CHANAKYA'S CHANT - ASHWIN SANGHI

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India, ~2012 CE, & ~340 BCE.

Introduction

Ashwin Sanghi’s Chanakya’s Chant weaves together two parallel storylines set over two thousand years apart—ancient India during the rise of the Maurya Empire and modern-day Uttar Pradesh, the political heartland of India. Like many of the author's other works, the story alternates between these two timelines, drawing parallels and contrasts to create a unified narrative. This technique, reminiscent of Jeffrey Archer’s works like Kane & Abel and Sons of Fortune, lends the book a layered and engaging structure.

At the heart of the story is Chanakya—India’s legendary strategist—reimagined in the modern age as Gangasagar Mishra, an upper-caste teacher from a small town who rises to become a political kingmaker. Mishra’s goal is to unite India, and his chosen instrument is Chandini Gupta, a self-made woman he mentors to ascend the heights of national politics. The story opens with Gupta facing a political crisis at the peak of her career, while a frail Mishra watches helplessly on television. From this moment of turmoil, the narrative retraces their journey—from humble beginnings to political dominance.

Historical & Political Context

The Legacy of Chanakya & The Arthashastra: Chanakya is portrayed as a calculating and manipulative strategist, often compared to Machiavelli. Historically, Chanakya is credited with dismantling the Dhanananda Empire and orchestrating the rise of Chandragupta Maurya to the throne of Magadh, establishing the Maurya Empire. His teachings are compiled in the Arthashastra (The Science of Material Gain), one of the most comprehensive ancient treatises on statecraft, politics, and military strategy. Written in the 4th century BCE, The Arthashastra provides a detailed framework for governance, covering topics such as economic policy, diplomacy, espionage, military strategy, and internal security. It reflects a pragmatic and ruthless approach to power, advocating the use of deception, manipulation, and strategic alliances to maintain dominance. The text underscores the importance of maintaining internal order through legal codes and surveillance while projecting strength externally through calculated military and diplomatic actions.

Chanakya Reimagined: Ashwin Sanghi speculates—what if Chanakya were a player in Indian politics today? In Chanakya’s Chant, Gangasagar Mishra emerges as Chanakya's reincarnation. Mishra’s rise as a political mastermind reflects the same principles of power and manipulation laid out in The Arthashastra. Mishra’s pupil, Chandini Gupta, becomes a tool in his political strategy, navigating the corrupt and cutthroat world of Indian politics. The story explores the timeless relevance of Chanakya's teachings in modern governance, suggesting that the fundamentals of power and statecraft remain unchanged even in a democracy.

Politics Without Nuance: While the concept is compelling, the execution is less nuanced. Sanghi’s portrayal of politics is largely one-dimensional; all politicians are depicted as immoral and ruthless, thriving only through manipulation and deceit. The political maneuvers follow a predictable pattern, with no significant struggle or surprise. Contemporary political scandals are crudely inserted, and the ease with which Mishra’s puppets infiltrate not only Indian politics but also governments in the United States and Great Britain stretches credibility. The absence of worthy adversaries diminishes the stakes, leaving the reader with little sense of tension or challenge.

Comparison & Broader Influence

Ashwin Sanghi's Other Works & the Genre: Ashwin Sanghi is known for writing historical and mythological thrillers that blend Indian history, spirituality, and political intrigue. His other notable works include The Rozabal Line (2007), which explores the theory that Jesus survived the crucifixion and traveled to Kashmir, and The Krishna Key (2012), which links modern-day events to the legacy of Krishna. Sanghi’s books often explore the tension between myth and reality, combining historical research with fast-paced storytelling. His writing style has drawn comparisons to Dan Brown, whose The Da Vinci Code (2003) similarly interweaves historical conspiracy with modern-day mystery.

In the Indian literary landscape, Sanghi’s work fits into a growing genre of historical and political thrillers. Other authors who have explored similar territory include Amish Tripathi, whose The Shiva Trilogy (2010–2013) reimagines Hindu mythology in a contemporary narrative, and Ravi Subramanian, known for his banking and corporate thrillers like If God Was a Banker (2007). 

Similar Texts on Statecraft & Strategy

Chanakya’s Arthashastra is often compared with other seminal works on statecraft and strategy, such as Sun Tzu’s The Art of War and Machiavelli’s The Prince. While Sun Tzu’s work focuses primarily on military strategy and psychological warfare, advocating indirect conflict and strategic positioning, The Arthashastra covers a broader scope—extending into economic policy, internal security, and political strategy. Machiavelli’s The Prince, written in the 16th century, also reflects a pragmatic and ruthless approach to governance, encouraging deception and manipulation to maintain power. However, The Arthashastra surpasses both in comprehensiveness, offering a detailed manual for building and maintaining a state through both internal and external means. Sanghi effectively draws from this tradition, presenting a modern political thriller rooted in the principles of Chanakya’s realpolitik.

Why Chanakya's Chant Resonates

Despite its shortcomings, Chanakya’s Chant remains popular for several reasons. The name "Chanakya" carries weight in India’s current political climate, where strategy and power intrigue the youth. Sanghi’s accessible, fast-paced writing style reads more like a thriller than literary fiction, broadening its appeal. The book’s marketing is also sharp—featuring a striking cover adorned with ancient coins, scrolls, and silhouettes of Chanakya and a modern politician wearing a Nehru cap. The allure of Chanakya’s legacy, combined with Sanghi’s engaging narrative style, ensures the book’s commercial success.

Conclusion

Perhaps Chanakya’s Chant will serve as a gateway to reading for a generation of readers, much like Jeffrey Archer and Sidney Sheldon did for earlier ones. While its portrayal of politics may lack depth, its engaging structure and historical resonance ensure its place as a popular, if imperfect, political thriller. Sanghi’s ability to merge historical intrigue with modern political drama reflects the timeless relevance of Chanakya’s teachings—a testament to the enduring allure of strategy and statecraft.