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News18
5 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.
News18
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
The Ayodhya Alliance: Thrilling Fusion Of Ancient Secrets And Modern Warfare
Last Updated: The Ayodhya Alliance is vintage Ashwin Sanghi — fast-paced, richly layered, and thought-provoking Ashwin Sanghi returns with The Ayodhya Alliance, a bold, globe-trotting thriller that fuses mythology, science, and geopolitics into an electrifying narrative. With his signature blend of fact and fiction, Sanghi delves deep into the rich tapestry of Indian epics, ancient civilisations, and contemporary power struggles, delivering a novel that is as intellectually engaging as it is relentlessly suspenseful. At the heart of the story lies a long-buried enigma — a mysterious scientific force once whispered by Ravana to Lakshman on the blood-soaked battlefield of Lanka. This isn't just any ancient secret, but a revelation with the potential to alter the trajectory of human history. For thousands of years, this secret remained hidden, protected by guardians bound by a sacred oath. Now, in the 21st century, as India's borders simmer with tension and a crucial defence technology begins to falter, the past resurfaces with explosive urgency. Enter Aditya Pillai, a high-stakes industrialist with a deep investment in India's defence projects, and Somi Kim, a brilliant South Korean technocrat. The pairing is unusual but compelling. Their mission begins as a modern technological crisis but soon morphs into an Indiana Jones-esque quest that spans continents and millennia. Together, they uncover a trail that stretches from Ayodhya to Kailasa, from the Pandyan Empire to Rome, Damascus, Thailand, and Korea. The sheer breadth of the historical canvas is staggering. Sanghi's greatest strength lies in his ability to craft plausible connections between mythology and science, between the spiritual and the strategic. In The Ayodhya Alliance, he masterfully blurs the lines between historical fact and speculative fiction. As the protagonists follow cryptic clues and decode ancient texts, readers are treated to a whirlwind tour of lost knowledge, suppressed technologies, and forgotten alliances. But it's not just the treasure hunt that keeps the pages turning. The novel also probes deeper questions: What happens when science is indistinguishable from magic? Who controls the narrative of history? And what is the cost of ultimate power? The pacing is brisk, with Sanghi deftly alternating between historical flashbacks and high-octane contemporary scenes. The transitions are smooth, ensuring that the reader is never disoriented despite the temporal leaps. He builds suspense incrementally, never overwhelming the reader with exposition, yet feeding just enough information to keep the mystery alive. Characters are well-drawn and multidimensional. Aditya Pillai is more than a corporate magnate; he is a man caught between his duty to his nation and his moral compass. Somi Kim brings an international flavour to the narrative and functions as both a cultural counterbalance and an intellectual equal. Their dynamic evolves gradually, underscoring themes of trust, collaboration, and shared heritage. Supporting characters — some descendants of ancient orders, others shadowy figures from intelligence agencies — add texture and complexity to the story. Thematically, The Ayodhya Alliance operates on multiple levels. It is, on the surface, an action-packed thriller. But at its core, it is a meditation on civilisational continuity, the erosion of knowledge, and the consequences of playing god with lost technologies. The myth of Ravana's whispered secret is not just a plot device; it is a symbol of how power, once divorced from ethics, can become a global threat. Sanghi's prose is crisp and cinematic, well-suited for the screen adaptation this book practically demands. There are moments where the exposition — especially the historical segments — verges on dense, but for readers familiar with Sanghi's work, this is part of the intellectual pleasure. His research is meticulous, and he continues his tradition of endnotes and references for the curious reader who wants to dive deeper into the history beneath the fiction. Where The Krishna Key and Chanakya's Chant explored theology and political philosophy, The Ayodhya Alliance ventures further into the speculative realm, almost bordering on science fiction. Yet, it remains grounded in the Indian ethos, reminding readers that ancient India was not only spiritual but scientific in its orientation — a land where technology and mysticism coexisted. In an era where India's role in the global order is rapidly evolving, The Ayodhya Alliance resonates as more than just a thriller. It is a story about civilisational agency, about reclaiming lost narratives, and about rising powers reasserting their intellectual and spiritual legacy on the world stage. At a time when popular fiction is saturated with Western myths and tropes, Sanghi's effort to root an international thriller in Indic history is both refreshing and politically significant. Verdict The Ayodhya Alliance is vintage Ashwin Sanghi — fast-paced, richly layered, and thought-provoking. It invites readers to rethink the boundaries between myth and reality, and between past and future. This novel offers a thrilling, immersive ride with a distinctly Indian heartbeat. The writer is a technocrat, political analyst, and author. He pens national, geopolitical, and social issues. His social media handle is @prosenjitnth. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. About the Author Prosenjit Nath The writer is an Indian technocrat, political analyst, and author. First Published: News opinion Book Review | The Ayodhya Alliance: Thrilling Fusion Of Ancient Secrets And Modern Warfare 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.
Business Standard
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Harper Collins Publishers India Presents master storyteller Ashwin Sanghi's latest adventure-thriller in the chart-topping Bharat Collection, The Ayodhya Alliance
PRNewswire New Delhi [India], June 2: India's master storyteller, Ashwin Sanghi, is back with a riveting new novel, the much-awaited eighth book in the Bharat Collection - The Ayodhya Alliance - set to release this June. Written in his signature style, blending mythology, history and intrigue into a compelling plot, this gripping read is perfect for fans of the genre and anyone looking for their next engrossing read. The Ayodhya Alliance is now available on preorder. * Readers of smart adventure-thrillers and fans of the bestselling Bharat Collection need not wait any longer! Talking about the new book, Ashwin Sanghi says, "What if the answers to today's biggest questions were buried in the secrets of our past? The Ayodhya Alliance is a thriller that delves into legacy, legend, lineage and learning--told in my usual trademark blend of fact and fiction. It is my most ambitious project to date, and I hope that it will be relished by my readers." Poulomi Chatterjee, Executive Publisher - HarperCollins India, says, "I have long admired Ashwin for his special ability to connect dots that most of us will never notice - across civilizations and continents, races and religions, the past, present and future - in the most entertaining way possible. As far as adventure thrillers go, the novels in his Bharat Collection stand apart for the superlative imagination and craft he employs to make them riveting page-turners from the word go. The Ayodhya Alliance is undoubtedly the most accomplished and exciting book in the Collection yet. It brilliantly combines current political intrigue with an ancient mystery, and its unexpected twists and turns and frequent revelations will delight readers in the best possible ways. I'm especially glad to be publishing it alongside freshly rejacketed editions of the rest of the Bharat Collection for thriller fans everywhere." About The Ayodhya Alliance An ancient secret. A forgotten science. A battle for the future of humanity. Seven thousand years ago, as he lay dying on the battlefield of Lanka, Ravana whispered a secret to Lakshmana about a mysterious technology that held the key to Ayodhya's prosperity and the world's destiny. For centuries, desperately sought by explorers, marauders and emperors alike, it has been kept hidden, safeguarded by warriors bound by an ancient oath. Now, as tensions escalate along India's volatile borders and a crucial defence project teeters on the brink of failure, Indian industrialist Aditya Pillai and South Korean technocrat Somi Kim are thrust into a mission that will upend everything they know. The two realize they must act fast, but never once do they anticipate that they will stumble upon startling revelations about a miraculous force that once connected Ayodhya to Kailasa, the Pandyan Empire, Rome, Damascus, Thailand and Korea. As the forces of past and present collide, a question looms large: who will harness the power of the ultimate enigma, and at what cost? The Ayodhya Alliance spans continents and centuries, seamlessly weaving together science, legend and history in a breathless race against time. In this sweeping, unputdownable story of intrigue, betrayal, survival and love, master storyteller Ashwin Sanghi casts his web wider than ever before, spinning once again a riveting, edge-of-the-seat thriller. About the Author Ashwin Sanghi is among India's highest-selling English fiction authors. He has written several bestsellers in the Bharat Collection (The Rozabal Line, Chanakya's Chant, The Krishna Key, The Sialkot Saga, Keepers of the Kalachakra, The Vault of Vishnu, The Magicians of Mazda) and two New York Times and TheSunday Times bestselling crime thrillers with James Patterson, Private India (sold in the U.S. as City on Fire) and Private Delhi (sold in the U.S. as Count to Ten). He has conceptualized the Kutta Kadam thriller series, with the first novel in the series, Razor Sharp, being a national bestseller. He mentors, collaborates and edits several non-fiction titles in the 13 Steps Series on Luck, Wealth, Marks, Health and Parenting. He also contributes to the opinion page of TheTimes of India. Ashwin has been included by Forbes India in their Celebrity 100 and by The New Indian Express in their Culture Power List. He is a winner of the Crossword Popular Choice Award 2012, Atta Galatta Popular Choice Award 2018, World Business Review Iconic Achievers' Award 2018, the Lit-O-Fest Literature Legend Award 2018, the Kalinga Popular Choice Award 2021, the Deendayal Upadhyaya Recognition 2023, and an Honorary Doctorate from JECRC University, Rajasthan. He was educated at Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai, and St Xavier's College, Mumbai. He holds an MBA from Yale University. Ashwin lives in Mumbai with his wife, Anushika, and son, Raghuvir.
