I have had the pleasure of watching Arun Krishnan’s evolution as a historical fiction writer, and his earlier works have already demonstrated his remarkable ability to bring the past alive with depth, authenticity, and a deeply human touch. In Mahakshana, he brings that same mastery to the Mahabharata, weaving its pivotal moments into a compelling narrative in which each defining event is experienced through the eyes of the character at its very heart. The result is a fresh, intimate and profoundly human retelling of a story we may think we know, but have rarely experienced quite like this.
Amish tripathi, author
Synopsis
Devavrata stands on the brink of becoming Bhishma. Amba’s humiliation hardens into vengeance. Dhushasana steels himself for an act that will scar history. Bhima waits for the moment to strike Kichaka. Kunti confronts the secret of Karna. Karna wrestles with the consequences of using the all-powerful Shakti on Ghatothgacha. Abhimanyu boldly surges into the Chakravyuha on the Kurukshetra battlefield.
These are not stories of gods and heroes. They are stories of desire and doubt, rage and love, ambition and guilt—of ordinary human emotions colliding with extraordinary destinies.
In Mahakshana, Arun Krishnan steps inside the minds of the men and women who shaped Bharatavarsha, capturing them at the instant when choice becomes destiny.
BOOK EXCERPTS & REVIEWS
The hall was stunned into silence as Dushasana dragged Draupadi into their midst. He stood there, his chest heaving with the effort. He could see Duryodhana’s eyes light up and Karna’s triumphant little smile.He also noticed the censorious looks coming his way from the elders—Bhishma, Drona and Kripa. His father, as usual, had no idea of what was happening and queried an attendant, querulously, to tell him why there was a sudden silence in the hall.
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