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News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Book Review: Ashwin Sanghi's ‘The Ayodhya Alliance' Makes You Curious About India's Science
In The Ayodhya Alliance, you find the writing style a little different. It has his deep research and convincing power bridging fiction and history I was in two minds: does a book written by a bestselling author who has already sold millions of copies of his work needs a review? The Ayodhya Alliance is the latest offering by Ashwin Sanghi. Authors like him and Amish Tripathi are trailblazers in English literature who have popularised Bharatiya itihasa among the youth brought up on a sterile concoction of so-called secular education that basically negates any achievements of Bharatiya civilisation, and also its historicity. They have successfully aroused the curiosity of Gen Z in our itihasa and knowledge systems. Youth is their main reader. This is no mean achievement. Interestingly, this duo was rejected multiple times by the publishers and had to self-publish their first works. Their success saw many writers join this club of Indian fiction based on our itihasa, Puranas and Vedas. Some good, some not so good; just riding the wave. Hence, it is obligatory for us to acknowledge their trailblazing efforts. First book in the Bharat Series by Ashwin Sanghi was published in 2007. A period when Communist-influenced Congress alliance UPA was in power. Its policies were controlled through an extra-constitutional body called NAC (National Advisory Council) dominated by the Left and ultra-Left, and led by Sonia Gandhi. It was the peak of 'secular politics'—short hand for anti-Hindu narrative. It was the period when education was totally neutered and became amoral, churning out deracinated rootless young citizens. For most of the countries in the world and also Indian citizens, Bharat was looked through the narrow lenses of classical and tribal dance forms and arts, and classical music. The narrative of Bharat created by the west was still the standard western set for us – fatalist people, seeped in orthodoxy who only focused on otherworldly pursuits, who had no scientific or technological achievements to their names. They even suppressed the Indians' skills used by them, for example, ship building and wootz steel used for their crusades and wars. I am not even going to the worst description of Indians whose only claim to fame was casteism, widow burning etc. Ashwin Sanghi came up with Bharat series during those times. Bharat series is not about glorification of ancient Bharat, nor about jingoism. It is about raising the curiosity of the reader about Bharat's science and technology. He does not work on fables and myths. He researches and picks up on a particular aspect of Bharatiya civilization's achievements in science and technology, presenting history in an interesting way. He then tosses up mind-boggling thrillers with facts woven into fiction. He creates such a fine alloy of a story that you cannot distinguish the metals used to create it; when real world meets fiction, or when fiction feels like a real story. He is a rare writer who also gives sources from where he picked up those facts, to prove their authenticity. The Ayodhya Alliance, like most of his works, spans massive time-space, nearly 7000 years. The story moves back and forth in time. This time his story moves between ancient Korea, Thailand, Middle East, Europe, Maharashtra, Southern part of Bharat and Ayodhya, with the stage set in modern-day South Korea and Bharat. The challenge in the story revolves around finding the right kind of metallic alloy that can withstand the newly discovered unbeatable destructive firepower of China. Just to add a little spoiler – the scientists are desperate to unravel the mystery — how could the technocrats of those times create the glorious Ellora caves in a given timeframe with such speed and accuracy? Did they use ordinary chisels and tools or did they have science that made these tools extraordinarily powerful? How could 2 lakh tonnes of hard stone be removed from the monolithic hill, carving it from top to bottom? How did those rocks turn so malleable that the sculptors could make them sing and dance to their tunes using their tools? Can the caves provide answers to the search for the ultimate alloy that can defend as well as destroy enemy armaments with precision? The narration does not slacken anywhere. Chapters are small and move rapidly in every few pages, hence you are glued to the story. The writer's arguments about science and metallurgy are compelling and raise your curiosity to go and check an encyclopaedia. His 'may be' hypothesis makes you open up your imagination. You imbibe the atmosphere of Pandian, Chola, and Chera period, you witness cultural and trade exchanges between various geographies of Bharat thousands of years back and feel the pulse of an integral civilisation existing since eons. This is the beauty of this novel. This story is imagined and written with Indic focus. Unlike other novels of Ashwin Sanghi where the story plays out in other countries and geographies and Bharatiya knowledge system is the added element with occasional visit to Bharat, The Ayodhya Alliance is located in Bharat, while other civilizations, the lands linked with Bharat through Hindu and Bouddha dharma, and trade in case of Roman and Middle East civilizations appear as and when the story demands it. It is a heady cocktail like all the novels of Ashwin Sanghi's Bharat series. Although the story must have taken years of painstaking research and visits all over the world, the writer has been able to bring it to the present with the newly rebuilt Ram Mandir with the felicity of a skilled artist. Generally, the pace of Sanghi's novels is frenetic, with stunning twists to the thriller with bodies falling like ninepins. In The Ayodhya Alliance, you find the writing style a little different. It has his deep research and convincing power bridging fiction and history, spanning huge time lines but it does not have the earlier frenetic pace. The story moves at an easy pace, with less blood and thrills and chills. But it keeps you glued as it travels continents and remains a page turner like all his novels. Curiosity to find where the writer is leading the reader, made me sit late for three nights. Epilogue is an epic visualization. Language is more poetic, carrying deeper emotions. Maybe the theme itself impacted the writer too. I think the readers are going to love The Ayodhya Alliance. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 27, 2025, 12:17 IST News opinion Book Review: Ashwin Sanghi's 'The Ayodhya Alliance' Makes You Curious About India's Science Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Mahavatar Narsimha movie review: Our gods really know how to do Avenger thing
The story of Bhakt Prahlad is one of the most joyful amongst all our Puranas, with its battle between good and evil, gods and demons, strong and weak. It is epic for all the right reasons. Having been blessed by a clutch of boons by Lord Brahma after a 'ghor tapasaya' (difficult penance), the mighty 'asur' Hiranakashyap has become invincible. The 'devtas' have fled, leaving him free to wreak havoc in the universe. The only one with the courage to stand up to him is his own son, Prahlad, whose devotion to Lord Vishnu stays unwavering through all the troubles he has to face on his father's orders. There have been many iterations of this beloved story. No surprises that this latest version, from Hombale Productions' (KGF, Kantara) goes big: everything is scaled up massively, castles, mountains, skies, the rakshasas and their weapons. I saw the 2D version, and while some of it is impressive, the proportions seemed a bit off: in one scene, a gigantic nose on one side of the screen towers over the tiny figures below. And despite the size, the animation doesn't feel as sophisticated as it should, in 2025, especially since we've got so used to watching all those spiffy Marvel outings. The other problem is the antiquated way the characters are made to speak. Prahlad, who is more-fair-skinned than his young demon counterparts, lilts rather than speaks (an abiding problem with most of our animation films), and uses such words as 'apitu', 'kadapi' etc. So do the elders. If you want to reel in today's kids, how about contemporising the writing? Some of the episodes, like the one in which Prahlad is saved from the wrath of angry elephants, are fun. In fact, whenever fun becomes the strongest element and the veneration is dialled back, the film springs to life. The last 30 minutes are a humdinger, where relentless pace and grand computer graphics unite to create a most kinetic, satisfying finale: Vishnu avatar Narasimha, half-lion half human, appears, and sets about taking Hiranyakashyap apart. Mahavatar Narsimha movie trailer: The end comes even as the vardaan's (boon) promise stays unbroken. Not in day, or night (it's evening), not in home or outside (it's the door-sill), not on land or water (it's Narsimha's thigh), and with an almighty roar, Hiranyakashyap becomes history. Or rather, finds honourable place in our varied, colourful mythological cannon, the most engaging in the world. The climax is world-class, even if ultra-violent, with body parts and blood flowing generously. Trigger warning for small kids. And yourself, if you are faint-hearted. But hey, demons being torn to pieces feels as if justice has been done: our gods really know how to do the Avengers thing. Multilingual animation in Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam Mahavatar Narsimha movie director: Ashwin Kumar Mahavatar Narsimha movie rating: 2.5 stars
India Today
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Mahavatar Narsimha director Ashwin Kumar: Want to see Hrithik Roshan ias Nataraja
