We are all aware of the 2 epics of Indian Mythology. One, the Ramayana, story of Ram , Sita and Raavan. Two, the Mahabharata, story of Pandavas and Kauravas. While Ramayana focuses on the defeat of asura, evil , Mahabharata focuses on Dharma. Krishna the incarnation of Lord Vishnu or a make-believe story, according to Roll of the Dice, play an important role in the Mahabharata and the war of Kurukshetra. We all look upon 'lord' Krishna and praise his Leela.
While I knew the story of the Mahabharata, since childhood, told by my grandmother to infuse some good values like respecting Dharma, following Dharma, doing good deeds etc which were all from the goodness of Pandavas and Krishna, which obviously made Duryodhana a bad person. But as I grew up, I saw the flaws in Mahabharata. I wasn't allowed to question much as it was written by 'mahapurush' or elders made me shut by preaching about Dharma and the evils of society. And I always thought Krishna was cunning and unfair to Kauravas.
I believed and still believe that Duryodhana is the true heir of the throne of Hastinapur. No, I'm not telling this because of reading this book or I'm being biased here. It's my opinion. And some portion of land should be given to the Pandavas, as they are the sons of late king Pandu (forget illegitimacy, as this book focuses more on that fact). Amidst my own thoughts, I was put forth in front of this book. Curious as I am, delighted I became when I knew, this book is written from Duryodhana's perspective. I was eager to know his story and the way he felt during humiliation of his own and of Draupadi's. I had lots of questions which I thought this book would provide answers for. But all I got was disappointment.
AJAYA : ROLL OF THE DICE by Anand Neelakantan
Roll of the Dice is a retelling of Mahabharata from Suyodhan's point of view. Suyodhan (Duryodhana) , son of 'blind parents', was always bullied by the Pandav cousins. He was a soft hearted, kind soul, fair prince, innocent etc. Basically, Suyodhan is the epitome of goodness. He is shown as naive, meek, not strong, who is afraid of his cousins (Pandavas), in the beginning. And he is also kind enough to stand for Nishadas, brave to befriend a suta (charioteer), Karna , generous enough to help the lower caste. Bottom line - Suyodhan is a good person. Well, in potraying Suyodhan as a saint, author literally throws negativity of Pandavas and Krishna, which certainly wasn't necessary.
Author further describes about casteism, inequality, I'll treating low caste people and political differences at time and again. During such circumstances, author has shown Suyodhan being helpful is people, irrespective of caste and Creed and arising questions on the same. Whereas, Pandavas follow the Dharma they are taught, unquestioningly which eventually makes them look bad.
Apart from this, there are many incidents that occur in the book. While some are true, some are exaggerated and some are unheard of (probably false) like:
Well, these are few I would like to highlight!
I agree Suyodhan was a gentle and kind person, who get traps in the ulterior motive of his uncle, Shakuni. And I agree Pandavas are not saint either. Some of their deeds in the name of Dharma is questioning but they are not evil. As this book is from Suyodhan's perspective, its difficult to differentiate between truth as per Pandavas and truth as per Kauravas. But, some things, little things can definitely helps to make differences, when you've well read the Mahabharata (I haven't read, but I've learnt from TV shows and short stories and few other retellings of Mahabharata)
Ratings : 🌟🌟🌟
Why 3 stars?
Yes Why not? The book probably may not have worked for me, it can be a good and informative read for you.
Go ahead and pick it.
And I'll definitely try to read the 2nd book in the series i.e Rise of Kali
While I knew the story of the Mahabharata, since childhood, told by my grandmother to infuse some good values like respecting Dharma, following Dharma, doing good deeds etc which were all from the goodness of Pandavas and Krishna, which obviously made Duryodhana a bad person. But as I grew up, I saw the flaws in Mahabharata. I wasn't allowed to question much as it was written by 'mahapurush' or elders made me shut by preaching about Dharma and the evils of society. And I always thought Krishna was cunning and unfair to Kauravas.
I believed and still believe that Duryodhana is the true heir of the throne of Hastinapur. No, I'm not telling this because of reading this book or I'm being biased here. It's my opinion. And some portion of land should be given to the Pandavas, as they are the sons of late king Pandu (forget illegitimacy, as this book focuses more on that fact). Amidst my own thoughts, I was put forth in front of this book. Curious as I am, delighted I became when I knew, this book is written from Duryodhana's perspective. I was eager to know his story and the way he felt during humiliation of his own and of Draupadi's. I had lots of questions which I thought this book would provide answers for. But all I got was disappointment.
AJAYA : ROLL OF THE DICE by Anand Neelakantan
Roll of the Dice is a retelling of Mahabharata from Suyodhan's point of view. Suyodhan (Duryodhana) , son of 'blind parents', was always bullied by the Pandav cousins. He was a soft hearted, kind soul, fair prince, innocent etc. Basically, Suyodhan is the epitome of goodness. He is shown as naive, meek, not strong, who is afraid of his cousins (Pandavas), in the beginning. And he is also kind enough to stand for Nishadas, brave to befriend a suta (charioteer), Karna , generous enough to help the lower caste. Bottom line - Suyodhan is a good person. Well, in potraying Suyodhan as a saint, author literally throws negativity of Pandavas and Krishna, which certainly wasn't necessary.
Author further describes about casteism, inequality, I'll treating low caste people and political differences at time and again. During such circumstances, author has shown Suyodhan being helpful is people, irrespective of caste and Creed and arising questions on the same. Whereas, Pandavas follow the Dharma they are taught, unquestioningly which eventually makes them look bad.
Apart from this, there are many incidents that occur in the book. While some are true, some are exaggerated and some are unheard of (probably false) like:
- Suyodhan preaching about love between 2 birds, while he was told to shoot at it, during his lessons with Guru Drona
- Helping Nishadas
- 2 way romance between Suyodhan and Subhadra
- Guru Drona seeking help of Suyodhan to avenge from king Drupada, in the name of gurudakshina
- Friendly affair between king Drupad and Suyodhan
- Karna meeting Draupadi once, before swayamvar
- Arujna drags king Drupad to Hastinapur along with DRISHTADYUMNA and Shikhandi (Really? Dhrishtadyumna and Draupadi weren't even born then)
Well, these are few I would like to highlight!
I agree Suyodhan was a gentle and kind person, who get traps in the ulterior motive of his uncle, Shakuni. And I agree Pandavas are not saint either. Some of their deeds in the name of Dharma is questioning but they are not evil. As this book is from Suyodhan's perspective, its difficult to differentiate between truth as per Pandavas and truth as per Kauravas. But, some things, little things can definitely helps to make differences, when you've well read the Mahabharata (I haven't read, but I've learnt from TV shows and short stories and few other retellings of Mahabharata)
Ratings : 🌟🌟🌟
Why 3 stars?
- It's thought provoking and a good attempt made
- It's a good and easy read with simple language
- Mythology (I can be biased here and for all the efforts made by the author)
Yes Why not? The book probably may not have worked for me, it can be a good and informative read for you.
Go ahead and pick it.
And I'll definitely try to read the 2nd book in the series i.e Rise of Kali
