cup of chai.
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