THE BATTLE OF VATHAPI BOOK 1 -NANDI'S CHARGE

   

 

 Author : Arun Krishnan

Publisher: Harper Collins India

Genre: Mythology & History

Book buy link : @Amazon

Dr. Arun Krishnan, the author of this book titled “Nandi’s Charge” is a polyglot and is conversant in Tamil, English, Hindi, Bengali, Japanese and Kannada.  He has studied and lived in different cities across the world and settled now in Bangalore.  He started with a degree in engineering and a doctorate, he has professionally indulged in different fields like IT, Bio-sectors, HR also worked at various institutes as an assistant professor.  He can be reached through his Twitter @ArunKrishnan_ and Instragram @authorarunkrishnan. “The Battle of Vathapi Book 1 - NANDIS' CHARGE” is his first work of fiction.

 Nature dominates in this entire work with beautiful narration of Mamallapuram and Kanchi of Tamilnadu, the wild destination Bannari Amman Temple, Kodimunai, Anuradhapuram of Sri Lanka etc.,, The Author makes the readers visualise the picturesque locations.

In this book, the author Arun Krishnan showed our nation’s ascendancy even after the stupor of many centuries can look back with pride on its history, religion and scriptures drawing not only spiritual solace but living courage for its future progress.

 According to Sanskrit Poet Bharavi the author of Kiratarjuneeyam, the spies are considered as the eyes of the kings, having the key role for the betterment of governance of their own kings.  In the verse, “Kriyasu vrutthair Nrupa chaara-chakshusah”, one can understand that the king had entrusted spy with an important mission and it would be the basest treachery on his part were he to deceive him in that matter.  Spies form, it is said the eyes of kings and should therefore on no account deceive them.  He then reminds the king that what is the wholesome is not generally palatable, the most beneficial medicines being often the most bitter.  So, the readers of this book can easily understand that the three captains Kannan, Elango and Muthu seriously indulged in finding the secret of other kingdom and inform to their Master Narasimha Varman Pallava, through General Ilanthiraiyanar who was assistant to Commander-in-chief Paranjyothi, governing the armed forces of Pallava.

"Our experience from Pullalur has taught us that our intelligence was not very good then. Our spy networks in the Pandya, Ganga and Chalukya lands were almost non-existent. Without your good intelligence, we didn't stand a chance, as was born e out by the later events at Pullalur." Page 27.

 In this context, the strategic considerations and the importance of effective intelligence networks seems that the speaker is acknowledging the shortcomings in their intelligence operations during a past incident at Pullalur. The mention of spy networks in Pandya, Ganga, and Chalukya lands being almost non-existent implies a lack of crucial information about potential threats or events in those regions.

The lesson learned from the experience at Pullalur is the significance of having reliable intelligence. The speaker suggests that without good intelligence, they were at a disadvantage, and this deficiency was evident in the subsequent events at Pullalur. This aligns with the broader principles of statecraft and military strategy outlined in the Arthashastra, which emphasizes the importance of intelligence gathering for effective decision-making and strategic planning.

 Mamallapuram was referred to in the Sangam age poem Perumpanatruppadai as Nirpeyyaru. Page 62

"Perumpanatruppadai" is a Sangam poem that celebrates the valor and heroic deeds of the Chera king, Uthiyan Cheralathan. It is considered one of the classic examples of Sangam poetry, providing insights into the social, cultural, and political aspects of the ancient Tamil society.

On the other hand, "Nirpeyyaru" is not a Sangam poem but a category of poems within the Sangam literature. "Nirpeyyaru" means 'heroic poetry' or 'warrior poems.' These poems often focused on the deeds of heroes and warriors, extolling their bravery and sacrifice in battle.

 "Do you really believe that Narasimhavarman will not make attempts to encircle us, just as we encircled him without our allies" page 183.

 This statement attributed to Pulakeshin II reflects a strategic concern about the potential actions of Narasimhavarman, a Pallava king. Pulakeshin II, who was the Chalukya king, seems to be expressing scepticism about whether Narasimhavarman would refrain from attempting to surround or encircle them, considering that the Chalukyas had previously employed similar tactics against him without the support of allies.

