3100 BC: The Mahabharata war over, Arjuna urges Krishna to destroy the divine astras or weapons used at Kurukshetra.
269 BC: The weapons are instead hidden with their secret keepers handpicked by Emperor Ashoka to safeguard the secret of the astras.
1999 AD: Two Professors, from Archaeological Survey of India stumble upon a signboard at one of an Indus Valley Civilization site in 1999, flagging off an adventure where one of them falls prey to a Pakistani terrorist who is caught and lodged in a Punjab jail. Eighteen years later, the terrorist escapes, setting off a sequence of bizarre events where he takes a hostage and blackmails the surviving ASI professor to solve the unfinished mystery of the signboard.
The professor delves deep into mythology to find answers, helped by the young scientist son of his dead colleague. Joining the spine-thrilling chase is an American NASA scientist and a plucky army officer.
Nishith S. Parikh is a Chartered Accountant by profession and a storyteller at heart. With a career rooted in corporate finance and accounts, he has spent years navigating the intricacies of financial systems, helping organizations and individuals alike make sense of numbers, strategies, and long-term planning. His professional journey has given him a front-row seat to the financial challenges people face—and the tools needed to overcome them.
But Nishith’s world extends far beyond balance sheets and ledgers. He is also the author of two thought-provoking mythological works, Signboard at Dholavira and The Last Symbol, both of which showcase his fascination with India’s ancient history and cultural heritage. In these books, he reimagines mythology in ways that connect the wisdom of the past with the complexities of the present.
His interests are as diverse as they are passionate. A dinosaur enthusiast since childhood, Nishith has always been drawn to exploring life’s bigger stories—whether buried deep in the fossil record, preserved in ancient texts, or waiting to be discovered across the globe. Travel is an integral part of his curiosity; exploring new cultures and far-flung destinations fuels his creativity, broadens his perspective, and informs both his writing and his approach to personal finance. This curiosity gives his work a rare quality: the ability to weave together finance, history, mythology, travel, and science into a tapestry of practical knowledge and timeless insight.
Whether he is analyzing corporate accounts, uncovering lessons from mythology, marveling at prehistoric creatures, or exploring new corners of the world, Nishith approaches his work with the same spirit of exploration and discovery.
It’s really difficult to decide where to start a book. The story starts with the scene of Hastinapur, 3100 BC. The Mahabharata war was over and Arjuna was regretting over killing his relatives. Krishna explained him about it and Arjuna urges Krishna to destroy divine weapons used at Kurukshetra. Then the time frame of next chapter is 2500 BCE at Mohenjo-Daro, at the river bank of Sindhu (Indus River). Maya, a priest was performing rituals. She was reading verses and she heard some sound. And there is also description of the time when king Ashoka was the King of Magadha. And the next part is in present time frame in 1999, the professors of Archaeology department were doing survey in that territory. Read the book to unfold further plot. Very first I need to say that the story of the books runs in multiple timeframe simultaneously and still it’s easy to understand for readers so it’s really difficult to write. So author has done an amazing job. Good use of vocabulary and language by the author still easily understandable so that everyone can enjoy it. I came to know minor details about Mahabharata after reading this like about Karna’s son. Nice and different plot, with lots of unexpected twists and turns. Overall good one.
Book Review : Signboard at Dholavira Author : @nishithparikh About the book I would like to congratulate to the author @nishithparikh for writing his first book as it was quite interesting for me to read.
Being a CA, he has interest in writing too which was something that I really liked that too in history which no where connects.
The book is really a unique idea which has a different journey throughout. I was really happy when the book had a unique significance to the history. It seems the author has done alot of research work before presenting the book that was extremely remarkable. I would like to state that the book had a highly appreciated note on the power of India when we see how the people of India had to live in past century.
I don't want to reveal the history in the book as it would be really interesting for the readers to read the book. The best point is the author has kept it very easy to understand that even a class 8 th student can read and understand the book
The book is the best one when it comes to the research scholars, teachers, students and whosoever who is somewhere or the another wants a change to know more about the story it all started from 3100 BC in Hastinapur where Arjuna wants Krishna to destroy the divine Astra or weapon.
