The place will be of their choosing.
The time will be of their choosing.
But the Indians will have their vengeance.
1025 CE, India.
Mahmud of Ghazni believes he has crushed the spirit of Bharat—the Shiva Linga at the Somnath temple lies shattered and thousands are dead.
But among the ashes of destruction, an oath is taken.
Five people—a Tamil warrior, a Gujarati merchant, a devotee of Lord Ayyappa, a scholar-emperor from Malwa, and the most powerful man on Earth, Emperor Rajendra Chola—resolve to undertake a perilous quest and strike at the heart of the invader’s kingdom.
From the grandeur of the Chola Empire to the shadows of Ghazni’s bloodstained court, The Chola Tigers is the scintillating story of a fierce retaliation. A story of unity forged through pain, of courage born from despair, and of vengeance that becomes Dharma.
The story is set in the 11th century and starts with Mahmud of Ghazni plundering the Somnath temple and capturing many Indians. A Gujarati merchant, Someshwar, then resolves to avenge and bring back the Shiva Linga that Mahmud of Ghazni has taken with him.
He asks for help from the great Emperor Rajendra Chola and thus starts the journey to Ghazni under the able leadership of the commander of Chola Empire, Narasimhan, his deputy Vijayan and few other fearless warriors.
The writing of Amish is, as always, captivating. Every detail has been meticulously researched and brilliantly presented. From the grandeur of the temples in Chola Empire to the court of Rajendra Chola, every detail is so well written that an image forms in the mind while reading.
As the entourage embarks on this difficult journey, they are joined by a few others including a woman warrior, Amal. The attacks on the group, both on land and at sea are depicted in a very gripping way.
The scenes are purely cinematic. Every battle is so well written that as a reader you will feel that you too are a part of that scene. The charge of horses, the clang of swords, the attack on enemy, is all grandly and immaculately presented. Every attack and counter-attack leaves you on edge and every death of the avenging party feels personal.
“If the Lord Mahadev can take away something that you never imagined you would lose, then he can also bless you with something you never imagined you would receive. All you have to do is keep living, keep walking. As the Aitareya Upsnishad says, “Charaiveti, charaiveti.” Keep walking, keep walking.”
Every character is important, their strengths and weaknesses making them who they are. From the great warrior Narasimhan to wife of Mahmud, Kausari Jahan, every person has multiple facets and make for an immersive story. I do wish there was more of Emperor Rajendra Chola though.
The barbarism of soldiers of Mahmud will leave you with a feeling of disgust. At some places author has used mere few words to show how brutal and heartless these soldiers were and you will end up wishing them dead even though it is just a story.
The narration is fast, action-packed and does not let up even for a moment. As the story progresses, you will find yourself turning the pages wanting to know what happens next but also wishing that the book does not end. This book is totally worth a read and you will not be disappointed.
My rating: 4.8/5
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