The conqueror by Aditya Iyenga

"The conqueror" by Aditya Iyengar - Chola period fiction!

This book was published by Hachette India in 2018 and has 272 pages. It's the story of King Rajendra Chola I, who mastered the seas. 

Emperor Rajendra Chola's battleships and army attack and defeat Srivijay on Suwarnadwipa (Today's Sumatra) and capture and take the king (Maharaja Sangrama Vijayatunggavarman) back to India. His wife and daughter escape. 

Why is Sangrama being taken to Cholanadu? What terms await him in Cholanadu? Why did Rajendra Chola invade Suwarnadwipa? What will be the fate of escaped Queen and Princess?

The book is divided into chapters and each chapter has the story dictated by the captured king to a scribe. Last portion of each chapter also tells us the story of his wife and daughter back in his land. 

It's an interesting concept to narrate the story through a prisoner. However it also has limitations. A prisoner can't narrate the events in detail that he hasn't witnessed. So the narration becomes indirect and consequently becomes less exciting. In this case it becomes boring. Author fails to keep the pace, momentum and interest. 

Byline of the title is " The thrilling tale of the king who mastered the seas Rajendra Chola I". But instead its the take of conquered king. The title should have been "The conqueree". The exciting stuff happens only in last few pages of the book. 

Author has given a map of south India at the start of the book, but it's not good and it's unclear. A better map was required. 

There isn't much literature (fiction and non fiction) about Cholas, one of the longest ruling dynasties in the world. This book gave some insights directly or indirectly, when I researched Cholas while reading the book. 

Why did I read this book? Curiosity about Cholas. 

What I didn't like? Uninteresting. 

What did I like? Idea of narration by the prisoner, not execution. 

Give it a miss.