This is one of the most important books which the comming generation should read as the book has a great ending. The ending will teach you alot.
Rating : 4 stars One of the best Mythological Fiction books so far.
Book Name - Signboard at Dholavira Writer - Nishitsh S. Parikh
Blurb -: Hastinapur, 3100 BC: The Mahabharata war over, Arjuna urges Krishna to destroy the divine astras or weapons used at Kurukshetra. The weapons are instead hidden with their secret keepers handpicked by Emperor Ashoka to safeguard the secret of the astras. Two Professors, from Archaeological Survey of India stumble upon a signboard at one of an Indus Valley Civilization site in 1999, flagging off an adventure where one of them falls prey to a Pakistani terrorist who is caught and lodged in a Punjab jail. Eighteen years later, the terrorist escapes, setting off a sequence of bizarre events where he takes a hostage and blackmails the surviving ASI professor to solve the unfinished mystery of the signboard. The professor delves deep into mythology to find answers, helped by the young scientist son of his dead colleague. Joining the spine-thrilling chase is an American NASA scientist and a plucky army officer, Major Aarti.
My Views -: Signboard at dholavira by Nishith S Parikh is one of those exciting fictions whose story keeps you bated all way long and are super edgy that surely keeps you keyed up with that book untill you get to know what’s next. The author has plotted the story on tenterhooks. The concept of story is promptly based on the epic Mahabharata that makes it a lot more jittery.Loved the book a lot and Must suggest for thriller junkies,
Plus Points - 1. The story is unique, interesting & gripping. 2. The characters of the book are well written and are described in a very good way. 3. The chapters of the books are well illustrated. 4. Narration of the book is fluid & fast paced.
Down Point -: 1. Language could be more easier as I felt like this books is not for the new Readers as the story of this book is something for the experience readers who can truly admire this book.
Verdict -: Overall it's a great Historical Fiction book. Kudos to author for writing such an amazing book. This book is definitely suggested.
Rating -: 4.5 🌟
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Book Title: Signboard at Dholavira Author: Nishith S Parikh Format: Paperback
We love History. We are the land of Indus Valley Civilization. There is always a zeal to know and understand about the artefacts and the history of Civilizations. When the devastating war of Mahabharata is over , Arjuna pleads Krishna to bury the devastating weapons. Later we understand that these weapons were used during the Mauryan period by Asoka the Great. In 1999, the ASI : Archelogical survey of India is holding an excavation in the ruins of Indus valley civilization. We have two enthusiastic professions who are eager to unravel the history. They come across a Signboard. Unfortunately One of the professors falls prey to a terrorist and the terrorist is held captive. After 18 years the terrorist escapes and gets in touch with the surviving professor to know the secret behind the signboard. The professor is helped by the son of his friend ( who was killed during the research process). They together are in the quest to find the truth about Signboard. Will they be able to reveal the mystery ? What happens to the terrorist? Whom does the young scientist approach to get the help? The cover page of the book is spectacular. Writing and narration is simple and brings in a lot of curiosity. The twists and turns in different era is justified. Thanks to the author for this wonderful read.
I have always been keen on understanding the science behind the stories that were or are broadcasted over the years. At times you feel are they part of fiction or are they real. Signboard at Dholavira plays a bridge to the gap between these two parallel universes. This is a very well researched and crafted book by Nishith. When you run down the pages you realize a point of view and research that’s gone through to make the things relatable in the fictional world.
The flow of chapters is smooth, it is quick to read. Yet, I waited and spent my time researching along with the statements that were described. It helped me learn and revive my learnings in the past. Overall a thorough entertainer.
Interesting tip: Try understanding what the book is about by looking at the Signboard.
What I liked: Integration of concepts in the storyline Well researched and analogy The speed and flow of the book, makes you wanting for more
What could have been improved: You want more pages to play with when you are reading thrillers like this My personal bias, but there were places where the story could have been descriptive and detailed which would have added more metal and emotions to this beautiful book.
