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Bimbisar's Curse

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Can anything compel a son to kill his father? Can a curse last generations?

In the heart of ancient India, the Magadh Empire was ruled by many dynasties. The first dynasty to rule Magadh was the Haryanka Dynasty (544–413 BC). During what was widely regarded as the empire’s golden age, Bimbisar, a contemporary of both Gautama Buddha and Mahavira, ascended the throne at age fifteen and ruled for over fifty glorious years.

Bimbisar was an astute ruler who used matrimonial alliances to expand his kingdom. Interestingly, he was also the lover of the famous courtesan Amrapali, and fathered a son through her. His reign ended unimaginably when his son Ajatashatru imprisoned and killed him, unleashing a dark legacy.

This act of patricide became a curse on the dynasty’s future—Udayin slew his father Ajatashatru, only to fall to his son Aniruddha, who in turn was murdered by Munda.

Would this ghastly series of killings ever end? Find out in this dark and riveting tale by bestselling author Tanushree Podder.

Step into the heart of ancient India with Bimbisar’s Curse, a gripping historical novel set during the reign of the Magadh Empire’s first rulers. Blending royal drama, political intrigue and a dynasty cursed by patricide, bestselling author Tanushree Podder brings to life the story of Bimbisar, Ajatashatru and the bloodstained legacy of the Haryanka Dynasty.

• Ancient India Unveiled—Set in the Magadh Empire’s golden age under the Haryanka Dynasty.

• Bimbisar’s Rise and Fall—Wise ruler, lover of Amrapali, killed by his son Ajatashatru.

• A Curse of Patricide—Generations of kings kill their fathers—Ajatashatru, Udayin, Aniruddha, Munda.

• Dark Legacy, Royal Drama—A chilling saga of ambition, betrayal and bloodlines.

• For History Lovers—Ideal for fans of Indian dynasties, political intrigue and historical fiction.

288 pages, Paperback

Published August 7, 2025

1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read

About the author

Tanushree Podder

63 books58 followers
A BRIEF BIO
Born at New Delhi, she worked in the corporate sector for eight long years before Tanushree quit the rat race to wield her pen and found her calling.
A well know travel writer and novelist, she is also known for the hundreds of ‘Middles’ that entertained readers of almost all English dailies in the country for over a decade. Tanushree is passionate about travelling and writing. If the lady is not packing her bags to zip around the world, she is sure to be found tapping the keys of her computer.
Among her bestselling books in non- fiction genre are Death of a Dictator - The Story of
Saddam Hussein, Secrets of Happiness, The Ultimate Food for Body, Mind and Soul, The
Power of Relaxation. The book Smart Memory has also been translated into Tamil and Spanish.

She has published 15 novels till date. Nurjahan’s Daughter, Boots Belts Berets, Escape from Harem, On the Double, Solo in Singapore, I fell in love with a soldier, Cakewalk Murder, No Margin for Error, A Closetful of Skeletons, The Breath of Death, Decoding the Feronia Files, The Teenage Diary of Rani Laxmibai, The Girls in Green, Spooky Stories, An Invitation to Die, are a few novels written by her.

Boots Belts Berets and On the Double - are soon to be adapted into web series.

She lives with her husband in Pune.
Tanushree can be contacted by email via her website at http://www.tanushreepodder.com. on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/tpodder
Instagram
@poddertanushree
Twitter
@tanushreepodder
Her travel stories can be found at http://tanushreez.wordpress.com

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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Profile Image for a_geminireader.
265 reviews15 followers
October 4, 2025
So, I just finished reading "Bimbisar's Curse" by Tanushree Podder, and honestly, you need to read this. It’s one of those books that doesn’t just tell you a story, it burrows deep and really stays with you, forcing you to think about what legacy even means. It's a raw, historical dive that just hits differently.

The story drops you right into the Magadh Empire, focusing on King Bimbisar's rule. He seems like this wise, ambitious guy who's got it all figured out, but then you see how his whole life, even his bond with the courtesan Amrapali, gets tangled up in tragedy. The real gut punch comes from his own son, Ajatashatru. That act of betrayal isn't easy to read, but it feels so honest about the dark side of ambition.

