Author : Sonali Raje
Publisher: Vishwakarma Publication
Genre: Mythology and History
Buy the book in Amazon : here
Written by the author Sonali Raje the book “The
Empress Of Indraprastha – Building An Empire – Part II” with
nineteen chapters and more than 200 odd pages is very interesting one.
It makes the reader to recall the characters of the great epic MahaBharata the
most voluminous work in this world.
Though it is weaved with the real themes taken from that famous epic,
the author innovatively elaborated the incidents, celebrations, conversations
which can’t be found in the original.
Especially the women characters particularly the character of Draupadi
was portrayed in befitting manner. Here
the important phrases are being reviewed to feel and cherish the aesthetic pleasure
of this fine novel literature.
The cover page was well designed by the
illustrator which make the readers to visualize the Character of Draupadi.
The author Sonali Raje works as an associate professor
of chemistry at Towson University. “The
Empress Of Indraprastha – Building An Empire is a sequal to her debut novel, ““The
Empress Of Indraprastha – Entering Kuruvansh.”
The mastery of her thoughts with the Indian
Epic literature will elate the readers throughout the book. This book provides
many life lessons which will motivate and inspire the readers to take up tough tasks
and face challenges in their lives. Here is an example:
I quote from page 9: "A
lack of resources need not stop one from being resourceful".
This statement echoes the wise
sayings "क्रियासिद्धिः
सत्त्वे भवति महतां नोपकरणे" "प्रारब्धमुत्तमगुणाः न परित्यजन्ति"
"Success of action never depends on the tool but on
the will". "Noble people never
stop from their tasks which are assigned to them though they face
impediments."
"A lack of resources need
not stop one from being resourceful": This statement highlights the
importance of creativity, innovation, and determination in overcoming
challenges. It suggests that even if someone doesn't have all the necessary
resources at their disposal, they can still find ways to achieve their goals by
utilizing their ingenuity and adaptability. This concept aligns with the wise
saying "Success of action never depends on the tool but on the will",
which emphasizes that the key to success lies in one's determination and
resolve rather than the specific tools or resources they have. When faced with
limited resources, individuals who are determined and resourceful can find
alternative solutions, workarounds, and creative approaches to achieve their
objectives.
"Noble people never stop
from their tasks which are assigned to them though they face impediments.” This
saying underscores the idea that truly noble individuals are committed to their
responsibilities and objectives, regardless of the obstacles they encounter. It
implies that a person of integrity and honor remains steadfast in their
pursuits even when faced with challenges. This principle is closely related to
the notion that "A lack of resources need not stop one from being
resourceful", as it reflects the idea that noble individuals, when
confronted with limited resources or impediments, will use their
resourcefulness to continue working towards their goals. The key characteristic
here is persistence despite difficulties.
These statements collectively
emphasize the importance of determination, resourcefulness, and unwavering
commitment to achieving one's objectives. They highlight how individuals with a
strong will and a creative approach can overcome obstacles and carry out their
tasks, even in the face of limitations or challenges.
Here is a concept of
geographical feature contextually described when the shyambala a female clan of
Naaga, argued with Krishna about owning a land.
"Humans have done nothing besides
creating imaginary lines on the single piece of the rock that was created by
someone or something else." These lines from page 22 conveys a perspective
on human actions and achievements in the context of the larger natural world.
Let's break down the statement to understand its meaning:
"Humans have done nothing
besides creating imaginary lines." This part of the statement suggests
that many of the actions and accomplishments of humanity might seem
insignificant when viewed from a cosmic or geological perspective.
"Creating imaginary lines" could refer to various human constructs
such as borders, boundaries, maps, and divisions that have been established to
organize societies, nations, and territories. These constructs, while
significant to humans for administrative, cultural, and political reasons, may
appear inconsequential when considering the vastness and complexity of the
universe.
Overall, this statement invites
contemplation about the relative scale and impact of human activities in the
context of the Earth's history and the vastness of the universe. It suggests
that while humans have accomplished many remarkable feats, their actions are
just a small part of a much larger and older narrative that includes the
formation of the planet itself. It's a reflection on the humbling reality that
the Earth and its processes were already in motion long before humans came into
existence and started creating their own structures and divisions.
I quote from page 35 -"Fair
too many people live under the delusion that marriage gives them unfettered
rights over their spouse's bodies.
People should learn from you.”
One can connect the two statements
by addressing the concepts of autonomy, mutual respect, and communication within
a marriage or partnership. This
situation exemplifies the importance of recognizing each other's autonomy
within a marriage. Just as marriage doesn't grant one unlimited control over
their partner's body, it also involves understanding and respecting the
physical and emotional well-being of each individual. Your approach of
considering your partner's exhaustion and readiness for another pregnancy demonstrates
a healthy dynamic, where decisions are made through mutual understanding and
communication. It's a reminder that true partnership involves honouring each
other's needs and feelings, rather than assuming entitlement. This perspective
on autonomy and respect can positively shape a relationship, fostering a deeper
sense of understanding and empathy."
"Different is not the same
as weird." From page 64 of the book throw clear light on the difference between
the two words. It is better that every reader pays a definite attention to this
point.
Different: "Different"
simply means that something is not the same as something else. It signifies a
variance or distinction from the norm or from what is commonly expected or
known. In essence, it acknowledges diversity and uniqueness.
Weird: "Weird," on the
other hand, carries a somewhat negative connotation. It refers to something
that is strange, unusual, or unconventional in a way that may make people feel
uncomfortable or perplexed. It often implies that the thing being described
deviates significantly from societal norms or expectations.
The statement emphasizes that
just because something is different does not necessarily mean it is weird or
unusual in a negative sense. It reminds us that diversity and uniqueness are
natural and should be accepted without judgment. People, ideas, cultures, and
behaviours can all be different from one another, but that doesn't
automatically make them weird or wrong. It encourages an open-minded
perspective that embraces and respects differences, recognizing that what is
different to one person may be entirely normal and meaningful to another.
"I agree that Ekalavya and
Karna were both deceitful" Page 101.
Here Draupadi condemns the partiality of Dronacharya. This finds a
similarity with the phrase "शिष्यहितैषिणः गुरवः" from
Dharma Sastra, a teacher should always strive for the sake of his disciples
without partiality.
"We show respect to our
elders. Chandralekha is much older than
all of you and you will speak to her respectfully" These lines are from
Page 109- speaks about "अभिवादनशीलस्य
नित्यं वृद्धोपसेविनः। चत्वारि तस्य वर्धन्ते आयुर्विद्या यशो बलम्।।" A
person who respects the elders is going to be grown up with the increment of
Life-span, knowledge, fame and strength.
The chapter Team work echoes the
idea of 11th verse from 3rd Chapter of Gita "परस्परं भावयन्तः श्रेयः परमवाप्स्यत"
"Memorandum of understanding with each other attain
the elevation." Which is an essential tool for all the professional ones.
Like these are numerous messages
for the readers and people at large. This book is worth reading and is successful
in keeping the readers hooked till the end. Though the major plot of the work
is very well known the fictional tale is intricately woven into a fine fabric.
(This blogpost is a part of BlogChatter's Book Review Program)