In essence, Pulakeshin II is highlighting the dynamic and unpredictable nature of political and military strategies. The statement suggests a recognition of the cyclical and reciprocal nature of conflict, where a tactic used by one party may be employed by the other in response. It underscores the need for strategic foresight and an understanding of the potential actions and reactions of adversaries in the context of historical and geopolitical rivalries.

 The statement of Sivanadiyan " I cannot abandon my duties just because some soldiers might want to harm me. If they do, they do. I will see that as my Karma. But I shall not serve from my Dharma." Page 308

The statement by Sivanadiyan reflects a strong commitment to duty and righteousness. Sivanadiyan acknowledges the potential danger posed by soldiers who might want to harm him, but he refuses to abandon his duties. He expresses a willingness to accept any harm that may come his way as a result of performing his duties, viewing it as his karma (fate or destiny). However, he is steadfast in his resolve not to deviate from his dharma (duty or righteousness). This statement highlights the importance of adhering to one's principles and responsibilities, even in the face of personal risk or adversity.

 Soldier Kannan finally arrested King Paravikrama.  Kannan's sword whistled out of its scabbard and its point nicked Paravikrama's throat. Page 449

The brief scenario described indicates that Soldier Kannan has successfully arrested King Paravikrama by drawing his sword. The use of the term "whistled out of its scabbard" suggests a swift and decisive action. The fact that the sword's point nicked Paravikrama's throat implies a tense and potentially dangerous situation, where Kannan has managed to physically subdue the king and is now in control of the situation. The brief description captures a moment of conflict and captures the gravity of the encounter between Soldier Kannan and King Paravikrama.

The statement of of Annamalai a young captain of the army of Durai Singam the king thagadur "The trick to being a good general is to know when to stop fighting" Page 485.

The statement by Annamalai, a young captain in the army of Durai Singam, emphasizes a crucial aspect of military strategy and leadership. By saying, "The trick to being a good general is to know when to stop fighting," Annamalai suggests that an effective military leader must possess the wisdom to recognize the appropriate moment to cease hostilities.

This perspective aligns with the idea that prolonged conflict can have detrimental consequences, both in terms of human lives and strategic objectives. A skilled general understands that continuing to fight without purpose or when the costs outweigh the benefits may lead to unnecessary losses. Knowing when to pursue peace, negotiate, or withdraw from a conflict can be as important as knowing when to engage in battle. It reflects a nuanced understanding of the broader context, diplomacy, and the strategic considerations necessary for long-term success in military endeavors.

The statement of Elang to KIng HarshaVardhan, "I have a duty to perform on behalf of my king.  I thought it would be remiss of me not to do that.  With that Elango took out the sealed olai that General Ilanthiraiyanar had given him many moons ago, and handed it over to King Harsha" Page 512.

In this statement, Elango is expressing his sense of duty and loyalty to his king. He informs King HarshaVardhan that he has a responsibility to fulfill on behalf of his monarch and feels it would be negligent of him not to carry out that duty. Elango then takes out a sealed olai (possibly a document or message) that General Ilanthiraiyanar had given him a long time ago, and he presents it to King HarshaVardhan. This act signifies Elango's commitment to his role as a messenger or representative, highlighting the importance of fulfilling obligations even in the face of changing circumstances or new allegiances.

In this way there are numerous incidences in the book featuring the various qualities of ruler which emphasis the need to learn a lot of things from history. Though the book is voluminous, it’s worth spending time with it.

 It’s time to remember these words- “There is an element of truth in our thinking that the present age we live in is peculiarly an age of tradition and change.  The whole conception of history of our country being the names of a large number of kings and emperors, and our learning them by heart, is long forgotten. I hope at any rate though it forgotten because anything more futile their children’s study of the record of kings’ reign and battles, I cannot imagine.”- says Jawaharlal Nehru in his book PROMISES TO KEEP.

(This book review is a part of Blogchatter's Book review program)