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Patan Trilogy #3
Rajadhiraj
A mysterious emissary arrives in the port city of Bhrigukachchh. He has been sent by King Jaysinhdev of Patan with a secret message for Kaak, the valiant chieftain of the city. The king seeks to urgently enlist Kaak's help in conquering the kingdom of Junagadh. However, Kaak has also received crucial summons from two Leeladevi, the firebrand princess whose marriage to Jaysinhdev Kaak himself facilitated; and Ranakdevi, the queen of Junagadh.
Caught in a web of conflicting loyalties, Kaak must navigate a treacherous terrain of political machinations where the slightest misstep could lead to grave consequences-where even he will not emerge unscathed.
K.M. Munshi's magnificent conclusion to his beloved Trilogy, The King of Kings is a panoramic epic filled with adventure and intrigue, and a timeless classic with a nuanced insight into human nature and the complex links between statecraft and violence.
Caught in a web of conflicting loyalties, Kaak must navigate a treacherous terrain of political machinations where the slightest misstep could lead to grave consequences-where even he will not emerge unscathed.
K.M. Munshi's magnificent conclusion to his beloved Trilogy, The King of Kings is a panoramic epic filled with adventure and intrigue, and a timeless classic with a nuanced insight into human nature and the complex links between statecraft and violence.
- GenresNovels
408 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1918
26 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi
108 books224 followersK.M. Munshi is one of Gujarat's most well-known literary writers. His historical novels have contributed profoundly to the sense of past that Gujarat lives with. A multi-faceted personality, he was a prominent lawyer, freedom fighter and politician. He was also the founder of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 5, 2021
The third and final book in the Gujarat Gatha trilogy on the Solanki Dynasty by KM Munshiji. And his writing and narration continues to mesmerize the readers and keep them glued to the book.
In this final book, yet another pair develops into strong characters who move the story forward - Khanger and his Sati. As the story develops they almost evolve to the ranks of Devi-Devta. But the author also commands the other players beautifully and gives them their due, like Munjal, Manjari, Mrinalidevi, Udaa Mehta, etc. and then our "hero" Kaak.
Not only Manjari or Minaldevi but other female characters are also so strongly potrayed by Munshiji that you have to wonder how much of an important role women played in building strong kingdoms and dynasties behind the scenes in real life.
And finally the lyrical way he describes the nature as the backdrop of his story but then there is an instance when he talks about Somnath Mandir and one can visualize it in all its majestic splendor.
In this final book, yet another pair develops into strong characters who move the story forward - Khanger and his Sati. As the story develops they almost evolve to the ranks of Devi-Devta. But the author also commands the other players beautifully and gives them their due, like Munjal, Manjari, Mrinalidevi, Udaa Mehta, etc. and then our "hero" Kaak.
Not only Manjari or Minaldevi but other female characters are also so strongly potrayed by Munshiji that you have to wonder how much of an important role women played in building strong kingdoms and dynasties behind the scenes in real life.
And finally the lyrical way he describes the nature as the backdrop of his story but then there is an instance when he talks about Somnath Mandir and one can visualize it in all its majestic splendor.
December 17, 2019
Finally the conclusion of an amazing trilogy. Another great novel by Kanhaiyalal Maniklal Munshi. I am a fan of his writing. This book is a sequel of The Lord and Master of Gujarat. I enjoy every bit of it. The plot and fast-moving narrative are enough to grip the reader.
If you can read Gujarati then don’t miss this book. If you can’t read Gujarati then at least read the translation one.
If you can read Gujarati then don’t miss this book. If you can’t read Gujarati then at least read the translation one.
March 29, 2021
The best part of the Patan trilogy! The story was so engaging and fast-paced that I stayed up late, unable to put the book down. As compared to the other two previous parts this had more dimensions of 'life" to it. It had everything, adventure, romance, and of course the politics. The delivery of the narration was just right. All the shades of the emotion of characters were evident, even though the author didn't choose to pick fancy words to describe it.
The two love stories played around the devotion of the couple to each other, their resilience in hard times, and the despondency of separation. The readers will get to learn so much through the nature of the characters of the book, as even in the tough time one should not run from their duty, their stalwartness to statesmanship. Even from the antagonists, you learn a lot about human nature.
To be honest, the first two parts of the trilogy were more like a drag to me, I expected this part to be the same. But this proved otherwise. The story totally consumed me.
Favorite quotes:
"Dhanyastadangarajasa malinibhavanti" ( I may be fortunate now, but with the night, it shall be all dark)
"I believe that a victorious battle is a righteous one."
"Manjari's devotion to the husband, her pati-bhakti, belonged to this last order. It did not have its origins in the lack of male companionship, nor did it come from shared innocent times in childhood. It was not laced with patriarchal fear, nor was there any indebtedness towards a saviour. It was not founded on a feeling for the father of her children. Her bhakti did not come from the notion that a husband was an outlet for youthful passions, or a receptacle for sensuality. This bhakti was also not inspired by any notion of fulfilling a divine order and thus achieving salvation. The roots of this bhakti were an unspoken love. It was founded on a merging with the husband's self and life. It was nourished by a desire to be one with Kaak, to serve him, to rule over him, to allow the receding of the separation of the bodies and nature, but become one with him, effortlessly."
The two love stories played around the devotion of the couple to each other, their resilience in hard times, and the despondency of separation. The readers will get to learn so much through the nature of the characters of the book, as even in the tough time one should not run from their duty, their stalwartness to statesmanship. Even from the antagonists, you learn a lot about human nature.
To be honest, the first two parts of the trilogy were more like a drag to me, I expected this part to be the same. But this proved otherwise. The story totally consumed me.
Favorite quotes:
"Dhanyastadangarajasa malinibhavanti" ( I may be fortunate now, but with the night, it shall be all dark)
"I believe that a victorious battle is a righteous one."
"Manjari's devotion to the husband, her pati-bhakti, belonged to this last order. It did not have its origins in the lack of male companionship, nor did it come from shared innocent times in childhood. It was not laced with patriarchal fear, nor was there any indebtedness towards a saviour. It was not founded on a feeling for the father of her children. Her bhakti did not come from the notion that a husband was an outlet for youthful passions, or a receptacle for sensuality. This bhakti was also not inspired by any notion of fulfilling a divine order and thus achieving salvation. The roots of this bhakti were an unspoken love. It was founded on a merging with the husband's self and life. It was nourished by a desire to be one with Kaak, to serve him, to rule over him, to allow the receding of the separation of the bodies and nature, but become one with him, effortlessly."
February 24, 2016
Rajadhiraj- is- Tribhuvangand BarbarakJishnu Parambhattarak Maharajadhiraj Siddharaj Jaysinh Solanki!
But is he? One of the finest Solankis Gujarat has ever seen. The ruler of golden period of Gujarat when art, knowledge, language, trade and prosperity bloomed. But is that because of him? Or MahaAmaatya Munjal, or Bhatraj Kak, or Dandnaik Tribhuvanpal, or many other underrated unsung heroes?
This particular book focuses on how this "Rajadhiraj" added more titles to his name. Mainly on the conquer of Saurashtra from Ra' Khengar and Jaysinh's desire of marrying his old love and Khengar's wife, also known as Sati- Ranakdevi. Although Jaydev's actions are not the best- but his ministers and diplomats save Patan's pride. Patan was great not because of its ruler, but it was because of wisdom and bravery and acumen of the people of Patan, and people of Gujarat.
But is he? One of the finest Solankis Gujarat has ever seen. The ruler of golden period of Gujarat when art, knowledge, language, trade and prosperity bloomed. But is that because of him? Or MahaAmaatya Munjal, or Bhatraj Kak, or Dandnaik Tribhuvanpal, or many other underrated unsung heroes?
This particular book focuses on how this "Rajadhiraj" added more titles to his name. Mainly on the conquer of Saurashtra from Ra' Khengar and Jaysinh's desire of marrying his old love and Khengar's wife, also known as Sati- Ranakdevi. Although Jaydev's actions are not the best- but his ministers and diplomats save Patan's pride. Patan was great not because of its ruler, but it was because of wisdom and bravery and acumen of the people of Patan, and people of Gujarat.
April 3, 2019
p.s.: Don't read preface written by Munshi, just skip that part or else you are in for a huge spoiler.
A fitting finale. Not just a fitting, but the best part of the trilogy this book is. At places it brings out tears from your eyes. Reading about Ra'Khengar+Ranak and Kaak-Manjari is nothing short of a classic tale of pure and divine feeling of love. It moves your heart at every dialogue between them. All these, in midst of really well written action sequences of war at many fronts. Lessons for a native Gujarati like me, who has never been taught of such things in History textbooks.
A fitting finale. Not just a fitting, but the best part of the trilogy this book is. At places it brings out tears from your eyes. Reading about Ra'Khengar+Ranak and Kaak-Manjari is nothing short of a classic tale of pure and divine feeling of love. It moves your heart at every dialogue between them. All these, in midst of really well written action sequences of war at many fronts. Lessons for a native Gujarati like me, who has never been taught of such things in History textbooks.
June 21, 2017
One of the best book I have read. This book has been also converted into a Hindi movie of yester years. I have forgotten the name of the movie.
September 21, 2019
ગુજરાતી સાહિત્ય ની એક અમર કૃતિ. મુનશી દ્વારા ઇતિહાસ ની ઘટનાઓને સદેહે નિહાળતા હોય એવો અનુભવ અને લગભગ ૧૦૦૦ વર્ષ પહેલાં ગુજરાત મધ્યે વ્યાપી રહેલ સત્તા અને શૌર્ય, પ્રેમ અને વિયોગ, હઠ અને ગૌરવ ની જે અપ્રતિમ વાર્તા છે તે હૃદય ને ગદગદ કરે એવું છે. દરેક ગુજરાતી માટે આ પુસ્તક અને આ સિરીઝ ના ત્રણે પુસ્તકો ક્રમાનુસાર વાંચવા અને વંચાવવા જોઈએ. ૧૯૧૭ માં લખાયેલા આ પુસ્તક ખરેખર અતુલ્ય છે.
November 22, 2021
રાજાધિરાજ ।
પાટણ ટ્રિલૉજીનો આ અંતિમ ભાગ તમામ પ્રકારનાં અંતરના ભાવોનું વંટોળ લઇને આવે છે.
પાટણ, ભ્રુગુકચ્છ અને જુનાગઢ. ત્રણ પ્રાંતો, ત્રણ વીરગાથા અને વાંચકોની ધીરજ ખૂટી એવી ઘટનાઓની સાંકળ.
સમગ્ર ગાથા, તેના પાત્રોના શૌર્ય, ચાતુર્ય, અપ્રતીમ વ્યક્તિત્વ માટે તો જાણીતી છે જ પરંતુ આ અંતિમ ભાગમાં ગૂઢ પ્રેમ અને લાગણીના તાણાંવાણાં વાંચકને રોમરોથી હચમચાવી નાખે છે.
મુંજાલ મેહતા, કાકભટ્ટ , જયસિંહદેવ સોલંકી વગેરે પાત્રો તો દિલધદક અને યાદગાર છે જ પરંતુ `રાજાધિરજ` ભાગમાં ત્રણ સ્ત્રીઓના પાત્ર મન જીતી લે છે. મંજરી, રાણકદેવી અને લીલાદેવીના વ્યક્તિત્વ એક સ્ત્રીમાં રહેલી અજેય શક્તિ, ભક્તિ અને વિશ્વાસની પ્રતીતિ કરાવી જાણે છે. સદીઓ પહેલાની આ સ્ત્રીઓ બોધ પાઠવી જાય છે કે સ્ત્રીઓને કંઈ મહાન અને અશક્ય કરી જાણવા કોઈના થકી `સ્ત્રીસશક્તિકરણ`ની આવશ્યકતા નથી કેમ કે સર્વશક્તિ પહેલેથી જ તેનામાં વસે છે .
ગરવી ગુજરાતના આવા ભવ્ય પાત્રો અને પાટણની ગાથાનું સચોટ, હ્હ્રદયભર્યું, આલંકારિક છતાં સરળ લેખન કરી એને ઈતિહાસમાં અમર બનાવવા માટે `શ્રી કનૈયાલાલ મુનશીજી` ને કોટિ કોટિ વંદન.🙏
ગુજરાતી સાહિત્ય સદા આપનું આભારી રહેશે!
પાટણ ટ્રિલૉજીનો આ અંતિમ ભાગ તમામ પ્રકારનાં અંતરના ભાવોનું વંટોળ લઇને આવે છે.
પાટણ, ભ્રુગુકચ્છ અને જુનાગઢ. ત્રણ પ્રાંતો, ત્રણ વીરગાથા અને વાંચકોની ધીરજ ખૂટી એવી ઘટનાઓની સાંકળ.
સમગ્ર ગાથા, તેના પાત્રોના શૌર્ય, ચાતુર્ય, અપ્રતીમ વ્યક્તિત્વ માટે તો જાણીતી છે જ પરંતુ આ અંતિમ ભાગમાં ગૂઢ પ્રેમ અને લાગણીના તાણાંવાણાં વાંચકને રોમરોથી હચમચાવી નાખે છે.
મુંજાલ મેહતા, કાકભટ્ટ , જયસિંહદેવ સોલંકી વગેરે પાત્રો તો દિલધદક અને યાદગાર છે જ પરંતુ `રાજાધિરજ` ભાગમાં ત્રણ સ્ત્રીઓના પાત્ર મન જીતી લે છે. મંજરી, રાણકદેવી અને લીલાદેવીના વ્યક્તિત્વ એક સ્ત્રીમાં રહેલી અજેય શક્તિ, ભક્તિ અને વિશ્વાસની પ્રતીતિ કરાવી જાણે છે. સદીઓ પહેલાની આ સ્ત્રીઓ બોધ પાઠવી જાય છે કે સ્ત્રીઓને કંઈ મહાન અને અશક્ય કરી જાણવા કોઈના થકી `સ્ત્રીસશક્તિકરણ`ની આવશ્યકતા નથી કેમ કે સર્વશક્તિ પહેલેથી જ તેનામાં વસે છે .
ગરવી ગુજરાતના આવા ભવ્ય પાત્રો અને પાટણની ગાથાનું સચોટ, હ્હ્રદયભર્યું, આલંકારિક છતાં સરળ લેખન કરી એને ઈતિહાસમાં અમર બનાવવા માટે `શ્રી કનૈયાલાલ મુનશીજી` ને કોટિ કોટિ વંદન.🙏
ગુજરાતી સાહિત્ય સદા આપનું આભારી રહેશે!
February 7, 2020
Honestly I scream whyyyyyy towards the end of the book. The story was going on will full speed and so engaging but all that is until the battle in Junagadh. After that you can see the story like declines to a whole new different level. Towards the end the reunion that I was waiting for just got spoiled with that character died, I literally closed the book for awhile and wanted to scream whhyyyyy I waited for this for hundred pages and you just kill that character off. I would have given it a 5 but I am reducing it to 4.
But overall I would say it was an amazing read. All 3 of the books.
But overall I would say it was an amazing read. All 3 of the books.
June 1, 2021
K.M. Munshiji at his best! A pioneer for Indian Literature classics! A must-read for every Indian Reader! I personally found it as the best book of the Patan trilogy; while Munshiji does justice to every writing of his, this particular piece has a different vibe to it. It is a befitting ending to the legendary Trology.
September 19, 2022
loved reading it, the emotion, love story, the way its captured is amazing, could not keep the book down neither i could skip the pages all the three books leaves one wanting to know more and read more.
September 15, 2025
This is the best book in patan trilogy. However , i have to admit that ending made me a little sad but this book has everything from supernatural things here and there to romance and thrills. Loved reading this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2020
Good book but sad one. Without completing it Triology of Patan ni prabhuta feels incomplete.
Available in Gujarati (original) Hindi and English
Available in Gujarati (original) Hindi and English
September 1, 2020
Excellent, gripping & best of the trilogy.
December 17, 2021
Love, Hate, Courage, Adjure, Sadness, Politics, and many other qualities are there in this book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews