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Kanishka

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Manoj Krishnan has been interested in writing stories and poetry since childhood. He has spent his initial years in the city of Muzaffarpur in Bihar. Manoj has completed his Bachelor of Engineering degree from Gwalior, M.Tech from BITS Pilani and MBA from Symbiosis. He is a software engineer by profession, currently working with well known US based MNC.

His initial years in job gave him the opportunity to travel across India and get acquainted with Indian traditions, customs and core values. Apart from writing, he is an avid reader of world history, paper cut artist, painter and long distance runner. Presently he lives in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi with his wife, who is the research fellow in Indian Spinal Injuries Center.

It was a great surprise for Nilesh when Dr Sudarshan Rao chose him for surveying the long abandoned archaeological site in Mathura. He and his colleague, Sushmita Banerjee in Indian Archeological Council, arrive in the city where they found that the place had hidden a dark secret which would change their life forever.

Manoj Krishnan's debut novel is about the timeless journey that unravels the greatest mystery entwined in the game of love, lust, hatred and revenge like never before.

189 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 19, 2017

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Manoj Krishnan

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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
1 review
June 27, 2017
just went through a prodigious journey that depicts omnifarious layers of human emotions.A journey of nilesh and his colleague sushmita aligned by there boss Dr sudarshan rao who went for an archaelogical survey at mathura.The manner in which the writer has unfolded the mystery give a clear indication that he is a stalwart.But i think the main protagonist of the story is it's story but more for the way in which it has been described which is very far from human recognition.The story of past and the way in which it has been interlinked shows a glimpse of midas touch that the writer has not only in his writing but also on his imagination and the right way to narrate human emotions, appetite.This story has evoked me to read more n more mysterious novel.Thankyou for a wonderful experience and i suggest you all to go through this galvanize expeience.
1 review
June 21, 2017
Reviewed by Lorraine Gordon
Fiction novel :Kanishka
Author :Manoj Krishnan

A very intriguing book from start to finish...holds reader captivated in the adventures of Nilesh and his colleague...as they journey to an archeological site, sent on an expedition by Dr.Rao to complete his previous trails in search of treasure...uncovering various obstacles but following his intuition Nilesh uncovers the hidden secrets and clues that leads him to paper trails,hidden chests, dead bodies ....

The book unravels the story of Kanishka deciphered from scripts found buried ...bringing about a lovely romantic story...
This is an adventurous book which you would not like to put down for a second...
Beautiful book very descriptive writing entailed that you can smell the jasmine, feel the dreams, and live in the ancient time of Kanishka...
Profile Image for Anuradha Gupta.
164 reviews8 followers
August 15, 2017
Kanishka by Manoj Krishnan is a historical thriller featuring an employee of Indian Archaeological Council, Nilesh as the protagonist. The story follows him from New Delhi to Mathura, where he unearths a secret, which had been presumed lost for many centuries.

Nilesh, along with his colleague Sushmita has to travel to Mathura, to prepare a report on an abandoned excavation site. On reaching there, they are accompanied by the police all the time, because unknown to them, there is danger lurking around the corner. The particular site in which they are interested in the Bada Taal, an apparent 2000 year old pool, from the Kanishka period, was left halfway towards completion, for reasons best known to Dr. Rao, their boss, who has told them nothing about it.
Sulekha, has gone crazy since the night she touched that thing her brother had brought from the fields, and now she has lost her brother because of it.
On the other hand, Sumer Singh, from the police department, is dealing with twin responsibilities, looking after this couple of archaeologist and also digging deep into a gruesome murder.
All of them, have one thing in common, a strong smell of jasmine flowers has enthralled their nostrils and senses suddenly, when there weren’t even near any garden or florist.
Where does the smell come from? Why has it come only for them? Is it trying to tell them something? What is the danger due to which Nilesh and Sushmita are entitled to police protection? How is everything attached to the excavation site? Will they all be safe or is there a sinister force which is after their lives?

The story is narrated in a mix of second and third person, much to my delight because this way, I get a bird’s eye view. The plot, despite having potential, was not used to it’s full, dulling it with a weak turn of events and an even weaker climax. I was expecting a lot more from the climax than what was presented, because, the way to it was built up strongly. Alas, I was disappointed. When on the last page, I realized that the author has given more weightage to the scenarios preceding the actual events, and little to the main part, in comparison to the length of the book, doing injustice to the beautiful character of Manidhari, which in my opinion was the star of the show. If the tedious descriptions could have been cut short, there would have been a possibility of an equilibrium between both the primary, and secondary plots. There were a few questions that was left for the reader to assume, like why the murders? Who was following Sikander in the car when he was on the way back to Mathura? How did he know whom to kill? How did that south Delhi tycoon know what to look for and where to look for? Did he know about Manidhari and the curse? How? Why did Dr. Rao send Nilesh and Sushmita to Mathura, when he knew about the curse and what could befall them? What were his plans, if not to unearth the secret by the means of his two employees, letting them walk into a deadly trap? The answers could have been explained in the epilogue, if not before. The storytelling was gripping though, the formation of the link between the past and the present was good and captivating. The most enjoyable part of the story was the story of Manidhari, the blue eyed whore, I wish there was more of it. It would be really great if there could be a separate novel, about her and only her.
Had it not been for a few reasons mentioned above, I definitely would have like this novel more. Suggested to those who enjoy history blended with thriller and are looking for a relatively less gory and violent read.
Profile Image for Sushil Rana.
87 reviews5 followers
July 15, 2017
About Author:
Manoj Krishnan is a software engineer, interested in Indian history and social issue since childhood. He has spent his early days in the city of Muzaffarpur in Bihar and dis his engineering from Gwalior. His first job gave him the opportunity to travel across India and to get acquainted with Indian customs & core values. Currently, he lives in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. This is his Debut book.
Product details
• Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 938607415X
• ISBN-13: 978-9386074157
• Chapters: 86
• Year of publication: 2017
• Publisher: 24/7 publishing


Blurb:
It was a great surprise for Nilesh when Dr. Sudarshan Rao chose him for surveying the long abandoned archaeological site in Mathura. He and his colleague, Sushmita Banerjee in Indian Archeological Council, arrive in the city where they found that the place had a dark hidden secret which would change their lives forever. Manoj Krishnan's debut novel is about the timeless journey that unravels the greatest mystery entwined in the game of love, lust, hatred, and revenge like never before.

Review:
First of all, I personally congratulate to Author Manoj Krishnan for this wonderful script. This is the first time I break through a historical fiction book. Once again he tries out the height of imagination of an author. I mean the writer is also a creator of the world (an imaginary world). The novel has a blend of passion, hatred, revenge; all put together in the creative and interesting way things have been portrayed making it seems real. The book leads you along an interesting journey. The historical aspect with a tinge of mystery was interesting. The story has grip who holds the reader till the close of the book. The precise manner of trading with short chapters, so anyone can take breaks at any time while reading.
The book keeps on engrossed, each character's leading to the next until one finishes. Characterization is simple with exuberant narrative soulful beauty, whereas each character emphasizes an excitement towards the wonder of reading. It's a wonderful novel in its many respects. The character portrayal is superbly dealt with. The way mystery has been made to unravel there are a strong suspense and curiosity created in the intellect. In simple words, things are portrayed in such a direction that they persist in the back of the mind even after reading the book. The contents of the book blending in every aspect were awesome.

Ratings:
Book Cover: 3.5/5
Book title: 4/5
Blurb: 4/5
Story Narration: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4/5

On Line Buy Link:

http://www.amazon.in/KANISHKA-MANOJ-K...

https://www.amazon.in/KANISHKA-Manoj-...

Profile Image for Banaja Prakashini.
121 reviews11 followers
September 3, 2017
Review-

Kanishka by Manoj Krishnan is a historical fiction based on the era of the Kanishka, a highly significant kushan king.

When the age old secret is unearthed, the fallen is awakened.