Filmmaker Ashwin Kumar, who is gearing up for the release of his mythological epic 'Mahavatar Narsimha', is already deep into planning his next films. In an exclusive chat with India Today, the director spoke about his upcoming mythological projects and shared his vision of seeing Hrithik Roshan portray a divine role on 'Mahavatar Narasimha' marks his directorial debut, Ashwin revealed that two more ambitious mythological films are already in development. Shedding light on what's next, he shared, 'I will be bringing out 'Ajamila', it's another epic from the Puranas, but it will be live action. 'Mahavatar Narsimha' is a soft way to awaken the soul; that one (Ajamila) is a very hard way to awaken the soul. We will be doing that.'advertisementHe further added, 'I will tell more about it later, and we will also be doing a film on Ardhnarishwar, which is half Shiva, half Shakti - but this one will be set in a more real-world, modern-day scenario. So it will have a fantasy element too. These are both live-action films.' When asked if any actors were in talks for these upcoming projects, Ashwin clarified that casting will be dictated by the screenplay. 'Not yet. I am scripting it right now, but soon. I have some things in my mind about it. The writing tells you what actor is suited to it. I don't usually write with an actor suited for the role. I have to be true to the story, I have to be true to the screenplay, and the character. So, the character sculpts the actor, that's how I feel it,' he continued, 'And then my direction would help the character understand the story and screenplay, and then it meshes into this proper harmony.'On the topic of actors he'd like to collaborate with, Ashwin didn't hesitate. 'Hrithik Roshan!' he said instantly, going on to describe why the superstar would be a perfect fit for a mythological fantasy film. 'Hrithik is a demigod personified, when you look at his structure and his good moves as a dancer. So, I think him playing some sort of fantastical character, apart from the films that he does, is a part of his career. I would want to see him in that kind of a fantastic role.'And the role Ashwin envisions for Hrithik? 'Probably Nataraja, a dancer. A dancer who would create or destroy cosmically,' he has been much speculation about Hrithik being the initial choice to play Ravan in Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana'. When asked if he believes Hrithik would have been the right fit, Ashwin offered a clear perspective. 'No, I think Yash is wonderful as Ravan, he has the look.''Mahavatar Narsimha' is all set to release on July 25.- EndsMust Watch
The Hindu
19-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Badri-Kedar Temple Committee seeking legal advice over construction of replica of Kedarnath temple in Samajwadi Party's bastion Etawah
Opposing the construction of the replica of Kedarnath temple in Samajwadi Party's (SP) bastion, Etawah, the authorities of Badri-Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) said on Saturday (July 19, 2025) that they are seeking legal advice in the matter. The priest community in Uttarakhand is also up in arms against the temple project, launched by former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav. The construction of over 70 feet tall Kedareshwar Mahadev Temple, which looks exactly like Kedarnath temple, started in 2021. Being built at the approximate cost of ₹50 crore in front of Safari Park in Etawah, the home turf of SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and is likely to be completed in the next six months. Akhilesh Yadav had recently shared a video of the temple on social stirring controversy over the same. Condemning the move of building the replica of a temple of 'religious and mythological importance', BKTC President Hemant Dwivedi said that Kedarnath temple is one of the 11 Jyotirlinga and it should not be copied in any way. 'It is mentioned in the Vedas and Puranas that Kedarnath Dham is located in the Himalayan region, hence the replica temple of this important religious place should not be built elsewhere, it is against religious beliefs,' he said. Mr. Dwivedi added that appropriate steps will be taken after legal opinion in the matter. he added that BKTC has also brought in the notice of the state government. Suresh Semwal, president of Char Dham Teerth Purohit Mahapanchyat, the body of priests associated with char dham temples, said that construction of the replica of Kedarnath temple in Etawah is not only tampering with religious sentiments of people but also an attack on the identity and tradition of the Hindu temples. 'It is an insult to faith of millions of Hindus. If Uttarakhand government will not take appropriate measure to stop the construction of the temple in Etawah, the priest community will be forced to move to court,' he added. After a Statewide agitation by the priest community last year, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) lead Uttarakhand government had pushed for a halt on the proposed construction of Kedarnath temple in Delhi's Burari. The project in Burari was inaugurated by the chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami who faced a lot of heat over the same. After both political pressure from the Opposition Congress and from the Char Dham temple priests, the State government had proposed in the Cabinet to make take legal action on the misuse of the name of Char Dham temples.
NDTV
15-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Political Parties Relying On Caste Considerations Dangerous For Country: Supreme Court
New Delhi: Political parties relying on caste considerations are equally dangerous for the country, the Supreme Court observed on Tuesday as it refused to entertain a plea seeking cancellation of the registration of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) as a political party. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi pointed out that according to the constitution of the AIMIM, its objective is to work for every backward section of the society, including minorities, which is professed by the Constitution. "The party says they will work for every backward class in the society, including those belonging to minority communities and Muslims who are backward both economically and in the field of education. This is what our Constitution professes. There are certain rights guaranteed to minorities under the Constitution and the party's political manifesto or constitution says it will work for the protection of those rights granted under the Constitution," the bench told advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who appeared in the court on behalf of the petitioner. The bench, which asked Jain to withdraw the plea filed against a Delhi High Court order that dismissed a writ petition challenging the registration and recognition of the AIMIM by the Election Commission (EC), granted liberty to the petitioner to file a writ petition, wherein he may make a wider prayer for reforms in respect of political parties on different counts. "You may be right that there are some grey areas, where even after giving an undertaking, a party or a candidate of the party may indulge in a campaign which may raise religious sentiments, but for that one can bring the incident to the notice of an appropriate forum. "There are some political parties which rely on caste considerations, which is equally dangerous for the country. This is not allowed. So you may file a neutral petition which does not accuse any specific political party or accuses any individual and raises general issues. Bring to our notice and we will take care of it," the bench told the petitioner. Jain, who represented petitioner Tirupati Narasimha Murari, submitted that the AIMIM also says it will promote Islamic education amongst Muslims and create general awareness to abide by Sharia law. Justice Kant said, "So what is wrong in that? Teaching Islamic education is not wrong. We will welcome if more and more political parties establish educational institutions in the country. There is nothing wrong with it." Jain contended that there is discrimination as he claimed that if he goes to the EC to register a political party with a Hindu name and gives an undertaking that he wants to teach the Vedas, the Puranas and the Upanishads, his application would be rejected. The bench said, "If the ECI raises any such objection against the teaching of the Vedas, the Puranas, the Shastras or any religious scriptures, please go to the appropriate forum. Law will take care of that. There is nothing wrong in the reading of our old treatise, books or literature or history. Absolutely, there is no prohibition under law." Justice Kant further told Jain that if a political party says it will promote untouchability, that is absolutely offending and must be struck down and banned but if the Constitution protects a religious law and the party says it wants to teach that to people, then there is nothing wrong in it. "Suppose a religious law is protected under the Constitution and a political party says we will teach that law, they will be allowed to teach because it is protected under the Constitution. This is within the framework of the Constitution and is not objectionable," Justice Kant said. On January 16, a division bench of the Delhi High Court rejected the plea challenging the registration and recognition of the AIMIM, saying the party fulfilled all the requirements that are mandated under the law. The high court agreed with the view of a single-judge bench that on November 20, last year said the petition was without merits and the arguments amounted to interference with the fundamental rights of the AIMIM members to constitute themselves as a political party, espousing their political beliefs and values.