I was completely absorbed by it all. The narrative is constantly jumping between the political turmoil and the characters' inner worlds, and you genuinely feel their desperation. The book doesn't shy away from showing the ugly stuff—the casual brutality, the heavy weight of dynasty, and how a family curse can just cling on for generations. It’s a tough read at times, especially when you see the relentless cycle of revenge and betrayal play out, and you find yourself rooting for some characters and just feeling a real sense of anger at others.

This book is much more than just history; it’s a deep, challenging experience that makes you confront some big questions about society and the lasting impact of our actions. It’s a perfect mix of historical details, political warfare, and genuine human drama.

Honestly, if you're looking for something immersive, something that feels both timeless and deeply relevant, you need to grab this one. It's a rewarding read, and I'm so glad I picked it up.
Profile Image for Sabia  Khan.
124 reviews3 followers
November 30, 2025
Bimbisar's Curse by Tanushree Podder

To start my review: this book has definitely earned a spot on my re-reading list!

Historical fiction is my absolute favorite genre, and when it comes to reading a well-crafted one, I’m always drawn in. But it’s rare to come across a book, perhaps one in a hundred that is written, narrated, and executed with such perfection. Bimbisar’s Curse by Tanushree Podder is one such gem. Kudos to the author for bringing alive a slice of ancient history laced with intrigue and mystery.

While researching for her book Amrapali, Podder stumbled upon references to King Bimbisar in Buddhist and Jain literature. This discovery led her deeper into the fascinating events of the Haryanka dynasty, which ruled Magadh in the 6th century BC. The result of this meticulous research is the remarkable work of fiction, Bimbisar’s Curse.

The story spans the era of the Haryanka dynasty, from 544 BC to 412 BC. Bhattiya, the ambitious father of Bimbisar, lost his life at an early age after years of fruitless conflict with the cunning Anga King, Bhramadatta. At just fifteen, Bimbisar ascended the throne, vowing to avenge his father’s death.

Bimbisar was a wise king and a great follower of Buddha. He expanded his empire through both warfare and strategic matrimonial alliances, often guided by the counsel of his mother, Rajmata Hemavati. His conquest culminated in the killing of King Bhramadatta, carried out in front of the latter’s queen. But with Bhramadatta’s dying words came a curse that would haunt Bimbisar’s dynasty for generations.

Though married to three queens Kosala Devi, Chellana, and Kshema.Bimbisar’s heart was drawn to the enchanting Amrapali, with whom he fathered a son. Yet, it was Ajatashatru, the son of Queen Chellana, who would ultimately bring the curse to life. Driven by ambition, Ajatashatru imprisoned his own father and launched campaigns against Jain temples and even Lord Buddha himself. The cycle of betrayal and bloodshed continued, with Ajatashatru’s son Udayin murdering his own father, ensuring the dynasty’s legacy remained shrouded in darkness.

Podder’s narration is vivid and engrossing, painting not just the grandeur of ancient India but also the tragic downfall of one of its most powerful rulers. The fate of Emperor Bimbisar, in particular, is written with such poignancy that it leaves you shaken and in tears. The book also highlights the injustices faced by princesses, who were often forced into marriages for political gain, stripped of personal choice.

Bimbisar’s Curse turned out to be an unexpected yet extraordinary read for me. Podder doesn’t merely glorify the king, she beautifully portrays the queens, their grace, their voices, and their quiet resistance against how they were treated.
Her writing truly stands out with her nuanced depiction of the entire story.


Kudos to Tanushree Podder for crafting such a compelling tale! 👏🏻👏🏻
Profile Image for Myinstabookblog.
100 reviews4 followers
November 22, 2025

“The past changes a little every time we retell it.” - Hilary Mantel.
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In this book Author Tanushree Podder retells a compelling tale borrowing some chapters from history blending them with her riveting imagination weaving them together in a beautiful tale of betrayal, love, lust, sacrifice, bravery and repentance. Back in 543BC in ancient Bharat there was a dynasty called Haryanka Dynasty of Magadh - a king came to power, son of a chieftain he assumed power at the age of 15 — Bimbisar. In all possible ways, he was a great ruler and warrior- a contemporary of Gautama - the Buddha and Mahavira, Bimbisar expended the empire to its glory, fought battles, won enemies through wars and strategic alliances, established successful tax system and build a decentralised administrative system. His only Achilles heel was his son — Kunika.
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The book starts with Bimbisar inside prison walls incarcerated by his own son Kunika - later known as Ajatashatru — who imprisoned his own father for throne. With this, a vicious cycle starts - Ajatashatru got imprisoned by his own son Udayin who was, subsequently, imprisoned by his son Aniruddha, he too got incarcerated by his son Munda. The never ending cycle of Patricide kept hunting them till the end of the dynasty. Author takes creative liberty and attributed this to a curse that Bimbisar got from the queen of Anga. The plot of the story is saga of King Bimbisar, his conquests, shrewdness and ability to rule the kingdom astutely. His love affairs are also an interesting part of the story. specially with Amrapali the Vaishali’s famous nagarvadhu it becomes the soul of later part of the plot. His glorious rise to power, magnificent expansion of his empire and fall from grace caused by his own son are some strong aspects of the plot of this book.

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My take -

While reading a historical fiction readers should keep in mind all the time that it’s a fictional tale written in the background of a real tale. So anything portrayed in the story might be brainchild of the author’s imagination. People should never blindly believe in the historical accuracy of it. In this book also author has taken some creative liberties too, one point that irked me a lot was portrayal of sanghas of buddhas and Mahavir’s being physically violent on each other, history tells us that even though there were ideological and philosophical differences between the sanghas there was no incident of physical altercation between the two communes. The timeline of Amrapali is also doubtful in annals of history. Author has beautifully filled the gap of history with her captivating creativity and imagination. I loved this book, it is a complete package of a perfect historical fiction. Author has narrated a beautiful tale, all the characters play a vital role in the plot, author sticks to the plot to the end, it has moments of thrill, suspense and drama also it justifies all the related acts and characters in the story. It’s a perfect read for historical fiction lovers.
Profile Image for Tanvi Agarwal.
Author 8 books11 followers
December 25, 2025
Bimbisar’s Curse by Tanushree Poddar is a historical fiction that explores multi-generational family epic from ancient India.

Bimbisar's curse is a tale from ancient India. As the name suggests, this story is about Bimbisar's life and the curse he received on his journey of expanding his kingdom. It begins with Bimbisar's days in the dungeon, which eventually led to the curse coming to reality at the end. While reading the book, the plot would take the reader from the present to the past and circle back to the present state of Bimbisar in the dungeon. The golden age of the Magadh empire, when Bimbisar became the ruler who followed matrimonial alliances to expand his kingdom, saving his power and strength to take revenge on his father's embarrassment. This story will take the reader on a ride from one son who fought for his father to the sons becoming the reason for their father's death, the curse befalling Bimbisar, and his upcoming generation.

The characters are well-portrayed with immense emotions, struggles, and challenges faced in their lifetime. From vulnerabilities to triumph, the characters appear as the source of truth, the way they are portrayed in this book. Bimbisar represents the ruler who lived with the motive of expanding his kingdom by marrying the daughter of a powerful kingdom. Until he handed over his empire to his son Ajatashatru, he won multiple battles and took revenge for his father's defeat and downfall. His first wife, who was in the position of Rajmata, was well-versed in her wise counsel, helping Bimbisar take some tough decisions that resulted in a strong alliance and the expansion of the kingdom. She portrayed an intelligent and strong-witted woman who knew her role in the kingdom would inspire many readers on how to take charge of their knowledge and use it wisely. Though the characters are from real life in ancient India, they appear quite relatable in today's time, like Ajatashatru, a man who was blinded by luxury and did not think about his father's well-being, Bimbisar's second queen, who was driven by her whims, and many other such characters from the book will allow readers to reflect themselves or someone they know.
Profile Image for Ruchi Patel.
1,151 reviews94 followers
September 2, 2025
The novel begins with the reign of Bimbisar, a ruler often remembered for his political acumen and alliances, as well as his association with two of history’s greatest spiritual figures—Buddha and Mahavira. The book starts with a celebration of Bimbisar, he had a grandson, a Prince that had been destined to become future King of Magadh. Author brings to life his golden rule and his fascinating yet complex personal choices, including his bond with the courtesan Amrapali. But the true thrust of the narrative arrives with the betrayal that shook Magadh to its core: Bimbisar’s own son, Ajatashatru, imprisons and kills him. What follows is a dark spiral of patricide, revenge, and power struggles that cast a long shadow across generations.

What makes this tale compelling is not just the historical sweep but also the psychological exploration of ambition, legacy, and the destructive cycle of violence within royal bloodlines. Podder doesn’t just recount history; she dramatizes it, weaving fact with narrative flair, making the past pulse with life and intrigue.

The blurb hints at a chain of betrayals—Ajatashatru’s murder at the hands of his son Udayin, who himself falls victim to Aniruddha, before Munda claims the throne in a similar bloody manner. This relentless succession of violence not only sustains tension but also forces the reader to reflect on the fragility of power and the human cost of dynastic ambition.

Riveting, dark, and immersive, this book promises to be more than just historical fiction—it feels like a meditation on destiny and the curses that families, kingdoms, and perhaps even nations cannot escape.

Verdict: A must-read for lovers of Indian history, mythology-infused storytelling, and powerful narratives of ambition and betrayal. Tanushree Podder once again proves her gift for turning history into a page-turning saga.
905 reviews7 followers
October 11, 2025
In her captivating historical novel "Bimbisar’s Curse," author Tanushree Podder transports readers to the golden age of the Magadh Empire, where ambition and betrayal intertwine amidst royal drama. The story unfolds under the rule of Bimbisar🤴, a young and astute monarch who ascended the throne at just fifteen. Tanushree Podder's vivid portrayal of ancient India and its complex socio-political landscape draws us into a world🌏 where the echoes of Buddhism and Jainism shape the lives and beliefs of its people.

              However, the story takes a dark turn with the act of patricide committed by Bimbisar’s own son, Ajatashatru, which unleashes a curse that haunts the dynasty for generations. This cycle of violence continues as subsequent rulers, Udayin and Aniruddha, mirror their father's treachery, ultimately leading to a chilling legacy of familial betrayal.

            Tanushree Podder expertly blends historical facts with rich storytelling, immersing us in the intricate web🕸️ of royal alliances and personal relationships. Bimbisar's relationship💞 with the enchanting courtesan Amrapali💃 adds a layer of intrigue and passion to the plot, further demonstrating the complexities of love amidst ruthless political maneuvering.

         Overall, "Bimbisar’s Curse" stands as a compelling read for history enthusiasts and lovers of political drama alike. This story is a formidable blend of fact and fiction, echoing the haunting legacy of a dynasty entwined in bloodshed, ambition, and betrayal⚔️💖
Profile Image for Daphny Aqua.
147 reviews10 followers
September 17, 2025
“Bimbisar’s Curse” by Tanushree Podder is one book that put you in deep thoughts besides the fact that the book also contains so many aspects from the reign of Kings, to running a Kingdom, courtships, drama’s, wars, betrayals, injustice and of course a curse that was made by the Queen’s of Agna. Before we dive deep into the curse, let us talk about the protagonist of this book, a King crowned at a very young age, eager and enthusiastic to change his kingdom, to expand and to make it even better than before. Is he being too ambitious or will these ambitions lead him to greater things?

A child filled with hatred and jealousy, what went wrong? Was it a parenting gone wrong or a bad influence the cause of it all or perhaps a curse that was made? What was this curse about and why was it so? Will the curse ever be stopped or will it continue for generations? Was Bimbisar’s era coming to an end because of the curse?

The author has well crafted this book and sends one to many deep thoughts while enjoying the various plots and story lines that comes with it, the book is a perfect blend of Historical fiction, ancient dynasties, political warfare, a bit of romance and of course a little drama. A book one must pick up and read for sure, no regrets.
Profile Image for Purva • readwithpurva .
188 reviews28 followers
September 17, 2025
Bimbisar’s Curse takes us into the Magadh Empire during the Haryanka dynasty. It starts with King Bimbisar, a wise and ambitious ruler who built alliances, ruled for decades, and even shared a bond with the courtesan Amrapali. But the golden rule ends in betrayal when his own son, Ajatashatru, kills him.

The story is dark but gripping, filled with ambition, betrayal, and power struggles. The way history and drama are blended makes it very engaging, and the political games and twists keep you hooked. The book feels detailed yet easy to follow, though it does feel a bit dragging at some points.

If you like historical fiction, royal drama, or stories about dynasties, this is definitely a book worth reading.
Profile Image for Khushie .
94 reviews3 followers
November 2, 2025
" Each instance of violence not only marked a shift in power dynamics but also exposed pitfalls of ambition, underscoring the fact that history is a tapestry of both glory and gore."
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