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Duryodhana
Duryodhana: The Prince Who Would Be King ...
The popular tellings of the Mahabharata are about Duryodhana's
deviousness, obstinacy and greed for power that would bring about the
battle of Kurukshetra between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, and his
own downfall.
But was there more to him? Was he all black, or was it a matter of
shades of grey?
What was he?
True heir or pretender to the throne?
Arch villain or brave prince defending his rajadharma?
Ace strategist or wicked schemer?
History, they say, is written by the victors. So we have never heard the
side that Duryodhana presents. The epic's enigmatic villain finally has
his say -- on people, their motives and their machinations. For the first
time we read a different meaning into episodes we may be familiar with --
be it the attempted killing of Bhima, the burning of the wax house, the
famous game of dice or even Draupadi's vastraharan -- and get insights
into the story we may not have come across before. Here is the crown
prince of Hastinapura as we have never known him, adding yet another
dimension to the labyrinth that is the Mahabharata.
The popular tellings of the Mahabharata are about Duryodhana's
deviousness, obstinacy and greed for power that would bring about the
battle of Kurukshetra between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, and his
own downfall.
But was there more to him? Was he all black, or was it a matter of
shades of grey?
What was he?
True heir or pretender to the throne?
Arch villain or brave prince defending his rajadharma?
Ace strategist or wicked schemer?
History, they say, is written by the victors. So we have never heard the
side that Duryodhana presents. The epic's enigmatic villain finally has
his say -- on people, their motives and their machinations. For the first
time we read a different meaning into episodes we may be familiar with --
be it the attempted killing of Bhima, the burning of the wax house, the
famous game of dice or even Draupadi's vastraharan -- and get insights
into the story we may not have come across before. Here is the crown
prince of Hastinapura as we have never known him, adding yet another
dimension to the labyrinth that is the Mahabharata.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2014
22 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 14, 2015
I should have abandoned this after reading the introduction, but still had enough gumption and resolve to read to the last page. In the introduction, we are made aware that Vyasa is the son of Satyavati and Parashurama (confusing Parashara and Parashurama is not a done thing). Also comes the startling disclosure that Shukracharya (the preceptor of Devas, father of Devayani) is the son of said sage Vyasa (mixing up Shukracharya and Shukadeva). For good measure, the author makes Vidura elder to Dhritarashtra and Pandu and Yuyutsu's mother is married to Dhritarashtra (second wife). I do hope this is a case of creative license (a little too much though) and not poor research. Now for the rest of the review.
First, the title of the book should have been 'The Rant of Duryodhana', for that is what the book is, in the first 200 pages. Don't even get me started on the glaring inaccuracies - and no these are neither printing errors or imaginative interpretations. They are plain inaccuracies.
And why are there bullet points in the narrative? In one particular place, the author lists "ten" points.
The language is absolutely juvenile - in an effort to sound cool, he turns out totally uncool. So while in one place it is a 'bandana' that covers Gandhari's eyes, in another it is a 'hankie'. Sorry. Not done.
In contrast, the author uses complex vocabulary in other places. For example taxophily for archery. What's wrong with archery?
The book could also have done with a good editor. There are unnecessary descriptions all over. While the listing of the names of each every one of Duryodhana's siblings is still ok, the half page description of how the children's game 'I spy' is played is not. And the concluding line of that passage takes the cake: ...the sought would become the seeker while the successful seeker joined the ranks of the sought... For a moment I thought I was reading Deepak Chopra!
There is also a 5 page monologue (not exaggerating) that Karna delivers during the show of skill. It is neither inspiring nor moving. And the final kicker. By about page 297 we have reached the game of dice and the shaming of Draupadi. For reasons unknown the author abruptly ends the book here, with Duryodhana making a statement that whatever happened thereafter was a foregone roll of events that is well documented in a million versions of the epic!
And to think I pre-ordered the book!
First, the title of the book should have been 'The Rant of Duryodhana', for that is what the book is, in the first 200 pages. Don't even get me started on the glaring inaccuracies - and no these are neither printing errors or imaginative interpretations. They are plain inaccuracies.
And why are there bullet points in the narrative? In one particular place, the author lists "ten" points.
The language is absolutely juvenile - in an effort to sound cool, he turns out totally uncool. So while in one place it is a 'bandana' that covers Gandhari's eyes, in another it is a 'hankie'. Sorry. Not done.
In contrast, the author uses complex vocabulary in other places. For example taxophily for archery. What's wrong with archery?
The book could also have done with a good editor. There are unnecessary descriptions all over. While the listing of the names of each every one of Duryodhana's siblings is still ok, the half page description of how the children's game 'I spy' is played is not. And the concluding line of that passage takes the cake: ...the sought would become the seeker while the successful seeker joined the ranks of the sought... For a moment I thought I was reading Deepak Chopra!
There is also a 5 page monologue (not exaggerating) that Karna delivers during the show of skill. It is neither inspiring nor moving. And the final kicker. By about page 297 we have reached the game of dice and the shaming of Draupadi. For reasons unknown the author abruptly ends the book here, with Duryodhana making a statement that whatever happened thereafter was a foregone roll of events that is well documented in a million versions of the epic!
And to think I pre-ordered the book!
October 25, 2021
The book strongly convinced me about Mahabharata being a story of grey vs grey, like most human conflicts are, unlike the black vs white version we all have grown up listening to.
The author has done an excellent job of playing the advocate to prince Suyodhana (maligned as Duryodhana) and convincingly building his case stronger, argument by argument.
Since both the Kauravas and the Pandavas have done their share of misdeeds, it is quite unfair to paint one party as the villain for posterity, and whitewash the dark side of so many characters from the other.
History is always written by the victors, they say. But someone had to highlight the flip-side of the coin.
The author has done an excellent job of playing the advocate to prince Suyodhana (maligned as Duryodhana) and convincingly building his case stronger, argument by argument.
Since both the Kauravas and the Pandavas have done their share of misdeeds, it is quite unfair to paint one party as the villain for posterity, and whitewash the dark side of so many characters from the other.
History is always written by the victors, they say. But someone had to highlight the flip-side of the coin.
September 25, 2017
Very interesting take on the events in Mahabharata, seen from an imagined Duryodhana's perspective- and written from the knowledge and skillsets of the 21st century. Language could have been more poetic and a bit of editing not amiss. Also, ended abruptly at the Vastraharan almost as if author tired of the story and its telling. But it's full of psychological insights and observations, and a sense of understanding derived from modern statecraft. A must read- and a real page turner. Lovely book.
March 30, 2015
intriguing..powerful...interesting..
January 27, 2020
It could have been a good book, if not for the repetitive narration and unnecessary length.
October 7, 2017
This novel portrays the so called anti-hero “Dhuryodhana” well and try to fit him into a well stitched outfit of a hero. Anyone who critically red Mahabharata will keep a neutral point of view like Neither with Pandava nor with Kaurava. But My mind always had a sympathy for the Kauravas, because they are the underdogs , people may say like “ Oh common man, even with Bheeshma, Drona , Karna, Suyodhana, Shalya, Aswathama and many other warriors !! they are weaker than Pandavas?, Don’t say stupid things”, but the fact may be the other way round , because most of these People except Karna, Duryodhana and Aswathama all others keep a deep-rooted love and affection towards Pandavas, so sometimes even during the war they fought lightly or they keep it mild when they fought against Kounteyas. Also Karna lost almost his good half before the war, like his Kavacha and Kundala, The Bhramastra( Parashurama cursed him that he cannot use it / cant remember the mantras to use it when time comes) and because of his words to Kunti devi (his biological mother) that he will not kill her sons except Arjuna. Because of these shapath Karna didn’t kill the other brothers even though he got several chance to finish them during the war. Apart from these Pandavas got a strategic planner and manipulator “Krishna” along with other strongest warriors like Drishtadhyumna, Satyaki, Abhimanyu, Ghadolkacha with them.
I will come to the book now,
The book Ends with the last day of Chaupat and, the aftermath of the series of event that happens after the game is not even touched by the novelist.
Shivaji sawant can stop the novel after the death of Karna but he spare at least a single line to mention about the climax of war and death of Duryodhana, because his novel is about Karna, but V Raghunathan didn’t even mention in a single line about the event after the chauper Game, this is a serious flaw in the novel because the Character of Duryodhana lasts till the last day of the war ( I think its 18th day) and he should have mentioned the fight between Bheema and Duryodhana and Bheema’s cheet, and also the vengeance of Ashwathama , because after killing all the remaining sons of Pandava and Drishtadhyumna during that night, then Aswathama meets Duryodhana who is dying and tells him about his avenge so that the Kaurava King can take his last breath hearing about the plight of Pandavas
I will come to the book now,
The book Ends with the last day of Chaupat and, the aftermath of the series of event that happens after the game is not even touched by the novelist.
Shivaji sawant can stop the novel after the death of Karna but he spare at least a single line to mention about the climax of war and death of Duryodhana, because his novel is about Karna, but V Raghunathan didn’t even mention in a single line about the event after the chauper Game, this is a serious flaw in the novel because the Character of Duryodhana lasts till the last day of the war ( I think its 18th day) and he should have mentioned the fight between Bheema and Duryodhana and Bheema’s cheet, and also the vengeance of Ashwathama , because after killing all the remaining sons of Pandava and Drishtadhyumna during that night, then Aswathama meets Duryodhana who is dying and tells him about his avenge so that the Kaurava King can take his last breath hearing about the plight of Pandavas
March 5, 2021
It is an interesting perspective on the battle of Mahabharata, as seen from the point of view of prince Duryodhana. It is an attempt to portray Duryodhana as a hero. He makes up his own case, enumerating reasons as to why he is strategically painted as a villain, while the Kuntiputras, in his opinion, had no claims whatsoever on the throne of Hastinapura. I found the book ended abruptly.
September 2, 2020
The book definitely started with a known perspective in my mind. But unfolding the pages gave a new dimension in understanding a grey character of the greatest epic. Quite interesting to read the quotations and representation of the character.
December 6, 2017
It is all grey !(not 50 shades though )
November 26, 2018
Like a long business case study document
July 30, 2019
Unique perspective.
December 27, 2019
Certainly the great Indian epic narrated from an all together different perspective. Must read for all those who love to form a rational notion.
December 21, 2021
Love each and every bit of the book, no point whatsoever the grip or interest is lost. A perfect example of how one's character can have another outlook as well! great work by V Raghunathan.
August 14, 2017
A nice and quick read.
A different take on the main events of Mahabharata from Duryodhana's perspective along with his justifications for each event. A nice and quick read.
A different take on the main events of Mahabharata from Duryodhana's perspective along with his justifications for each event. A nice and quick read.
July 12, 2015
The book starts with a childish or immature account which in my opinion makes Suyodhana sound bitter. The tone gets better as you read along. But overall, it is too simplistic an account of Suyodhana's life not to mention a bit less informed in terms of details.
On the other hand, the book is gripping and in a casual way. It is well written when it comes to making it readable for a vastly varied set of Indian readers.
In my personal opinion, I feel Suyodhana's character is assumed to be a bit too bitter (Though he has reasons to be). For somebody who followed his principles right unto his death, I would think he would consider himself much more justified but would also be much more mature in his understanding the actions of his opponents. The book made him appear like a complaining child.
Other than that, overall I liked the book. It is an angle of Mahabharat that is in much need of some light.
On the other hand, the book is gripping and in a casual way. It is well written when it comes to making it readable for a vastly varied set of Indian readers.
In my personal opinion, I feel Suyodhana's character is assumed to be a bit too bitter (Though he has reasons to be). For somebody who followed his principles right unto his death, I would think he would consider himself much more justified but would also be much more mature in his understanding the actions of his opponents. The book made him appear like a complaining child.
Other than that, overall I liked the book. It is an angle of Mahabharat that is in much need of some light.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2014
A very well written book. The author's questions makes you wonder about a lot of these 'so-called' good and righteous people in the epic. Also, the author has chosen a more witty yet comical way of writing which makes this book a light read and makes you feel that the antagonist was not really one as contrary to popular belief.
Human beings are emotional creatures and lot of our decisions are controlled and caused by such emotions. That is what the book really talks about. And like I said, a lovely book that makes you contemplate on various factors that we have blindly chosen to agree because of our ancestors.