In Few Words: Spellbinding. Astounding research and Work. You can call it MOAB (In this case not bombs but books).
The Review: Book Type: Fiction Category: Historical Fiction Readability: Easy, Might require basic understanding to co-relate the terms. Overall book verdict: 4.3/5 Story & Concept: 4.5/5 Cover: 3.9/5 Overall Edit: 3.8/5 The flow of Chapters: 4/5 Quick Read: Yes, But you would like to wait and explore the information Author Status: First Book
With "Signboard at Dholavira" the author has created a complete package consisting of thrill and suspense! The way gears are switched in the whole book is worth mentioning. Characters are well developed and offer different perspectives. There are very rare books written by Indian authors that offer an entertaining blend of thrill and suspense, and this book has to be one of them. From the very first page it had me hooked and the ending only left me asking for more. Language is lucid which makes the book more universal. The climax was what I can call as out of the box and I liked it. I hope the sequel comes out soon. Can't wait to explore the secrets that were unrevealed.
Book Title: Signboard at Dholavira Author: Nishith S Parikh Format: Paperback
Book Title: The title of the book ' Signboard at Dholavira ' is mystical and intriguing
Book Cover: The cover image of the book is a beautifully crafted ancient coin and a frame having symbols that must have been belonged to old civilizations as the book blurb suggests.
Plot: The story is set up during the times of Mahabaratha war and the moment the war is called off, Arjuna urges Lord Krishna to destroy every weapon used in the war. The astras later appear during the Mauryan period and are found by King Ashoka.
In the present era, professors from ASI come across a signboard accidentally that dates back to Indus Valley Civilization. The bug to find out how the signboard came to their place makes them delve deeper into the mystery. Unfortunately during the journey when one of them gets caught by a Pakistani Terrorist. What happens next? What is the signboard about? How did the author with his good writing skills try to connect this theory with NASA and Army?
Read this interesting tale of signs and its mystery to know more.
What I like: 1. The plotline that dates back to Mahabaratha times. 2. The beautifully written time ravel boggles every reader's mind with enthusiasm to understand what happens next. 3. The concept of well read and efficient professors who deal with the mysterious signboard and signs make an effort to explain the readers the then human life situations. 4. Though everyone is in a general sense well versed about the various types of weapons used during the war and times of Mahabaratha, the effort taken by the author to explain them in detail is definitely worth appreciating. 5. Inclusion of concepts of this generation's heinous theory of terrorism, the role of NASA and forgotten history makes this book unique.
What I didn't like: The story is so wonderfully written that it is indeed a humongous task to check for any errors or drawbacks.
Characters: All the characters belonging to the different eras mentioned in the book are plotted very interestingly. Though there are some known names or closely knit names, the characters are depicted very nicely.
Narration: An engaging and nail-biting narration is observed in the story. With an interesting plot and different types of twists and turns please every reader's mind.
Language & Grammar: Simple and colloquial yet effective language with good grammar is found in the book.
My Final Verdict: An interesting thriller!
Book Title: 3/5 Book Cover: 3/5 Plot: 3/5 Characters: 3/5 Narration: 3/5 Language & Grammar: 3/5 Final Rating: 3/5
When I picked this book I was bit sceptical as recently there are so many mythological fiction now a days. But this book not only surprised me but hooked me to it completely. This book is complete mix of mythology and modernity. The search which began at beginning with no specific purpose revealed so many truth hidden behind from time of mahabharata itself. The description of Geeta and vesic times and flow of story goes hand in hand and not let you put down the book till end. The narrative is fast paced and language is perfect . The author has done a tremendous research and it shows . An amazing read!!😊
➵ Signboard of Dholvira is a fiction/mythological read. The starting chapters itself make you intrigue. The book has a great start with different stories connecting to each other in spellbinding way. ➵ If you love signs and symbols the book cover itself will make you curious about the story. The narration by the author is done in a simple and smooth way.
➵The characters are well explained. As the story progress more secrets are revealed. It kind of gives the adventure feeling while reading the book as it makes you explore the Mahabharata era and the information about the weapons used is what makes it more thrilling The end of the story is worth waiting for. - 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 ℂ𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣: The book cover is simple yet interesting and perfect as per the storyline of the book.
Book Name : Signboard at Dholavira Author : Nishith Parikh Genre : Mythological thriller My Rating : 5/5 . . "Necessity become the mother of inventions, curiosity become the mother of discovery. "
About Story:
In 3100 BC, After the Mahabharata war over, Arjuna wants to destroy the divine Astras or weapons to avoid further destruction. He then offered them to Holy river Ganga.
In 269 BC, these weapons found & hidden by Emperor Ashoka to safeguard the secret of the Astras.
In 1999, two professors from Archaeological Survey of India found the mysterious signboard at one of the excavation site named Dholavira. They started to decipher these hieroglyphic symbols.
Will they reveal greatest secrets behind the symbols? Is there any connection between these symbols & divine Astras?
To join their journey to uncover the significance behind these symbols grab your copy now.
My Review :
Title & Cover : So impressive & catchy. Goes with story very well.
It's a spellbound story about mythological weapons. Blending of history with mythology goes exceptionally well.
Envolvement of archaeologist, scientist, army & terrorist makes story very interesting.
Various references taken from Indian history, Veda, Purana, Bhagwad Geeta, Upanishada, Ancient Buddhist texts, Greek mythology, Modern science & physics. In short, book is stuffed with great knowledge.
Some mythological concepts explained by theories of modern science & physics, it makes book more admirable.
Till now I read only about different personalities from Mahabharata but there is more than that.
Author suggest that by deep study of mythology, many engraved secrets of science & technology along with the science of the soul can be decrypted.
Book is outstanding. Commendable research is done by author.
Highly suggested to everyone. Go and grab your copy, I bet it won't disappoint you. It's like a delicious treat to history, mythology & science lovers. .
‘Signboard at Dholavira’ is an action-packed thriller with a gripping plot. Two professors, from the Archaeological Survey of India, found something at Indus Valley that leads them to various unknown adventures. But these events have its way traced back to Mahabharata. Little did they know, on their journey in finding the quest, they fall prey to a Pakistani Terrorists, who is more than snoopy to know the secret they are trying to unfold.
The story is full of twists and turns as much you can find in a mythological thriller. The title is well-suited and cover is beautiful and mysterious. I really want to challenge you to guess the story on the basis of the symbols given on the cover.
The writing style is smooth and intriguing. Character development had been done properly and feel realistic. Pace of the book is okay; sometimes it gets slow. Setting is simple, ancient and tells you in detail about many historic places. Narration is proper and from third person’s point of view. It is clear that the author has done a good amount of research in creating this book.
The story can make you question if the tales of Indian mythology is true and fulfills your hunger for action-packed thriller and mythology. The book is 5 to 6 hour read with around 200 pages and it’s unputdownable. I recommend it to all who wants to read this unique combination.
. "Signboard at Dholavira" by Nishith S. Parikh is a very interesting and a knowledgeable read. It is based on historical fiction genre and as we know history is the study of change over time and it covers all the human aspects. . As this read begins, the readers are taken to 3100BC in Hastinapur, where the historic battle of Mahabharata was over and Arjuna was regretting for the loss caused to his near dear ones. He asked Krishna to destroy all the weapons used in the battle. Then the read takes turn to 2500BCE, at Mohenjo-Daro at Indus River keeping readers engaged. Thirdly, we are introduced about Magadh, 272BC where Ashoka was crowned as the King. Grab your copies now and go through all this short recaps which are really very interesting and captivating. . Now, coming on the book cover, it's unique and descent. The title is well-searched and suited. The writing style of the author was very engaging and rich which will keep the readers to through it till the end. The explanations, descriptions and narrations were perfectly done in a short way. . Overall, a good read and will definitely recommend. .
This book will definitely hang you tight. The content and cover are strong enough in evoking interest. Filled with thrilling jumps and arcade racing action, it's a perfect novel for anyone who is looking for a bit of speed based excitement. The narration is engaging simply placing the readers in the heart of the plot.
The powerful opening of the mythological era and glorious past history start evoking interest. Further the book is enclosed with a secret, that has to be discovered. The entire book keeps us engaging with strong characters, the bouncy language the concept of vajra, war weapons of ancient ages ,caves and terrorist,with the urge of unknown facts start adding extra stars to this novel.
The sign of signboard that has a mystery enclosed in it, the knowledge of advanced technology of our ancestors. A perfect page Turner for all kind of readers. The team of Gaekwad take the readers into an amazing journey with an equal doze of science and mythology.
Signboard at Dholavira is edition jotted down by novelist Nishith S Parikh which is a generously researched and crafted publication..
The anecdote commences with the event of Hastinapur , 3100 B.C..
The Mahabharata battle was over and Arjuna was regretting over assassinating his relatives..
Krishna elucidated him about it and Arjuna exhorts Krishna to eradicate divine weapons utilized at Kurukshetra..
The tale of this story rides in numerous timeframe simultaneously and regardless it's honestly complicated to write..
The inventor of the edition retains a decent aim of vocabulary and terminology borrowed by correspondent is however effortlessly discernible that everyone can relish it...
I accomplished across slight elements about Mahabharata after glancing at this like about Karna's son..
Delightful and varied diagram, with bunchv of surprising wrench and twirls giving rise to it further fascinating and obviously a chef-d'oeuvre..
After so long i got my hands on this historical fiction known as signboard at Dholavira by author Nishith S. Parikhand if u are someone who loves history then this book is made for you
The starting of this book is set back in 3100 B.C and based on a place named Hastinapur and the story reflects the scenario of the after effects of kurukshetra battle when Arjun is regretting about his loss and death of family members.
This book will give you a essence of Mahabharata and the story revolves around different time frame.
I personally loved the concept of this book .The writting style was impressive and perfectly framed . The author should be Appreciated for writing the book in such a wonderful manner that will reading i felt like I'm witnessing the event
The Author has done commendable research on his part and the final outcome that is presented to the readers is beautiful. The chapters speak volume about the research.
Signboard at Dholavira is a super interesting read with a flow of chapters which is smooth and readers can't put it down till they finish the whole book.
Language is easily understandable.
The cover is really pretty.
All the Characters have been built- up in an interesting manner.
The plot is very interesting and keeps you hooked to the book throughout your reading time.
Signboard at dholavira by Nishith S Parikh is one of those exciting fictions whose story keeps you bated all way long and are super edgy that surely keeps you keyed up with that book untill you get to know what’s next. The author has plotted the story on tenterhooks. The concept of story is promptly based on the epic Mahabharata that makes it a lot more jittery.Loved the book a lot and Must suggest for thriller junkies.
Signboard at dholavira by Nishith S Parikh is a Delphic fiction with captivating story, amazingly plotted with stunning characters also with the involvement of our incredible historical concepts as well as modern scientific facts that are way too entrancing.This gripping creation is one the best option for mythological thrillers that may take your breathe away. Go and grab this soon .
Signboard of dholavira by Nishith S Parikh is a whole lot of mystery, it might get you jumbled once you’ve lost in that amazing and mysterious content. The major thesis of this creation is Mahabharata and the old civilisation. You might air for sure get goosebumps once you’ve start to read. Amazingly written. I think you must give it a try.
I picked this book because of my facination for historical fictional books, and i happy to say it was Right Choice. Easy language with Intersting story line taking you back to the days of Mahabharata and Ashoka. Author explained historical and Scientific facts really well. I was so hooked to the book that I completed it in 2 days. It is surely worth reading. Can't wait for 2nd part of book.
Awesome plot where vehicle science meets the modern science, history meets mystery, Ancient knowledge meets the modern knowledge...loved it every part and every plot keeping engaged till the last word