A learned member of Indian Archeological Council, an excavation in the unknown, a body mangled, a few more deaths that follow, the secret of Manidhari, the book Kanishka by Manoj Krishnan, somewhat revolves around the above mentioned aspects.

The story of a woman, torn between duty, desire, revenge and salvation. Her journey from a diseased husband to the pleasure walls of a king. The story of a woman’s betrayal to another and the sacrifice of a mother. An echo of the anklets tinkling down the path of innocence.

The narrator starts with Nilesh and his colleague Sushmita being asked to visit the excavation site for survey. Assumptions and observations lead to an unfortunate incident that surely does change their lives forever.
Manidhari’s story was a rather amusing and needed twist in the story. The book owes it to that single character for making the entire read worth all.

The author has done an exceptional work at taking his time in explaining history and grandeur of the monuments, at the places required, the explanations were precise and definitely not overdone.

Manoj Krishnan’s interest in history and archeology can be clearly estimated from the content, and that makes the book a sincere piece of work.

Also read– Review Pen: Coffee Days, Champagne Nights and other secrets by Kainaz Jussawalla

Ratings:

Cover- 3 stars

Title- 2 stars

Blurb- 3 stars

Plot- 3 stars

Writing and Presentation- 2.5 stars

Overall- 2.7 out of 5 stars

The book has been amateurly written, the way the author writes is expressive, but at times, the reader would love a better choice of words than the words used.

The book could use some editing, in order to add the punctuation at the places lacking, correct the tense violations etc.

The book has been titled Kanishka while the storyline​ revolves around the life of Manidhari’s, the period of living being Kanishka’s era .

The author had mentioned a good number of elements in the story but left them abruptly, e.g. the fragrance of the jasmines that appeared out of nowhere.

The methods of investigation, used by the sub-inspector were absolutely not convincing. For example, they find out about an eighteen year old, mentally disturbed girl travelling in the bus and they immediately assume her to be Kishan Lal’s sister, a bit more of exchange of thoughts to conclude that, would have been welcomed.

The cover is way too simple to have any relevance with the plot.

The blurb doesn’t do any sort of justice to the story, the book is a lot more than what the blurb says. A few words cleverly used would have done a perfect job.

The story could have been a lot more than what it is, had it been the story of Manidhari and entirely focused on her.
I have a hunch that Manoj Krishnan would do great as a writer of autobiographical historical fiction. A storyline with a character as Manidhari in the center would be something a seasoned reader would ask for.



Reviewed By- Banaja Prakashini

Profile Image for Khyati Gautam.
891 reviews253 followers
July 26, 2017
BLURB:

It was a great surprise for Nilesh when Dr. Sudarshan Rao chose him for surveying the long abandoned archaeological site in Mathura. He and his colleague, Sushmita Banerjee in Indian Archeological Council, arrive in the city where they found that the place had hidden a dark secret which would change their lives forever. Manoj Krishnan’s debut novel is about the timeless journey that unravels the greatest mystery entwined in the game of love, lust, hatred, and revenge like never before.

Will Nilesh and Sushmita be able to unravel the mystery behind the gloomy secret of Mathura? Where will their destiny land them?

REVIEW:

‘Kanishka’ by Manoj Krishnan is an intriguing and engaging tale that keeps you at the edge of your seats. It has a riveting plotline, which gives a tough competition to other contemporary novels that only focuses on romance. In the backdrop of the story that revolves around the lives of Nilesh, Sushmita and Dr. Rao who work at Archaeological Council, runs a story that portrays the lust for power.

The lackluster cover is complimented by an exquisite title Kanishka who is one of the prime characters in the book. He is symbolic of power. Moreover, the plot is all about the fight to attain supremacy. The novel set in the medieval times speaks about the plight of the women who are seen as mere objects to satiate the amorous desires of the men.

The life of a woman is really tough. Her flesh is all that a hungry man seeks. This hunger of the men drives him into depriving a woman of her own rights and desires. Such is the dismal condition in which women have been surviving since ages.

The madness to grab the position can drive the person to an extent of forgetting even the basic tenets of humanity and morality. This has been beautifully illustrated.

In his first novel itself, the author has done tremendously well. The plot is fresh and unique. The storytelling of the author keeps you glued to the book. I was totally engrossed in the narrative as the characterization of each person is done efficiently. Not for a moment, one will feel bored. The description of the abysmal condition of a woman is relevant to the present scenario and captivates the reader. The coherence of the book has been maintained deliberately to give a smooth flow of the narration. The language, the expressions – everything has been meticulously put to bring alive an imaginary story that seeps through your heart and awakens your spirit. Such is the power and magic of this book. Kudos to the author for penning down an amazing book with utmost flair and dedication. His sheer creativity is reflected throughout the narrative. More power to his pen!

If you wish to go for something that is worth your time and is unique, then surely go for this book!
Profile Image for Jalpa Makwana.
160 reviews4 followers
August 14, 2017
• Title: KANISHKA
• Author: MANOJ KRISHNAN
• Paperback: 244 pages
• Publisher: 24 by7 Publishing.com (2017)
• Language: English
• My Rating: 5/5 stars.

Blurb -
It was a great surprise for Nilesh when Dr Sudarshan Rao chose him for surveying the long abandoned archaeological site in Mathura. He and his colleague, Sushmita Banerjee in Indian Archeological Council, arrive in the city where they found that the place had hidden a dark secret which would change their life forever. Manoj Krishnan's debut novel is about the timeless journey that unravels the greatest mystery entwined in the game of love, lust, hatred and revenge like never before.

My Review –
Commendable narration style which holds perfect and precise details with every chapter moreover every scenario. Author penned down the story in a very lucid narration. Appreciable thing is command over words and pace of the story flow. Indeed brilliant blend of history, thriller and suspense fiction. Very few books are there in the today’s market which has a really unique and fresh story plot other than romance genre. Moreover in the historical fiction category a very less than few books are there. And this book satisfies the need for such a unique epic tale. I, as a book lover love to read such a unique tale and my hunger for historical fiction satisfied by this book. Only few books have capacity which makes reader to remind or leave a great effect after reading, and truly speaking this book did it.

Mediocre cover with the powerful title made it enticing. As name suggest kanishka is a main character of the story. The story with revenge, power, passion, suspense, mystery and love will grab your whole attention while reading. Apt short and crisp blurb gives insight of the glory. Praiseworthy author’s work for his masterpiece even it’s his debutant novel for meticulous depicted story line and flawless narration. We can see the research and hard work of the author. It’s really worth reading this marvelous book. I would definitely recommend to all my friends.
Profile Image for Suman Panda.
148 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2017
an intriguing cover title with extra ordinary plot idea

Kanishka by Manoj Krishnan is the debut novel of the author. The book reflects with extraordinary dids and mervelous effort of author. The chapters are strongly related to Nilesh who is working under Indian archiological council. His deep gratitude toward his work helps him to find out the dark grave secrets from past civilisation and life style, and made him a avid adventurer. in the other hand few portions of the work is described on the basis of a ideal women's journey against lengthy blindfold society of mid era and now. May be the difference is almost similar but perpose of action is quite changed. the blurb portion is sincerely arranged and accurately served. The cover title and graphic texture is exchanging the myths and satisfies the unfolded mystery of kanishka. the book is compiled and edited in a suitable formation, which is really helpful for every reader with it's simplicity in it's described sentence formation.i personally request all avid reader and book seeker to go through this book once in their lifetime. Hope you really enjoy the company with mysterious journey behind kanishka.
3 reviews
July 19, 2017
When I picked up the book seeing the attractive heading Kanishka and simple yet interesting blurb. I had seen its nicely made youtube video. When I started reading the book, the first thing I liked was the pace of the story and the turns...The main hero of the novel has the past which can be itself one novel. Some interesting content is added to many places in the first half of the story... at least I was not aware of them. The most exciting part of the book is the story of past. I liked all the characters of them...The story of past is faster than first half..probably author has to share the entire journey in the entertaining way. When I finished the novel, I could not pull myself out of the historical section of the Book. I must say the author has the grip on the storytelling. He has written in artistic, decent and attractive style.
2 reviews
July 20, 2017
I had seen this book's promotion on Facebook. Thought to try this one. From the first page, this looks little different from the books which I read lately. A couple of information added in first few pages were superb...It reminded me of Dan Brown..though Manoj's writing looked very different from him. I liked the Sushmita's character absorbing. So real and natural.There are many characters in this book..and all have a story..different from each other. I liked the suspense, heart touching the story of the main protagonist and last but not least the Ancient India's portion of the book... What a great story! A novel deserved to be on big screen :) :)
2 reviews
July 20, 2017
I had seen this book's promotion on Facebook. Thought to try this one. From the first page, this looks little different from the books which I read lately. A couple of information added in first few pages were superb...It reminded me of Dan Brown..though Manoj's writing looked very different from him. I liked the Sushmita's character absorbing. So real and natural.There are many characters in this book..and all have a story..different from each other. I liked the suspense, heart touching the story of the main protagonist and last but not least the Ancient India's portion of the book... What a great story! A novel deserved to be on big screen :) :)
3 reviews
July 20, 2017
A sweeping effort to co-relate the historical link with the contemporary world emotions !A massive compendium of facts that suggestively interrogates the entanglement between historical information and human emotions .
Thanks to books such as this, which allows the modern generation to unearth the mystery that's oblivious yet forms an important part of Indian history and at the same time the reader indulges in the beautifully written story line that proceeds along.
In short it is truly wonderful reading, and as a bonus, you also learn a lot!
3 reviews
July 20, 2017
A sweeping effort to co-relate the historical link with the contemporary world emotions !A massive compendium of facts that suggestively interrogates the entanglement between historical information and human emotions .
Thanks to books such as this, which allows the modern generation to unearth the mystery that's oblivious yet forms an important part of Indian history and at the same time the reader indulges in the beautifully written story line that proceeds along.
In short it is truly wonderful reading, and as a bonus, you also learn a lot!
2 reviews
July 21, 2017
The book is a must read. It's so well written,that a reader will completely get engrossed and indulged in the characters while reading the book. Good usage of words done by the author. Its one of the most interesting books in my book shelf now. The storyline is so captivating which made the book reading a memorable & awesome experience. I would recommend the readers who are in search for a good book should read this book surely. The idea and story in the book is an unique masterpiece. I will be surely waiting for the next piece of masterwork from the author
2 reviews
July 21, 2017
The book is a must read. It's so well written,that a reader will completely get engrossed and indulged in the characters while reading the book. Good usage of words done by the author. Its one of the most interesting books in my book shelf now. The storyline is so captivating which made the book reading a memorable & awesome experience. I would recommend the readers who are in search for a good book should read this book surely. The idea and story in the book is an unique masterpiece. I will be surely waiting for the next piece of masterwork from the author
2 reviews
July 20, 2017
I have read many books by new writers who primarily target love.
In Manoj's writing love has been shown in very different way. Of course, that is one of the many shades this novel have. Most memorable part is the detailed explanation of past of the main protagonist. And the USP is the historical segment of the book.
It looks like two to three novels could have been written with such vastness in the story.
2 reviews
July 20, 2017
I have read many books by new writers who primarily target love.
In Manoj's writing love has been shown in very different way. Of course, that is one of the many shades this novel have. Most memorable part is the detailed explanation of past of the main protagonist. And the USP is the historical segment of the book.
It looks like two to three novels could have been written with such vastness in the story.
3 reviews
July 25, 2017
Amazing book.Historical thriller with love, hatred and revenge intertwined beautifully. For a debutant writer he is excellent, story is gripping it keeps you on tender hooks.Loved it.Everyone must read this book.
3 reviews
July 25, 2017
Amazing book.Historical thriller with love, hatred and revenge intertwined beautifully. For a debutant writer he is excellent, story is gripping it keeps you on tender hooks.Loved it.Everyone must read this book.
Profile Image for Lavanya Rajanala.
71 reviews6 followers
November 21, 2017
Wow...Finished in one go.. Kanishka is a Historical thriller. Manoj sir unfolded the story in a spell binding way. Kings, their Royal Life Style ,Strategies ,betrayal ,Love, Lust all these elements are well protratyed in the story... Good read... Not felt bored even for a second...
2 reviews
July 20, 2017
Kanishka is a thrilling novel by Manoj Krishnan. It is gripping, full of suspense and interesting read. Characterisation is good. The plot is new and adorable. Overall worth reading.
2 reviews
July 20, 2017
Kanishka is a thrilling novel by Manoj Krishnan. It is gripping, full of suspense and interesting read. Characterisation is good. The plot is new and adorable. Overall worth reading.
1 review
December 7, 2018
Very bad

Seems the author lost his plot but forcefully tried to imbibe some character into the lead role Manidhari . But is of no use
1 review
Want to read
January 30, 2020
KANISHKA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3 reviews
July 18, 2017
When I picked up the book seeing the attractive heading Kanishka and simple yet interesting blurb. I had seen its nicely made youtube video. When I started reading the book, the first thing I liked was the pace of the story and the turns...The main hero of the novel has the past which can be itself one novel. Some interesting content is added to many places in the first half of the story... at least I was not aware of them. The most exciting part of the book is the story of past. I liked all the characters of them...The story of past is faster than first half..probably author has to share the entire journey in the entertaining way. When I finished the novel, I could not pull myself out of the historical section of the Book. I must say the author has the grip on the storytelling. He has written in artistic, decent and attractive style.
135 reviews7 followers
July 18, 2017
Kanishka

I am surprised to see that this is the debut work of the author because the way story is presented is marvelous.
Kanishka is a historical novel where the story revolves around the protagonist Nilesh who works in Indian Archeological Council . His love for history lands him at a place where he discover some hidden secret .

What is that secret that leaves him baffled ?
Grab this book to know more about this .
The historical ambiance with a pinch of mystery gave the book Midas touch.

The title is short and sweet . The blurb is also crisp and nice. The characters are so well crafted that it would feel as if you are living the characters. The lucid language and apt use of words makes it an amazing read. The plot , unlike today's romance novel, is very unique and capturing. The narration is very good and i really enjoyed reading it .

The division of book into chapters made it easier to move swiftly from one part to another. The facts used in the book very clearly describe the amount of research which is done by the author to bring out this master piece. The suspense and curiosity that it creates in the mind of reader is beyond explanation. The gripping emotion with a perfect combination of love , hatred and revenge makes the reader transpose to another level .

The thing that i found was not up to the mark was the cover. It is too dull for an amazing novel like this . Also there is too much detailing at some points which could have been avoided. Otherwise the novel is great piece to read . I would love to read more from the author in near future.

Rating -
4/5
1 review
Read
July 20, 2017
i just went through a journey that comprises various human emotions.The relationship and the synchronisation between the present and the past has been described in a realistic manner.The journey of nilesh with his colleague who went on an archaeological survey at mathura directed by sudarshan rai and the way they struck at at the past scenarious and its relationship with present is awesome.The main antagonist of this story is that u cannot guess what's going to come or happen n this is the best a reader can want.The writer of this story has given a realistic portray that u can relate with yourself.Awesome
75 reviews6 followers
September 15, 2017
Kanishka is written by Manoj Krishnan.
Only one word suits this book that is "wow".
Wonderfully written by the author.
History can be made so interesting I never knew. But after reading this book it just amazed me and made me realize that indeed history is wonderful.
It's the story of Nilesh who was given a long abandoned project of Mathura for inspecting and surveying and how it changed his and his colleague, Sushmita's life forever.
The mix of present and the past is so captivating that it can make anyone loose in its essence. The author has used beautiful words and sentences to describe the story and the language is clear and easy to understand.
The title and the book cover is enough to compel anybody to read the book. It has a wonderful title "Kanishka". Loved the book to the core.
Highly recommended to all who loves to read a great book.
Title and cover: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Narration: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
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