Truly, a work of literature which makes your question and wonder. But be careful, do not let your grandmom get close to this book! :D
Human beings are emotional creatures and lot of our decisions are controlled and caused by such emotions. That is what the book really talks about. And like I said, a lovely book that makes you contemplate on various factors that we have blindly chosen to agree because of our ancestors.
Truly, a work of literature which makes your question and wonder. But be careful, do not let your grandmom get close to this book! :D
February 2, 2016
As you might have guessed, this book presents another perspective(though partly fictitious) of events in Mahabharata. It proves once again that there are no pure black and white but all are shades of grey. Only awkward point about this is that the author will try to hypnotise and make you understand the plight of Duryodhana or to say, Suyodhana. It's as if Suyu himself is trying to convincing himself by repeating same lines again and again(though they are logically right). Apart from that, I enjoyed the book.
Throughout the book, keep telling yourself that this is fiction or else it'll be stored in Mahabharata section of your memory.
Throughout the book, keep telling yourself that this is fiction or else it'll be stored in Mahabharata section of your memory.
June 21, 2017
I like the unsung Anti-heros of our Mahabaratha and Ramayana,as they are disgraced to add more glory to the heros.
The point presented by Author V.Raghunathan that grey shade of Suyodhana made to black as Duryodhana with each storyteller is convincing.
The sarcastic storytelling from Duryodhana's perspective is ok ok not hit well.
Episode like Camping is unneccesarily streched ,where author he himself expressed boring.
Graduation day Episode is the only one in the whole book that is interesting for me to read on.
After Vastrapaharan episode where the actual road to Kurushetra begins, the narration is abruptly ended like vehicle with an empty fuel tank.
The point presented by Author V.Raghunathan that grey shade of Suyodhana made to black as Duryodhana with each storyteller is convincing.
The sarcastic storytelling from Duryodhana's perspective is ok ok not hit well.
Episode like Camping is unneccesarily streched ,where author he himself expressed boring.
Graduation day Episode is the only one in the whole book that is interesting for me to read on.
After Vastrapaharan episode where the actual road to Kurushetra begins, the narration is abruptly ended like vehicle with an empty fuel tank.
July 22, 2015
Was an interesting read. Some have queried the accuracies of the story but I feel that's not the point if the book. Gives an interesting perspective about the so called "other" side and makes you wonder if what we have been told is actually true. I guess as people grow older and cynical..most realise that most things are a shade of gravy..neither white nor black, guess good and bad have to be looked at in the same way . Also unfortunately as with any historical record, the winners generally tend to be the "good" people. I'd recommend it as an interesting and lighthearted red !
August 21, 2022
🤮🤮
Can I give less than one star to this ? God , why did I even read this ...
I have always loved reading the villian's perspective in epics like Ramayana , and Mahabharata - but this ! What was this ? Trying to justify every . Single . Damn . Thing about Duryodhana (sorry - Prince Suyodhana )
And this book is incomplete ! We don't even get to see the war ! If I could go back in time , I would NOT buy this book , and I suggest neither do you ...
Can I give less than one star to this ? God , why did I even read this ...
I have always loved reading the villian's perspective in epics like Ramayana , and Mahabharata - but this ! What was this ? Trying to justify every . Single . Damn . Thing about Duryodhana (sorry - Prince Suyodhana )
And this book is incomplete ! We don't even get to see the war ! If I could go back in time , I would NOT buy this book , and I suggest neither do you ...
September 22, 2015
A quite interesting retelling. But the book only details the formation of the character of Duryodhana. It does not show the character in his crucial phase of action. I hope there is a Part 2. Else, this is an incomplete book.
September 18, 2015
A perfect blend of fact(?) and fiction written in a very entertaining way.
November 7, 2015
The book has a great concept,and the way the author explains, it leaves you wanting more of the details,Which is where I felt the book was bit short on.
March 28, 2016
Author has done a decent job in presenting the case of the antagonist. Good Read.
June 28, 2016
Was dissapointed as the story was not conclusive.
October 31, 2016
Excellently written (in first person). Makes you rethink the dominant version of the Mahabharat and the vilification of Duryodhan. Wonderful read
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews