Book Review: The Krishna Key by Ashwin Sanghi

Book:  The Krishna Key

Author: Ashwin Sanghi (alias Shawn Haigins)

Publisher: Westland Ltd.

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Having read Ashwin Sanghi’s Chanakya’s Chants it was delightful to receive the book from BlogAdda . His first book The Rozabal Line  is the theological thriller based on the theory that Jesus died in Kashmir and was on National Best seller Lists for many months. His second book Chanakya’s Chants  is a political thriller and is still on the Bestseller lists.

Given the background we have for Ashwin in the genre of historical fiction, it was sure delight to have this book.  The Krishna Key (TKK) is based on a mythical thriller.

His writing style in TKK reminds a lot of Dan Browns series of novels The Da Vinci Code, Digital Fortress  and others. Besides his penchant for anagrams  is similar to Dan’s.

No doubt Ashwin has poured in every bit of research he had, in the book but the good thing is that, it has never slowed down the pace of the story and has so far succeeded in riveting readers’ attention (Except for those snippets from The Mahabharata in the beginning of every chapter)

The Story is a parallel between the Lord Krishna  and the modern day drama. Lord Krishna,  as many believe could be a mythical figure or a man in flesh & blood who walked on the earth som 5000 years ago. It’s another topic of debate. Krishna  is believed to be the eight  incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the final and the Tenth Incarnation  in Kaliyuga would be The KALKI Avataar.

यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत ।
अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम् ॥ ७ ॥

हे भारत ! जब-जब धर्मकी हानि और अधर्मकी वृद्धि होती है, तब-तब मैं अपने रूपको रचता हूँ (अर्थात् साकाररूपसे प्रकट होता हूँ) ।

Story begins When the Self supposed 10th Avataar of Lord Vishnu, Kalki starts eliminating the supposed evils and a professor and his doctoral protegé gets in his way. Thereafter the quest for The Krishna Key Begins. The suspense behind the Krishna key and What hides behind those mythical Keys? brings in lots of Twists & Turns and Suspense & research in the story. A tale of treasure hunt with murders, suspects, mata ji,  underworld Don, History proff, Nuclear Assignments, genetic Research and What nots.

The Book brings in an interesting perspective of Vedic Civilization comparing it with those in the days of Mahabharata and how it would have advanced during these 5000 years. History has always been written by Winners. This books, a product of ingenious research, will definitely interest readers. Some of the Points I liked:

• Nuclear scientist have found traces of radioactive material at every places where there is Sivalinga established. According to some, Siva linga at these places are actually radioactive and that’s why they are covered with bel  leaves, cause those leaves have ability to absorb radioactive emissions. And that is the precise reason that water out of shivalinga is termed impure  and that’s another reason  a kalash constantly sprinkles water over shivalinga to keep it cool.
• Also, Satellite picture show that the mythical river Sarasvati actually existed, and the Indus valley civilization actually flourished around this river. And when the river Sarasvati starting to dry up around Mahabharata, People started to shift east ward and west ward.
• if you recall how does a SWASTIK  sign actually look like, Actually  the straightened lines have become over the years. According to vedas the swastik sign is actually a graphic representation of equation X^ 4- Y^4 =XY.    Well if you compare this is what the equation looks like. Those four curves coming out from the centre actually represents the four rivers coming out of Mount kailash
• Now this brings me to the another interesting hypothecation. Mount kailash, abode of Lord Shiva is actually a man made Pyramid. Russian researching on Mount kailash found that the angle at which stones are cut in mount kailash are exactly at 108 degree  and we Know degree 108 is of lots importance in vedic literatures.
• Lord Budhaa was the supposedly 9th avataar of Vishnu

There are lots of trivia like this and few of them which I googled, I was surprised it to be true.

The search for the Mythical treasure starts with Kalibagan, the archeological site, journeys through The Dwarka, The Somnath Temple, The Vrindavan Temple and finally ends at Tejo Mahalaya (or Taj Mahal).

Well, The Book ends with  a message…

 The Philosopher is more important than the stone !

This review is a part of the Book Reviews Program at BlogAdda.com. Participate now to get free books!

You may order ‘The Krishna Key’ at any of these online retailers:
Indiatimes: http://bit.ly/PsDifu
Flipkart: http://bit.ly/NSB1ah
Infibeam: http://bit.ly/M6R71O
Crossword: http://bit.ly/PRAedG
Indiaplaza: http://bit.ly/Leu2Gt
Landmark: http://bit.ly/N5mkEj
HomeShop18: http://bit.ly/ShQlzX
uRead: http://bit.ly/M6RedT
Amazon: http://amzn.to/MqvUMa
Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/OiHBol
Junglee: http://bit.ly/MlR5VP
BookAdda: http://bit.ly/LUpVAN
MySmartPrice: http://bit.ly/PRB4r0
Dial-a-book: http://bit.ly/P64dgI
SapnaOnline: http://bit.ly/N7Rw5U
Om Books: http://bit.ly/NsmqU0
SimplyBooks: http://bit.ly/SnIpxk

You may read the first five chapters as a free preview athttp://slidesha.re/MDC5iT

The Second October – Tribute to a Statesman

Lal Bahadur Shastri :*Denomination: 1 Forint (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

How many of us remember 2nd october as the day of birthdays. Okie most of Indians celebrate the day,first, it being a National holiday; secondly It being the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. Off course, it’s a day to celebrate for the Mahatma  who led Indians out of the clutches of 200 years of british rule. But do you remember too, it as the day another freedom fighter was born. He who moulded India not only before freedom but even after India was free and at the time when India most importantly needed someone who can sail India safely from the prying eyes of our enemies.  YES, It the birthday of our second Prime Minister of independent India Shri Lal bahadur Shastri.

Tribute to LBS

The much celebrated PM of India was born in Mughal sarai (UP) and Joined Indian freedom struggle at an early age. He was jailed for participation in Non coöperation movement and later released, he being minor at that time. When Nehru died in 1964, the job of building India was thrust on the strong shoulders of Shri Shastri.

In his first broadcast as Prime Minister, on 11 June 1964, Shastri stated:

“There comes a time in the life of every nation when it stands at the cross-roads of history and must choose which way to go. But for us there need be no difficulty or hesitation, no looking to right or left. Our way is straight and clear—the building up of a socialist democracy at home with freedom and prosperity for all, and the maintenance of world peace and friendship with all nations.”

He was instrumental in bringing Green Revolution in India. He understood that the India, being a primarily agri based economy, could not take a giant leap to be an industrial superpower. It’s had to be slow and steady and without ale support of millions of  Agriculturist it was just impossible. It was during his tenure that Indo-pak war of 1965 took place. he was of the view that India pakistan must live in peace but when war was thrust on India by Pakistani counterpart, He was all into this and within 6 days of fighting the UN brokered ceasefire. You can well understand the mental faculty of the genius in his national broadcast on the day of ceasefire

“While the conflict between the armed forces of the two countries has come to an end, the more important thing for the United Nations and all those who stand for peace is to bring to an end the deeper conflict…. How can this be brought about? In our view, the only answer lies in peaceful coexistence. India has stood for the principle of coexistence and championed it all over the world. Peaceful coexistence is possible among nations no matter how deep the differences between them, how far apart they are in their political and economic systems, no matter how intense the issues that divide them.”

It was during this time he gave India it most important slogan “JAI JAWAN JAI KISAN“ . On this line, (it is believed that on LBS request) many films with nationalistic fervour were released , like Manoj Kumar’s Poorab aur Pachim etc. One particular song which I shall never miss – “Hai preet jahan ki reet…“

The final curtain fall on his life was not in India but in Tashkent, 1966. The night after signing Tashkent Declaration with Pakistani president Muhammad Ayub khan, he had a stroke and he died (as claimed). However there are several conspiracy theories on his death. July 16th 2012 edition of magazine Outlook has an article on mystery death of Second Prime Minister of India.

…….On his return to India, Nayar recalls, he was confronted by Shastri’s wife Lalitha who was troubled by the fact that the body was blue and inquired about “certain cuts” on his body. She also pointed out that no post-mortem had been done either in Russia or in India……

A youtube video

This brought an end to a great statesman , India will ever see.

One thing I would like to mention that Our present generation of administrators must learn. He belonged to poor family and rose to be prime minister of India. however when he dies he was still poor, with only one car which he has bought on installment, though he brought prosperity to millions of Indians, as against present times, when most of our leaders are neck-deep in corruption and busy filling their pockets instead of caring for billions of Indians.

