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Krishnavatara #2
The Wrath of an Emperor
348Back Of The BookKanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi's versatility and achievements were in a way unique. He was an eminent lawyer, one of the framers of India's Constitution and a seasoned statesman. Coming under the inspiring influence of Sri Aurobindo during his student days, Munshi had been an ardent fighter for India's freedom, working at different stages in close association with Jinnah, Tilak, Besant, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel and Pandit Nehru. His achievements as Home Minister of Bombay in 1937, as India's food Minister and as Governor of Uttar Pradesh had been characterized by rare courage and decisive energy.Acknowledged as the foremost writer in modern Gujarati literature, he has to his credit a vast and varied literature including novels, dramas, memoirs and history in Gujarati, as also several historical and other works in English, notably Gujarat and Its Literature, Imperial Gurjaras, Creative Art of Life, To Badrinath, The End of an Era, Krishnavatara, Bhagavad Gita and Modern Life, Saga of Indian Sculpture, Bhagawan Parashurama, Tapasvini, Prithvi Vallabh and The Master of Gujarat.PrefaceThe Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan-that Institute of Indian Culture in Bombay-needed a Book University, a series of books which, if read, would serve the purpose of providing higher education. Particular emphasis, however, was to be put on such literature as revealed the deeper impulsions of India. As a first step, it was decided to bring out in English 100 books, 50 of which were to be taken in hand almost at once.It is our intention to publish the books we select, not only in English, but also in the following Indian Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.This scheme, involving the publication of 900 volumes, requires ample funds and an all Indian orga
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1966
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526 people want to read
About the author
Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi
119 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 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 2, 2017
Amazing book, amazing story. Second in Krishnavatara series gets the readers to feel the political tensions between the kingdoms in aryavartha and the dangerous game of thrones that Krishna and Jarasandha play. Wonderful read, I am just loving this series of books more and more as I progress through them. Simply Unputdownable!!!
September 4, 2012
What was impressive about this part of the Krishnavatara was the way K M Munshi treated the subject. The Krishna we see here, is a young prince, trying to protect his people from a huge and powerful enemy. The heroics are not always in confronting. He knew the strength of his opponent and the weakness of his own people. Hence he cleverly managed and planned his actions, be it fleeing the emperor and diverting the attention and the anger towards him, sparing his people, or by shifting the entire populace to safe places. You also see clever manipulations between the kingdoms, the alliances formed and broken, the battle plans and trickery. What we witnessed in these pages continued through out the history of mankind. You see political alliances formed between countries, the alliances sealed with marriages. The helplessness of smaller kings against the might of a large army.
Though Krishna continue to perform miracles in tackling some of the dredged criminals and kings through out his journey, most of his deeds aren't extra ordinary or painted with any divine touch. They are by someone who is destined to maintain 'dharma' in the world and are performed some one with knowledge and skills. Even against his enemies he is considerate and genuine.
I thought Sri K M Munshi, did a phenomenal job in the Book 2, by not glorifying the actions as holy and divine and performed by 'Avatara'. He focused on the humane side of the young prince, his worries for his parents, his close friends and associates and the Yadava people. Despite the advances of Shaibya ( whom he rescued from Karavirapura) or Rukmini, he maintained his stand on preserving dharma as his duty and the rest has to wait.
The style is much more clearer ( may be I'm getting used to it) and the language despite few hiccups and unevenness is much better in Book 2. The flow and structure with its many diversions and sub texts converged back to the main theme. Fabulous read.
Though Krishna continue to perform miracles in tackling some of the dredged criminals and kings through out his journey, most of his deeds aren't extra ordinary or painted with any divine touch. They are by someone who is destined to maintain 'dharma' in the world and are performed some one with knowledge and skills. Even against his enemies he is considerate and genuine.
I thought Sri K M Munshi, did a phenomenal job in the Book 2, by not glorifying the actions as holy and divine and performed by 'Avatara'. He focused on the humane side of the young prince, his worries for his parents, his close friends and associates and the Yadava people. Despite the advances of Shaibya ( whom he rescued from Karavirapura) or Rukmini, he maintained his stand on preserving dharma as his duty and the rest has to wait.
The style is much more clearer ( may be I'm getting used to it) and the language despite few hiccups and unevenness is much better in Book 2. The flow and structure with its many diversions and sub texts converged back to the main theme. Fabulous read.
December 7, 2016
A relief to see Krishn the brain, the diplomat, the mover & shaker, the foresighted with scrupulous ideas of Dharma.
This one has Mathura-Dwarka migration and plenty of palace intrigue. Krishn's multipronged relations with Balram (esp Krishn's awareness of overshadowing Balram's achievements ), Uddhava , Jarasandha and even Kamsa (whose death he mourns as a necessary evil).
Rukmini is portrayed as peevish, petulant and starry eyed while Shaibya gets the more interesting role as she transforms from intense hatred to intense love before settling on intense worship.
Recommended to anyone with doubts about Krishn's mind, ideas and dualities.
This one has Mathura-Dwarka migration and plenty of palace intrigue. Krishn's multipronged relations with Balram (esp Krishn's awareness of overshadowing Balram's achievements ), Uddhava , Jarasandha and even Kamsa (whose death he mourns as a necessary evil).
Rukmini is portrayed as peevish, petulant and starry eyed while Shaibya gets the more interesting role as she transforms from intense hatred to intense love before settling on intense worship.
Recommended to anyone with doubts about Krishn's mind, ideas and dualities.
July 19, 2016
A classical Indian myth told with a rich vividness that echoes the country within which its set.
September 23, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️
August 2, 2013
The second part of the Krishnavatara series starts from where the first left off. Kamsa is killed in the middle of the arena and Krishna has a poignant reunion with his long-suffering mother.
Once the sentiments get sorted, the politics of those times come into play. Kamsa was the son-in-law and an important vassal of Jarasandha the mighty emperor of Aryavarta. With a huge crowd of Kamsa’s allies and supporters gathered in Mathura, the Yadava council wants to crown Krishna as the next king. Here Munshi’s impeccable research shows up. Yadavas were a democratic people. There were no kings in their hierarchy though Kamsa’s father was called a ‘King’ more out of courtesy. But then when Kamsa seizes power from him father, he forces people to acknowledge him as a king. Now that Kamsa is gone, Krishna urges their council to reinstate the Yadava chiefs to their rightful place and to bring back their democratic rule. (Note: This fact is well documented in both Mahabharata and Bhagavata Puranam.)
Krishna refuses the crown of Mathura and takes a tearful farewell from his adopted father Nanda. The council decides to send Krishna and his brother to Guru Sandipani’s ashram to educate them in arms and statecraft.
Parallel to this, runs Rukmini’s passion for Krishna whom she contrives to meet whenever possible. Sadly for her, Krishna is enigmatic as ever and doesn’t give her any encouragement.
Krishna’s education in Sandipani’s ashram gives us a glimpse of how young students were trained in all aspects of life. Politics, statecraft, arms, weaponry, learning how to make one’s arms were one of many of the lessons taught to students.
According to myths, Krishna and Udhava rescue Punardatta from an underworld kingdom, which in this case becomes an unknown island off Prabhasa sea. The description about Nagakanyas and their weird traditions makes a fascinating adventure. And this is where Krishna also comes into possession of his legendary conch, Panchajanya.
Back home, Krishna and Balarama find that Jarasandha is poised to attack Mathura so they escape to Parashurama’s ashram hoping that the angry emperor will come after them leaving the city alone. Parashurama advises them to stay with a mountain tribe called Garuda. So the ever-faithful garudas becomes a tribe here rather than fascinating bird creatures. It is here that Krishna builds his arms, his bow and arrow, mace and the enigmatic Sudarshana Chakra. While Krishna is thus occupied Balarama discovers that there is more to life than just making arms and he indulges himself in nectar; a habit and an attitude that would define him in the later years.
Jarasandha attacks and the brothers are able to defeat him. Udhava’s adventures are also interesting and the fiery Karavirapura Princess Shaibya is a very fascinating character. Udhava’s trial by fire and his surrender to Krishna is one of the most important chapters in this book. You can almost call it as a pre-curser to Udhava Gita, a discourse that Krishna gives to Udhava before he disappears from earth.
Krishna’s escape from Kala Yavana’s wild hoards is well described and keeps the pace of the book alive. Things move on fast from this chapter onwards culminating in Rukmini’s kidnapping. The beauty of Munshi’s narrative is that, even though you know how the story is going to end, you will fret with Rukmini, feel sad for her plight and get anxious when she is about to step into the funeral pyre because her Lord has not come yet.
This book is almost like the coming of the age of Krishna’s character. From this point on, this charming cowherd will become a seasoned politician and a master chess player in the arena of kings.
Once the sentiments get sorted, the politics of those times come into play. Kamsa was the son-in-law and an important vassal of Jarasandha the mighty emperor of Aryavarta. With a huge crowd of Kamsa’s allies and supporters gathered in Mathura, the Yadava council wants to crown Krishna as the next king. Here Munshi’s impeccable research shows up. Yadavas were a democratic people. There were no kings in their hierarchy though Kamsa’s father was called a ‘King’ more out of courtesy. But then when Kamsa seizes power from him father, he forces people to acknowledge him as a king. Now that Kamsa is gone, Krishna urges their council to reinstate the Yadava chiefs to their rightful place and to bring back their democratic rule. (Note: This fact is well documented in both Mahabharata and Bhagavata Puranam.)
Krishna refuses the crown of Mathura and takes a tearful farewell from his adopted father Nanda. The council decides to send Krishna and his brother to Guru Sandipani’s ashram to educate them in arms and statecraft.
Parallel to this, runs Rukmini’s passion for Krishna whom she contrives to meet whenever possible. Sadly for her, Krishna is enigmatic as ever and doesn’t give her any encouragement.
Krishna’s education in Sandipani’s ashram gives us a glimpse of how young students were trained in all aspects of life. Politics, statecraft, arms, weaponry, learning how to make one’s arms were one of many of the lessons taught to students.
According to myths, Krishna and Udhava rescue Punardatta from an underworld kingdom, which in this case becomes an unknown island off Prabhasa sea. The description about Nagakanyas and their weird traditions makes a fascinating adventure. And this is where Krishna also comes into possession of his legendary conch, Panchajanya.
Back home, Krishna and Balarama find that Jarasandha is poised to attack Mathura so they escape to Parashurama’s ashram hoping that the angry emperor will come after them leaving the city alone. Parashurama advises them to stay with a mountain tribe called Garuda. So the ever-faithful garudas becomes a tribe here rather than fascinating bird creatures. It is here that Krishna builds his arms, his bow and arrow, mace and the enigmatic Sudarshana Chakra. While Krishna is thus occupied Balarama discovers that there is more to life than just making arms and he indulges himself in nectar; a habit and an attitude that would define him in the later years.
Jarasandha attacks and the brothers are able to defeat him. Udhava’s adventures are also interesting and the fiery Karavirapura Princess Shaibya is a very fascinating character. Udhava’s trial by fire and his surrender to Krishna is one of the most important chapters in this book. You can almost call it as a pre-curser to Udhava Gita, a discourse that Krishna gives to Udhava before he disappears from earth.
Krishna’s escape from Kala Yavana’s wild hoards is well described and keeps the pace of the book alive. Things move on fast from this chapter onwards culminating in Rukmini’s kidnapping. The beauty of Munshi’s narrative is that, even though you know how the story is going to end, you will fret with Rukmini, feel sad for her plight and get anxious when she is about to step into the funeral pyre because her Lord has not come yet.
This book is almost like the coming of the age of Krishna’s character. From this point on, this charming cowherd will become a seasoned politician and a master chess player in the arena of kings.
May 2, 2017
A phenomenal journey through Ancient India. I could not stop reading this book once I started.
The author has described the scenery, the relationships, the mental tortures and tension beautifully. I felt like I was living among the people of Mathura.
A gripping novel on Krishna's life, the savior of mankind and the protector of Dharma. This story is about the choices Krishna has to make to save the people of Mathura from the ruthless powerful king of Magadha, Jarasandra.
The imageries of war, miracles, the innocence and mob mentality is extremely well written. I had goosebumps throughout the book. The suspense builds up with Jarasnadra's evil plans and the reader will be left wanting to know how Krishna will handle these situations.
There are characters like Parashurama, Shaibya, and Balarama have personas that left me in awe. Their internal conflicts, their faith, their skills are written in great detail and a depth to the story.
The author strikes the right chord with the readers by addressing topics that people struggle with. Krishna explains the topics like lust, greed, selfishness, taking the right path, etc and how to use the knowledge one has to make sure that Dharma is maintained.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
The author has described the scenery, the relationships, the mental tortures and tension beautifully. I felt like I was living among the people of Mathura.
A gripping novel on Krishna's life, the savior of mankind and the protector of Dharma. This story is about the choices Krishna has to make to save the people of Mathura from the ruthless powerful king of Magadha, Jarasandra.
The imageries of war, miracles, the innocence and mob mentality is extremely well written. I had goosebumps throughout the book. The suspense builds up with Jarasnadra's evil plans and the reader will be left wanting to know how Krishna will handle these situations.
There are characters like Parashurama, Shaibya, and Balarama have personas that left me in awe. Their internal conflicts, their faith, their skills are written in great detail and a depth to the story.
The author strikes the right chord with the readers by addressing topics that people struggle with. Krishna explains the topics like lust, greed, selfishness, taking the right path, etc and how to use the knowledge one has to make sure that Dharma is maintained.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
March 31, 2013
I am almost done reading this book and found this series appealing. Simple English and readable. Each chapter is a short story which is easy to understand. The level of detail about Krishna and all the characters are amazing. I am reading Mahabharat by Krishna Mohan Ganguly and i was impressed by the level of detail in Mahabharat but the details of the events in KrishnaAvataar are astonishing. I started from the second book and would like to know the source of this book (the book might be translation from a sanskrit text but i don't know the reference for KrishnaAvataar). Most of the books that i have read about Krishas HIS acts are described "God like" and magical instead of a strategic thinker (eg: preparing for war as soon as he reaches Mathura as he knew Jarasand will attack), hard working (At Gomantaka where Balram was resting HE worked tirelessly with the Garudas to train them and reseaching metal for arms ), diplomatic (dealing with yadavs or Brindala or Saibhya) and graceful. Inspirational and very informative. Credit goes to K M Munshi for writing such a gem.
July 13, 2015
The Second volume is good. I guess the remaining five parts will good just like the first two.
August 6, 2018
Part 2 of the krishnavtar series revolves around Krishna's quests in mathura. This book is as beautiful as its first part.
September 29, 2019
The second volume in K. M. Munshi's interpretation of Sri Krishna's story sees his (mostly) indirect battle with the emperor Jarasandha, whose son-in-law he killed at the end of the first volume, and whose empire is now threatened. In between, Krishna and his brother Balarama have many adventures, make many friends, and forge the weapons that they would become known for.
I mostly knew the structure of the story in The Magic Flute, but this book tells stories of Krishna that I was completely unaware of. That he boards a pirate ship and displaces the captain; his sailing to a city of snake-goddess-worshipping women and freeing his tutor's son from captivity as the princess's husband; his joining the Garuda people and curing the paralysis of their prince. These are rip-roaring adventures and I'm really surprised that I haven't heard of them.
There's also quite deep political dealings, as he has to deal with Jarasandha's attempts to strengthen his alliance and destroy the Yadava people and their city. This mostly has to do with various arranged marriages of princesses, and the desire of Princess Rukmini to marry Krishna, rather than be a tool of her brother and the emperor.
Following on from the first volume, Munshi continues to take a rather naturalistic line with his story, playing down the supernatural elements in other variations of the myth. His Rakshasas are barbarians who don't respect Dharma, rather than literal demons. And his Garuda people are people who claim descent from a giant eagle, but who are just people who wear bird masks. This is an interesting interpretation of a myth that can sometimes be presented as much larger than life.
The treatment of women is sort of mixed. For every Revati (a giantess warrior princess whose country Balarama helps liberate), there are others who are there purely to be symbols of lust and desire and the path away from Dharma. Perhaps not unexpected in a myth this old, but still not pleasant.
If one can leave that aside, however, this is an exciting tale of adventure and politics, with the path of Dharma at the centre of it.
I mostly knew the structure of the story in The Magic Flute, but this book tells stories of Krishna that I was completely unaware of. That he boards a pirate ship and displaces the captain; his sailing to a city of snake-goddess-worshipping women and freeing his tutor's son from captivity as the princess's husband; his joining the Garuda people and curing the paralysis of their prince. These are rip-roaring adventures and I'm really surprised that I haven't heard of them.
There's also quite deep political dealings, as he has to deal with Jarasandha's attempts to strengthen his alliance and destroy the Yadava people and their city. This mostly has to do with various arranged marriages of princesses, and the desire of Princess Rukmini to marry Krishna, rather than be a tool of her brother and the emperor.
Following on from the first volume, Munshi continues to take a rather naturalistic line with his story, playing down the supernatural elements in other variations of the myth. His Rakshasas are barbarians who don't respect Dharma, rather than literal demons. And his Garuda people are people who claim descent from a giant eagle, but who are just people who wear bird masks. This is an interesting interpretation of a myth that can sometimes be presented as much larger than life.
The treatment of women is sort of mixed. For every Revati (a giantess warrior princess whose country Balarama helps liberate), there are others who are there purely to be symbols of lust and desire and the path away from Dharma. Perhaps not unexpected in a myth this old, but still not pleasant.
If one can leave that aside, however, this is an exciting tale of adventure and politics, with the path of Dharma at the centre of it.
September 6, 2021
കംസ നിഗ്രഹത്തിന് ശേഷം മധുരയിലും കൃഷ്ണന്റെ ജീവിതത്തിലും ഉണ്ടായ സംഭവവികാസങ്ങളാണ് ഇവിടെ പറയുന്നത്. ധര്മ്മസംസ്ഥാപനത്തിനുമായി ഇനിയും താൻ ഒരുപാട് കാതങ്ങൾ താണ്ടേണ്ടതുണ്ടെന്ന് ശ്രീകൃഷ്ണനും മനസ്സിലാവുന്നു. മഥുരയെ ആക്രമിക്കുന്ന ജരാസന്ധനെ തുരത്തുകയും ശ്രീഗാലവനെ വധിച്ച് അയാളുടെ മകന് ശക്രദേവനെ രാജാവായി വാഴിക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു ശ്രീകൃഷ്ണന്. തന്റെ അമ്മാവനായ കംസനെ കൊലചെയ്ത കൃഷ്ണനോട് പ്രതികാരം ചെയ്യാന്്് തീരുമാനിച്ചിരുന്ന ശൈബ്യയുടെ മനസ്സ് കൃഷ്ണൻ മാറ്റിയെടുത്തു. രുക്മിണീസ്വയംവരം നടക്കുന്ന വിദര്ഭയിലേക്ക് ശ്രീകൃഷ്ണന് എത്തുകയും രുക്മിണിയെ ജീവിതസഖിയാക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു. കെ. എം. മുന്ഷിയുടെ കൃഷ്ണാവതാരകഥയുടെ രണ്ടാം ഭാഗമാണിത്. കൃഷ്ണനെ ഒരു സാധാ മനുഷ്യനായി അവതരിപ്പിക്കുകയും അദ്ദേഹത്തിൽ ദേവീകമായതെന്താണെന്ന് ഉയർത്തിക്കാട്ടുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു.
May 27, 2020
KM Munshi's Krishnavatara has been the greatest find over the last 6 months. In Volume 2, we have Krishna's struggles with Jarasandha, his flight to Dwaraka and the abduction of Rukmini. Udddhava and Shaibya's persona's are also explored in great detail. Reading the epic without the embellishments of the myth can be slightly disorienting at times, but the effort is worth it.
September 27, 2021
Some details here differ from what my parents learned, but I find that okay. The book's events humanized Krishna, which made him seem more humble. It was cool seeing Shaibya's character development (and hallucination).
February 28, 2025
Thought this book was very cool and I really liked the love story between Krishna and Rukhmini. It was lovely. Also the whole episode with Krishna and Uddhava going to another kingdom to retrieve Guru Sandipani's son and when they reconquer Dwaraka (then Kushasthali). Munshi writes so well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2022
Super book.Many unknown facts about Sree Krishna
September 12, 2023
Beautiful
A beautiful retelling of the love story of Bhagwan Krishna and Rukmini Devi. I am just hooked to this series on the life of Bhagwan Krishna.
A beautiful retelling of the love story of Bhagwan Krishna and Rukmini Devi. I am just hooked to this series on the life of Bhagwan Krishna.
July 29, 2021
Must read... Amazing... I read twice..
July 23, 2023
Best Book that tells the story of Krishna and his journey from being man to God
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews