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Journey to the throne
One kingdom. Two brothers. A single throne.
Set in the early fourth century, this is the story of two princes of the powerful ancient Indian kingdom of the Guptas...
Princes Rama and Chandra are the sons of Emperor Samudragupta. Often called the Napolean of India, Samudragupta was both an invincible warrior and a faultless ruler - chivalrous, disciplined and moralistic. While Prince Chandra is the ideal prince, hardworking and able, Prince Rama is the proverbial prodigal son who leans towards a life of luxury. Chandra is trapped in a web of deceit by his jealous elder brother and has to fight several life-and-death battles to the throne. It is a journey fraught with deceit, intrigue and untold drama.
A universal story of sibling rivalry and a ringside view of the underside of royal life - the risks, the uncertainty and the adversity.
Set in the early fourth century, this is the story of two princes of the powerful ancient Indian kingdom of the Guptas...
Princes Rama and Chandra are the sons of Emperor Samudragupta. Often called the Napolean of India, Samudragupta was both an invincible warrior and a faultless ruler - chivalrous, disciplined and moralistic. While Prince Chandra is the ideal prince, hardworking and able, Prince Rama is the proverbial prodigal son who leans towards a life of luxury. Chandra is trapped in a web of deceit by his jealous elder brother and has to fight several life-and-death battles to the throne. It is a journey fraught with deceit, intrigue and untold drama.
A universal story of sibling rivalry and a ringside view of the underside of royal life - the risks, the uncertainty and the adversity.
296 pages, Paperback
Published October 5, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 20, 2023
Journey To The Throne by Vani Mahesh is a story set around the 4th century, in the era of the Gupta Dynasty. Samudragupta, the second emperor of the Gupta Dynasty, was one of the popular leaders of that Dynasty, who is known for his numerous military campaigns and expansion of the region under him. His successor was Chandragupta II, but some historians believe it to be Ramagupta, and this book explores the rivalry between the two for "Journey To The Throne", as both the siblings possess distinct and opposite qualities, thus making this book quite interesting.
The books and the writing reflects the deep research that was done by the author, and how well it was molded in the form of the story. The inner turmoil of Samudragupta and Dattadevi was reflected quite well, with each having a hard time balancing the competitive nature of their children. The insecurities and feelings of being left out of the princes were well depicted. I liked how the author showed the female characters in the book, contributing directly to the main story rather than being the pawn of the others, as shown mostly in the stories from that era.
But I felt that the book was a little slow and dragged in between, making it hard for me to go ahead in some instances. Also, if it provided some details of the emotional vulnerability of the characters at the key instances before jumping to the next event, it could have arisen the emotional connectivity with the characters more. Since it was fiction, I wished the female characters could have been given more time and space, for how strong they were, and have huge parts in the story as well, especially Dattadevi, Dhruva, and Vasanthi.
It was a good one-time read for me. If you are looking forward to reading a book with a different perspective of what was known, which threaded the scattered evidence in the form of a fictional story, you should check it out. A good book for children as well.
The books and the writing reflects the deep research that was done by the author, and how well it was molded in the form of the story. The inner turmoil of Samudragupta and Dattadevi was reflected quite well, with each having a hard time balancing the competitive nature of their children. The insecurities and feelings of being left out of the princes were well depicted. I liked how the author showed the female characters in the book, contributing directly to the main story rather than being the pawn of the others, as shown mostly in the stories from that era.
But I felt that the book was a little slow and dragged in between, making it hard for me to go ahead in some instances. Also, if it provided some details of the emotional vulnerability of the characters at the key instances before jumping to the next event, it could have arisen the emotional connectivity with the characters more. Since it was fiction, I wished the female characters could have been given more time and space, for how strong they were, and have huge parts in the story as well, especially Dattadevi, Dhruva, and Vasanthi.
It was a good one-time read for me. If you are looking forward to reading a book with a different perspective of what was known, which threaded the scattered evidence in the form of a fictional story, you should check it out. A good book for children as well.
November 28, 2022
The book is an interesting account of how inheritance plays out when one of two warring sides need to be chosen. I loved how Vani builds up the differences between the brothers right from the very first page and that sets the tone for the literal journey to the throne. There are multiple examples that make you relate with both the primary characters on different levels and while you feel inclined towards one, the emotions come out for the both of them. Another interesting aspect of the story I liked was that the fact that Vani highlights the story of the other characters as well and we see a bit of all the other characters who lend a fair voice to the whole story. The plot moves at a good pace and is fast enough to keep you engaged and hooked to the fight between the brothers. The last part of the book is quite good and the climax would definitely surprise you.
The characters of the book are sourced from History and Vani has made a nice attempt in blending history with fiction in this book. Chandra’s and Rama’s story is deeply intertwined and talking about these characters independently is not possible as each of their actions influences the other in the story, and one certainly would not have existed without the other. Another interesting character I liked was that of Dhruva and how she is an integral part of the entire story.
The characters of the book are sourced from History and Vani has made a nice attempt in blending history with fiction in this book. Chandra’s and Rama’s story is deeply intertwined and talking about these characters independently is not possible as each of their actions influences the other in the story, and one certainly would not have existed without the other. Another interesting character I liked was that of Dhruva and how she is an integral part of the entire story.
December 4, 2022
Vani Mahesh’s Journey to the Throne is a thrilling coming of age based on the lives of the two sons of Emperor Samudragupta. Rama and Chandra the two brothers are at loggerheads simply because the eldest prince, Rama, has an inferiority complex. Rama is convinced that his brother is out to undermine him at every step by showing off his prowess and the result is very uncomfortable for the courtiers involved. Mahesh plots a game of check and countercheck – though Rama does not have the courage or the brains to get the better of his genuinely gallant and sefless brother. He is convinced that as first born he has a right to the throne and joins hands with a disaffected minister Arma who is determined to overthrow Samudragupta.
Rama is portrayed as the evil elder brother who stoops as low as he go to take the throne – even persuading his fond mother to declare him the ruler on Samudragupta’s sudden death and snatching away his brother’s betrothed. Mahesh has delved into the unknown aspects of history to create a story for young adults which is certainly a thrill a minute since hunts, sieges and kidnappings make for exciting reading.
Those interested in history might want to research the facts for themselves however - though that might prove a spoiler as far as the story of the two brothers is concerned. For those not so curious, it makes for an easy read with all the ingredients for excitement thrown in, including beautiful princesses and tyrannical enemies.
Rama is portrayed as the evil elder brother who stoops as low as he go to take the throne – even persuading his fond mother to declare him the ruler on Samudragupta’s sudden death and snatching away his brother’s betrothed. Mahesh has delved into the unknown aspects of history to create a story for young adults which is certainly a thrill a minute since hunts, sieges and kidnappings make for exciting reading.
Those interested in history might want to research the facts for themselves however - though that might prove a spoiler as far as the story of the two brothers is concerned. For those not so curious, it makes for an easy read with all the ingredients for excitement thrown in, including beautiful princesses and tyrannical enemies.
February 4, 2023
My Thoughts:
Samudragupta, the second emperor of the Gupta Empire of ancient India, is regarded as among the greatest rulers of the dynasty Undoubtedly that era was called as “Swarna Yugam: Golden Period” which proves how our country was led by one of the most extraordinary emperors of all time from these rulers.
“Journey to the throne” is a handpicked event from the play “Devichandraguptam”. We all know from our well know socio-history knowledge about Samudragupta and his son Chandragupta, however the lesser-known or fascinating facts about Ramagupta – the elder son of Samudragupta. Vani Mahesh introduces Ramagupta, as a sibling of Chandragupta, and disturbed the relationship rift between those to become the successor of his father, so the title “Journey to the throne”.Ramagupta brings his own pile of bad habits like arrogance, laziness, and too much greed, while his sibling Chandragupta brings good characteristics such as being “People Friendly”, Brave, leadership, and empathetic.
The story proceeds to answer the basic question
Who will be the next ruler of Gupta’s kingdom as the successor of Samudragupta?
Though this is a Mythic Fiction, all credit goes to the author who didn’t adulterate the essence of the main plot, however, in a few places I found a drag or slow narration. Nevertheless, the way the author portrayed all the fictional characters in the book is commendable. I could sense the authors’ research and analysis that went into the storyline. The episodes of Samudragupta – Dattadevi, Chandra – Pranava, Chandra – Dhruva, and many characters involved in the book are carefully drafted, Not to miss my favorite character “Kritavarma” who played a major role throughout.
Special mention to the author for maintaining the sanctity of all the female leads in the plot and their notable impact on the storyline.
No doubt, this book is the best fit for movie adaptation for a movie. The author did full justice to all the characters and their impact through the roles they play in this “Journey to the throne”. With a tinge of vengeance, family rivalry, emotional friction, and a traumatized plot is definitely a one-time read.
Accolades:
The writing style took me to my childhood nostalgia and rekindled good old memories of my Grandmother’s Storytelling. This book is especially recommended for early teenagers, teenagers, and historical fiction enthusiasts and is worth having as one of your bedtime novels both for self-reading and narrating to your loved one.
Special Mention:
Not to miss mentioning the beautiful cover page design. Adorable cover picture and illustrations gave the readers a hint of the book’s essence. Thanks to the author for bringing up these genre books for young adults, teens, and adults to make them perceive our successful but forgotten Indian Kings and their reigns. Lastly thanks to Harper Collins Publication house for cementing the gap between the mythic enthusiastic readers and their knowledge thirst via bringing up these stories published.
Samudragupta, the second emperor of the Gupta Empire of ancient India, is regarded as among the greatest rulers of the dynasty Undoubtedly that era was called as “Swarna Yugam: Golden Period” which proves how our country was led by one of the most extraordinary emperors of all time from these rulers.
“Journey to the throne” is a handpicked event from the play “Devichandraguptam”. We all know from our well know socio-history knowledge about Samudragupta and his son Chandragupta, however the lesser-known or fascinating facts about Ramagupta – the elder son of Samudragupta. Vani Mahesh introduces Ramagupta, as a sibling of Chandragupta, and disturbed the relationship rift between those to become the successor of his father, so the title “Journey to the throne”.Ramagupta brings his own pile of bad habits like arrogance, laziness, and too much greed, while his sibling Chandragupta brings good characteristics such as being “People Friendly”, Brave, leadership, and empathetic.
The story proceeds to answer the basic question
Who will be the next ruler of Gupta’s kingdom as the successor of Samudragupta?
Though this is a Mythic Fiction, all credit goes to the author who didn’t adulterate the essence of the main plot, however, in a few places I found a drag or slow narration. Nevertheless, the way the author portrayed all the fictional characters in the book is commendable. I could sense the authors’ research and analysis that went into the storyline. The episodes of Samudragupta – Dattadevi, Chandra – Pranava, Chandra – Dhruva, and many characters involved in the book are carefully drafted, Not to miss my favorite character “Kritavarma” who played a major role throughout.
Special mention to the author for maintaining the sanctity of all the female leads in the plot and their notable impact on the storyline.
No doubt, this book is the best fit for movie adaptation for a movie. The author did full justice to all the characters and their impact through the roles they play in this “Journey to the throne”. With a tinge of vengeance, family rivalry, emotional friction, and a traumatized plot is definitely a one-time read.
Accolades:
The writing style took me to my childhood nostalgia and rekindled good old memories of my Grandmother’s Storytelling. This book is especially recommended for early teenagers, teenagers, and historical fiction enthusiasts and is worth having as one of your bedtime novels both for self-reading and narrating to your loved one.
Special Mention:
Not to miss mentioning the beautiful cover page design. Adorable cover picture and illustrations gave the readers a hint of the book’s essence. Thanks to the author for bringing up these genre books for young adults, teens, and adults to make them perceive our successful but forgotten Indian Kings and their reigns. Lastly thanks to Harper Collins Publication house for cementing the gap between the mythic enthusiastic readers and their knowledge thirst via bringing up these stories published.
November 5, 2022
In Ancient India, the Gupta Dynasty ruled in the mid-to-late 3rd century (approximately) to 543 AD. This era is heralded as the golden period of Indian history.
This book is inspired by a play called "Devichandraguptam" which is about an incident from chandragupta 's childhood. The play is partially fiction but talks about the relationship between two brothers chandragupta and Ramagupta. In the era of digital gadgets, kids hardly have interest in the play so through this Book, they can learn more about our history. The book is an effort to keep our Indian history alive and spreading knowledge to our kids.
The book which starts with the childhood of the Gupta brothers. Since childhood, Ramagupta had an inferior complex of being less superior than his brother. Ramagupta was lazy, greedy and arrogant who also had bad drinking habits. While Chandragupta was calm, understanding and courageous. He has interest in all kingdom activities while Rama was lazy enough just to take part in meetings. They both were opposite but still chandragupta tried to solve their differences but everything in vain. Things got worse when Rama shook hands with his father's enemy who wanted to destroy their kingdom. Read this book to know how and with how many plotting, Chandragupta saved his kingdom.
I absolutely love this one which transported me back to ancient India. The amount of details which are mentioned in the story shows how much research has been done by author. Each and every detail starting from kingdom to places description, the issues faced by kingdom, plotting strategy and financial condition were so apt written.
One thing I loved is the author has kept the chapters very small which was making me less confused. I actually have forgotten about this history but thanks to this Book, I now know more than I learnt.
This book is inspired by a play called "Devichandraguptam" which is about an incident from chandragupta 's childhood. The play is partially fiction but talks about the relationship between two brothers chandragupta and Ramagupta. In the era of digital gadgets, kids hardly have interest in the play so through this Book, they can learn more about our history. The book is an effort to keep our Indian history alive and spreading knowledge to our kids.
The book which starts with the childhood of the Gupta brothers. Since childhood, Ramagupta had an inferior complex of being less superior than his brother. Ramagupta was lazy, greedy and arrogant who also had bad drinking habits. While Chandragupta was calm, understanding and courageous. He has interest in all kingdom activities while Rama was lazy enough just to take part in meetings. They both were opposite but still chandragupta tried to solve their differences but everything in vain. Things got worse when Rama shook hands with his father's enemy who wanted to destroy their kingdom. Read this book to know how and with how many plotting, Chandragupta saved his kingdom.
I absolutely love this one which transported me back to ancient India. The amount of details which are mentioned in the story shows how much research has been done by author. Each and every detail starting from kingdom to places description, the issues faced by kingdom, plotting strategy and financial condition were so apt written.
One thing I loved is the author has kept the chapters very small which was making me less confused. I actually have forgotten about this history but thanks to this Book, I now know more than I learnt.
October 20, 2022
The Gupta Empire was one of the most prominent kingdoms in India. One of its greatest leaders was Samudragupta, a ferocious warrior and benevolent ruler. He is best known as a Veena player. He had two sons- Rama and Chandra. Rama was entitled to the throne by birth, but he was arrogant, lazy and greedy. Chandra was courageous and empathetic towards his subjects. He was a born leader. He is popularly known as Chandragupta II. Journey to the Throne tells the story of these two brothers competing for the great Gupta throne in the fourth century.
The book is inspired by a play by Vishakhadatta, Devichandraguptam, which has been partially lost, and the author has interwoven this story with the events described in the remains of the play, using available facts.
The story is a wonderful attempt to transport readers to ancient India. The description of the weather, the roads, and other details, such as the state of the palace and the financial condition of the kingdom, give the reader a picture of ancient times. Other characters like Ajatshatru, Dattadevi, Kritavarma, Rudrasimha and Atma have been portrayed with accuracy.
It would be ungrateful if I conclude the book without praising the cover illustration. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and hope that all readers will do the same. The plot was captivating and kept me engrossed throughout the book. I believe this book has the potential to be made into a movie. If you're interested in sibling rivalry and history, then you should check this book out.
The book is inspired by a play by Vishakhadatta, Devichandraguptam, which has been partially lost, and the author has interwoven this story with the events described in the remains of the play, using available facts.
The story is a wonderful attempt to transport readers to ancient India. The description of the weather, the roads, and other details, such as the state of the palace and the financial condition of the kingdom, give the reader a picture of ancient times. Other characters like Ajatshatru, Dattadevi, Kritavarma, Rudrasimha and Atma have been portrayed with accuracy.
It would be ungrateful if I conclude the book without praising the cover illustration. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and hope that all readers will do the same. The plot was captivating and kept me engrossed throughout the book. I believe this book has the potential to be made into a movie. If you're interested in sibling rivalry and history, then you should check this book out.
February 14, 2023
Journey to the throne is a book with classic flavors- a great prosperous ruling dynasty, sibling rivalry for the throne, strategies, scheming, love, loyalty, deception and much more. Set in the early fourth century, the narrative is about the Gupta dynasty, a long-ruled, famous and influential dynasty which shaped a lot of events in Indian history.
Interwoving the nuggets of ancient history with fiction, author Vani Mahesh has crafted the plot successfully, making it an engaging, fascinating and an educating read which would cater to the expectations of various types of readers.
The characters are etched quite impressively and the protagonist, King Chandra, is very captivating as a youth who navigates thru a series of challenges with his quick wit, honesty and bravery, thus rising to his position as a popular hero of his people and a leader.
This book is inspired from a lesser known ancient Indian play, Devichandraguptam. The combination of historical facts, events inspired from a drama and the author's own creativity has led to a perfect set up for the story of great Gupta dynasty and its intrigues.
I would recommend this book to all who like to read about Indian history, but not in a textbook way. Do grab this book and, as the title of the book suggests, it will indeed set you on a fascinating journey!
Interwoving the nuggets of ancient history with fiction, author Vani Mahesh has crafted the plot successfully, making it an engaging, fascinating and an educating read which would cater to the expectations of various types of readers.
The characters are etched quite impressively and the protagonist, King Chandra, is very captivating as a youth who navigates thru a series of challenges with his quick wit, honesty and bravery, thus rising to his position as a popular hero of his people and a leader.
This book is inspired from a lesser known ancient Indian play, Devichandraguptam. The combination of historical facts, events inspired from a drama and the author's own creativity has led to a perfect set up for the story of great Gupta dynasty and its intrigues.
I would recommend this book to all who like to read about Indian history, but not in a textbook way. Do grab this book and, as the title of the book suggests, it will indeed set you on a fascinating journey!
October 27, 2025
Average due to mismatched expectations more than anything else. Would make for a good initiation for young adults into the reading habit.
Simple prose, simple plot. Could have added more emotional heft, plenty of avenues.
Simple prose, simple plot. Could have added more emotional heft, plenty of avenues.
October 14, 2025
A light yet unputdownable read based on the Mauryan empire! It is full of action and a riveting read, perfect for something engaging to distract the mind. Beautiful writing!
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