63rd Republic Day Celebrations

India celebrates its 63rd Republic Day today. President Mrs. Pratibha Patil unfurled the Tri color flag.  Thailand Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was the Chief Guest on this occasion. She is the first woman Prime Minister of Thailand. This is second time a woman Premier has graced this occasion since Queen Elizabeth.

On this occasion it was all colors and several float were on display. Do check last year post for the republic day. Also in spotlight is new version of Vande matram

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One float that I liked most was one from Bihar, showcasing  a village in Bhagalpur district. Specialty of the people  from this village is each house plant 10 trees for one girl child born in their house.  Long Live the tradition! The so called rural India understands well the balance of nature which most of the literate people seems to have long forgotten.

Do watch the beautiful National Anthem Sung by children, Click for -> Silent National Anthem

Wish you all a very Happy Republic Day 🙂

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Curious Case of Junagadh

“At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. This was a moment that which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to new, when an age ends, and when soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance…”   Tryst with destiny

 

The speech, rich in emotion and rhetoric has been widely quoted since that night and continues to remain one of the most touchy ones till date.

Currently I’m reading Ramachandra Guha‘s “India after Gandhi – The History of the World’s Largest Democracy“. I must admit, this is so interesting a read that I wanted to write few excerpts from the book pertaining to the drama that followed after Independence in relation with the making India as one dominion.

Many accounts have been written on what happened just before and after 15th August, 1947. But very few book account the details how India who, in pre British Raj, was an amalgamation of some 550 princely state came together as ONE. Many historians, academicians  and political theorist had one question in mind, ” Even if India wins freedom, how long will they able to sustain it?” and “Will the disintegration of India shall stop with Indo-Pak division?” These questions have troubled many of them as and when India and the Indians continued to believe in the ideals of democracy. For the India stood for exception to their rules. The book deals in detail about the incident that followed independence day. The efforts of iron man of India, Sardar Patel, and V P Menon in bringing some 564 princely states under one banner is exemplary.

Particular references have been made for states such as Travancore, Bhopal, Junagadh and Hyderabad and a separate chapter on Kashmir.

However theres is something special about Junagadh (which in my opinion is responsible to some extent to the crisis in Kashmir).

Curious Case of Junagadh

(The writing that follows is my interpretation of the story of Junagadh from the book, Read it at your own Risk 😉 )

Junagadh, one of the few states  that had not signed up by 15th August, had a muslim nawab ruling over mainly hindu populace. So according to Mohammed Ali Jinnah’s “Two Nation Theory”, Junagadh having 82% of hindu population had to accede to Indian dominion. However the Nawab of Junagadh advised by its minister announced accession to Pakistan. Pakistan pondered over this issue for few weeks then finally assented to the accession. [This be known that while C P Ramaswamy, the then Dewan of Travancore, had declared Independence of Travancore, Jinnah had welcomed it.]

 “It seems to have done this in the belief that it could then use Junagadh as a bargaining counter to secure Jammu and Kashmir. That state too had not acceded to either dominion by 15th August. It had Hindu Maharaja and a majority Muslim population: in structural terms, It was Junagadh in Reverse.”

The accession to Pakistan had enraged Indian leaders. Within few weeks of accession to Pakistan people of Junagadh revolted against nawab. He fled to Karachi and left Junagadh in the hands of his ministers. Sir Shah Nawaz the then Dewan of Junagadh wrote to Muhammad Ali Jinnah that, after immediate accession a number of congratulations poured in, but when situation is grim, Pakistan and muslim brethren are indifferent and cold. Muslim of Kathiawar had lost all their enthusiasm for Pakistan. Finally after long drama, Sir Shah Nawaz handed over the administration to Indian Government.

While all this was happening, Indian delegation met Jinnah on junagadh issue. Jinnah’s response was that the matter of accession is of Nawab that holds a plebiscite or public opinion is inconsequential.

While Nehru always wanted Kashmir to be part of India, Patel was at one time inclined to allow the state to join Pakistan. His mind changed on September 13, the day the Pakistan Govt. accepted the accession of Junagadh. For “if Jinnah could take hold of a Hindu-majority state with muslim ruler, why should the Sardar not be interested in a Muslim majority state with a hindu Ruler”

What followed is known to all…