Business Upturn
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Harper Collins Publishers India Presents master storyteller Ashwin Sanghi's latest adventure-thriller in the chart-topping Bharat Collection, The Ayodhya Alliance
Readers of smart adventure-thrillers and fans of the bestselling Bharat Collection need not wait any longer! NEW DELHI , June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — India's master storyteller, Ashwin Sanghi, is back with a riveting new novel, the much-awaited eighth book in the Bharat Collection – The Ayodhya Alliance – set to release this June. Written in his signature style, blending mythology, history and intrigue into a compelling plot, this gripping read is perfect for fans of the genre and anyone looking for their next engrossing read. The Ayodhya Alliance is now available on preorder. Talking about the new book, Ashwin Sanghi says, 'What if the answers to today's biggest questions were buried in the secrets of our past? The Ayodhya Alliance is a thriller that delves into legacy, legend, lineage and learning—told in my usual trademark blend of fact and fiction. It is my most ambitious project to date, and I hope that it will be relished by my readers.' Poulomi Chatterjee , Executive Publisher – HarperCollins India, says, 'I have long admired Ashwin for his special ability to connect dots that most of us will never notice – across civilizations and continents, races and religions, the past, present and future – in the most entertaining way possible. As far as adventure thrillers go, the novels in his Bharat Collection stand apart for the superlative imagination and craft he employs to make them riveting page-turners from the word go. The Ayodhya Alliance is undoubtedly the most accomplished and exciting book in the Collection yet. It brilliantly combines current political intrigue with an ancient mystery, and its unexpected twists and turns and frequent revelations will delight readers in the best possible ways. I'm especially glad to be publishing it alongside freshly rejacketed editions of the rest of the Bharat Collection for thriller fans everywhere.' About The Ayodhya Alliance An ancient secret. A forgotten science. A battle for the future of humanity. Seven thousand years ago, as he lay dying on the battlefield of Lanka, Ravana whispered a secret to Lakshmana about a mysterious technology that held the key to Ayodhya's prosperity and the world's destiny. For centuries, desperately sought by explorers, marauders and emperors alike, it has been kept hidden, safeguarded by warriors bound by an ancient oath. Now, as tensions escalate along India's volatile borders and a crucial defence project teeters on the brink of failure, Indian industrialist Aditya Pillai and South Korean technocrat Somi Kim are thrust into a mission that will upend everything they know. The two realize they must act fast, but never once do they anticipate that they will stumble upon startling revelations about a miraculous force that once connected Ayodhya to Kailasa, the Pandyan Empire, Rome , Damascus , Thailand and Korea. As the forces of past and present collide, a question looms large: who will harness the power of the ultimate enigma, and at what cost? The Ayodhya Alliance spans continents and centuries, seamlessly weaving together science, legend and history in a breathless race against time. In this sweeping, unputdownable story of intrigue, betrayal, survival and love, master storyteller Ashwin Sanghi casts his web wider than ever before, spinning once again a riveting, edge-of-the-seat thriller. About the Author Ashwin Sanghi is among India's highest-selling English fiction authors. He has written several bestsellers in the Bharat Collection (The Rozabal Line, Chanakya's Chant, The Krishna Key, The Sialkot Saga, Keepers of the Kalachakra, The Vault of Vishnu, The Magicians of Mazda) and two New York Times and The Sunday Times bestselling crime thrillers with James Patterson , Private India (sold in the U.S. as City on Fire) and Private Delhi (sold in the U.S. as Count to Ten). He has conceptualized the Kutta Kadam thriller series, with the first novel in the series, Razor Sharp, being a national bestseller. He mentors, collaborates and edits several non-fiction titles in the 13 Steps Series on Luck, Wealth, Marks, Health and Parenting. He also contributes to the opinion page of The Times of India . Ashwin has been included by Forbes India in their Celebrity 100 and by The New Indian Express in their Culture Power List. He is a winner of the Crossword Popular Choice Award 2012, Atta Galatta Popular Choice Award 2018, World Business Review Iconic Achievers' Award 2018, the Lit-O-Fest Literature Legend Award 2018, the Kalinga Popular Choice Award 2021, the Deendayal Upadhyaya Recognition 2023, and an Honorary Doctorate from JECRC University, Rajasthan. He was educated at Cathedral and John Connon School , Mumbai , and St Xavier's College, Mumbai . He holds an MBA from Yale University . Ashwin lives in Mumbai with his wife, Anushika, and son, Raghuvir. Photo – Logo:
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Harper Collins Publishers India Presents master storyteller Ashwin Sanghi's latest adventure-thriller in the chart-topping Bharat Collection, The Ayodhya Alliance
Readers of smart adventure-thrillers and fans of the bestselling Bharat Collection need not wait any longer! NEW DELHI, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- India's master storyteller, Ashwin Sanghi, is back with a riveting new novel, the much-awaited eighth book in the Bharat Collection – The Ayodhya Alliance – set to release this June. Written in his signature style, blending mythology, history and intrigue into a compelling plot, this gripping read is perfect for fans of the genre and anyone looking for their next engrossing read. The Ayodhya Alliance is now available on preorder. Talking about the new book, Ashwin Sanghi says, "What if the answers to today's biggest questions were buried in the secrets of our past? The Ayodhya Alliance is a thriller that delves into legacy, legend, lineage and learning—told in my usual trademark blend of fact and fiction. It is my most ambitious project to date, and I hope that it will be relished by my readers." Poulomi Chatterjee, Executive Publisher – HarperCollins India, says, "I have long admired Ashwin for his special ability to connect dots that most of us will never notice – across civilizations and continents, races and religions, the past, present and future – in the most entertaining way possible. As far as adventure thrillers go, the novels in his Bharat Collection stand apart for the superlative imagination and craft he employs to make them riveting page-turners from the word go. The Ayodhya Alliance is undoubtedly the most accomplished and exciting book in the Collection yet. It brilliantly combines current political intrigue with an ancient mystery, and its unexpected twists and turns and frequent revelations will delight readers in the best possible ways. I'm especially glad to be publishing it alongside freshly rejacketed editions of the rest of the Bharat Collection for thriller fans everywhere." About The Ayodhya Alliance An ancient secret. A forgotten science. A battle for the future of humanity. Seven thousand years ago, as he lay dying on the battlefield of Lanka, Ravana whispered a secret to Lakshmana about a mysterious technology that held the key to Ayodhya's prosperity and the world's destiny. For centuries, desperately sought by explorers, marauders and emperors alike, it has been kept hidden, safeguarded by warriors bound by an ancient oath. Now, as tensions escalate along India's volatile borders and a crucial defence project teeters on the brink of failure, Indian industrialist Aditya Pillai and South Korean technocrat Somi Kim are thrust into a mission that will upend everything they know. The two realize they must act fast, but never once do they anticipate that they will stumble upon startling revelations about a miraculous force that once connected Ayodhya to Kailasa, the Pandyan Empire, Rome, Damascus, Thailand and Korea. As the forces of past and present collide, a question looms large: who will harness the power of the ultimate enigma, and at what cost? The Ayodhya Alliance spans continents and centuries, seamlessly weaving together science, legend and history in a breathless race against time. In this sweeping, unputdownable story of intrigue, betrayal, survival and love, master storyteller Ashwin Sanghi casts his web wider than ever before, spinning once again a riveting, edge-of-the-seat thriller. About the Author Ashwin Sanghi is among India's highest-selling English fiction authors. He has written several bestsellers in the Bharat Collection (The Rozabal Line, Chanakya's Chant, The Krishna Key, The Sialkot Saga, Keepers of the Kalachakra, The Vault of Vishnu, The Magicians of Mazda) and two New York Times and The Sunday Times bestselling crime thrillers with James Patterson, Private India (sold in the U.S. as City on Fire) and Private Delhi (sold in the U.S. as Count to Ten). He has conceptualized the Kutta Kadam thriller series, with the first novel in the series, Razor Sharp, being a national bestseller. He mentors, collaborates and edits several non-fiction titles in the 13 Steps Series on Luck, Wealth, Marks, Health and Parenting. He also contributes to the opinion page of The Times of India. Ashwin has been included by Forbes India in their Celebrity 100 and by The New Indian Express in their Culture Power List. He is a winner of the Crossword Popular Choice Award 2012, Atta Galatta Popular Choice Award 2018, World Business Review Iconic Achievers' Award 2018, the Lit-O-Fest Literature Legend Award 2018, the Kalinga Popular Choice Award 2021, the Deendayal Upadhyaya Recognition 2023, and an Honorary Doctorate from JECRC University, Rajasthan. He was educated at Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai, and St Xavier's College, Mumbai. He holds an MBA from Yale University. Ashwin lives in Mumbai with his wife, Anushika, and son, Raghuvir. Photo - View original content:
