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Dhananjay: A Novel on Arjuna's Life
Marathi best-seller novel on the life of Arjuna, the main character from the ancient epic - Mahabharata. Arjuna tells his own life story in first person style. The novel is mainly based on Bhandarkar researched edition (that is supposed to be most authentic) 15 volumes, and Neelakanthi edition: 13 volumes. Also Mr. Kher has researched 100s of other books on Mahabharata. This novel presents many untouched episodes which were not written before in any book or novel based on Mahabharata. . . Many influenced readers think that Karna was great archer than Arjuna or because of Krishna; Arjuna won many wars. Draupadi deny to marry with Karna who addressed him as 'Sutaputra' But all these events introduced by some other successful novelist are not real. To know reality, one has to read this novel: Dhananjay.
602 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
19 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Rajendra Kher
20 books32 followersI was graduated from Pune University in 1983. My father, late Mr. B. D. Kher was also a prolific author who was the recipient of many national and international awards including Soviet Land Nehru Award, Maharashtra State Award.
I have been writing since past 22 years. So far, I have 10 published works to my credit. All written in Marathi—the books have received tremendous appreciation from the readers and critics alike. Some of my novels are translated in three other languages. I am also the recipient of 5 prestigious awards.
I also had an opportunity to work in Indian film industry for 10 years and thereafter I worked as a Program Director for 2 years, for a TV channel.
I have been writing since past 22 years. So far, I have 10 published works to my credit. All written in Marathi—the books have received tremendous appreciation from the readers and critics alike. Some of my novels are translated in three other languages. I am also the recipient of 5 prestigious awards.
I also had an opportunity to work in Indian film industry for 10 years and thereafter I worked as a Program Director for 2 years, for a TV channel.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 22, 2016
There are plenty of books giving different perspective on the epic Mahabharat.
DHANANJAY is Mahabharat from Arjuns perspective.
Readers who have read masterpieces like MRUTYUNJAY, YUGANDHAR, KARNAS WIFE, A PALLACE OF ILLUSIONS etc. will feel the author's bias towards Arjun right from beginning.
Arjun was destiny's favorite child and had all the support from his brothers, clan and Krishna unlike Karna. Despite of all this the author has tried to portray Arjun's heroism not by highlighting his achievements and bravery but by demeaning the Kaurav's, especially Karna. which actually somewhere made me hate Arjun.
The author could have given justice to the book by exploring the depths of the emotions of Arjun towards Krishna, Draupadi, Pandavs and Kunti.
Many other facts like Karna being with Hastinapur's royalty right from his childhood are contradictory to other mainstream books.
I will not recommend this book to first time readers on Mahabharat.
MRUTYUNJAY and KARNA still remain my favorite.
DHANANJAY is Mahabharat from Arjuns perspective.
Readers who have read masterpieces like MRUTYUNJAY, YUGANDHAR, KARNAS WIFE, A PALLACE OF ILLUSIONS etc. will feel the author's bias towards Arjun right from beginning.
Arjun was destiny's favorite child and had all the support from his brothers, clan and Krishna unlike Karna. Despite of all this the author has tried to portray Arjun's heroism not by highlighting his achievements and bravery but by demeaning the Kaurav's, especially Karna. which actually somewhere made me hate Arjun.
The author could have given justice to the book by exploring the depths of the emotions of Arjun towards Krishna, Draupadi, Pandavs and Kunti.
Many other facts like Karna being with Hastinapur's royalty right from his childhood are contradictory to other mainstream books.
I will not recommend this book to first time readers on Mahabharat.
MRUTYUNJAY and KARNA still remain my favorite.
August 22, 2025
This book is my all time favourite. Is it the attraction of this mythical & Strong personality or is it the fluent & mesmerizing writing of the author? cant say a word about that...but truely a gem. Alike Mrityunjay, where Karn is made a heroic figure of Mahabharta, Arjun was even more deserving the same status or probably higher to him...its basically a statement that could be argued for...however when you are in love of Karn after reading Mrityunjay, I heartily request you to read this another wonderful book & probably you will feel this could be another side of the coin...
March 1, 2015
Majhya ladakya Arjun var pustak! so surprised that there are so few books on this wonderful epic character.
This is Mahabharata from Arjun's point of view. It traces Arjun's life from childhood to death. It is a pleasant read with surprise revelations that drona also taught karna in his ashram, at how Pandavas had to constantly face plots against them.
It says how Arjun say Krishn and Panchali on the same day, at almost the same moment and the influence on his life by 2 Krishnas as he puts it, Dwarka's krishna and Yagnaseni krishnaa.
only, I didn't understand why Arjun should apologize at the end. why gives Yudhisthir any right to pass judgment on others? for that matter, it seems odd that he should only think of criticisms when his dear bothers and wife are dying.
on Arjun, it nicely draws his devotion plus friend status with Krishna. It also speaks of Arjun's great love and passion for archery. I only wish it was more detailed in descrbing Arjun's emotions.
This is Mahabharata from Arjun's point of view. It traces Arjun's life from childhood to death. It is a pleasant read with surprise revelations that drona also taught karna in his ashram, at how Pandavas had to constantly face plots against them.
It says how Arjun say Krishn and Panchali on the same day, at almost the same moment and the influence on his life by 2 Krishnas as he puts it, Dwarka's krishna and Yagnaseni krishnaa.
only, I didn't understand why Arjun should apologize at the end. why gives Yudhisthir any right to pass judgment on others? for that matter, it seems odd that he should only think of criticisms when his dear bothers and wife are dying.
on Arjun, it nicely draws his devotion plus friend status with Krishna. It also speaks of Arjun's great love and passion for archery. I only wish it was more detailed in descrbing Arjun's emotions.
June 23, 2015
भैरप्पा ह्यांचे पर्व इरावती कर्वे ह्यांचे युगांत ह्या कादंबर्या वाचल्या नंतर धनंजय ही कादंबरी खूपच एकांगी वाटली. राजेंद्र खेर ह्यांनी अर्जुनाला श्रेष्ठ दाखवण्यासाठी त्यांनी सगळ्याच कोव्रवाना खलनायक करून टाकले आहे . दुरोयधनचा जन्म त्यांनी खूपच बाळबोध रित्या लिहिला आहे .
माझे तरी असे मत आहे की महाभारत हे महान आहे कारण जेव्हा आपण कोणाची पण भुमिका भगतो तेव्हा ती बरोबर वाटे. म्हणून कोणता पण लेखक जेव्हा महाभारताला स्पर्श करतो तेव्हा त्याची जबाबदारी वाढते कारण दोन्ही पण बाझु मांडणे कोणाचा पण पक्ष नाही घेता खूपच अवघड आहे आणि ह्याच गोष्टी मध्ये खेर ह्यांना अपयश आला आहे धनंजय मध्ये.
माझे तरी असे मत आहे की महाभारत हे महान आहे कारण जेव्हा आपण कोणाची पण भुमिका भगतो तेव्हा ती बरोबर वाटे. म्हणून कोणता पण लेखक जेव्हा महाभारताला स्पर्श करतो तेव्हा त्याची जबाबदारी वाढते कारण दोन्ही पण बाझु मांडणे कोणाचा पण पक्ष नाही घेता खूपच अवघड आहे आणि ह्याच गोष्टी मध्ये खेर ह्यांना अपयश आला आहे धनंजय मध्ये.
May 29, 2024
A very unique book about Mahabharat. Generally the discourse about the Mahabharat revolves around Draupadi, Karna and Krishna. This is the first work that tells us the story of Mahabharat from Arjun's perspective which I have come across. It debunks many aspects about the epic, especially Karna.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews