Maybe, might be, probably, must be, could be, perhaps, possibly…..
If you wonder why I am starting this review with so many assumptions, please note that I completed reading this thick book, which is literally full of all these verbs/adverbs. The author is obsessed with many uncertainties and assumptions. By the way, it is supposed to be a book on history.
It is evident that the author relies on Western views on Indian heritage and civilization. I doubt if he ever attempted to read and understand what Indian scholars had written. It is not a book on true history; instead, it is a book on the author’s imagination.
As per the author, no king seems to have built any temple out of devotion. All are symbols to proclaim victory, superiority, or other intentions. It is funny that the author finds every sculpture symbolic, and his theory for explaining the same appears to be more amusing. He makes subtle claims indirectly that Buddhism is older than Hinduism. His hatred towards the Chola Kings is too apparent.
I am concerned that the foreigners who read this well-publicized book may wrongly perceive our history and culture.
Only 75% of this expensive book has content. The remaining 25% is filled with the introduction and Bibliography sections.
After reading this not-a-page-turner kind of book slowly for the past several weeks, I wonder what my takeaway is. I could not figure out the objective of the book. It is neither a history nor a novel. Is it trying to provide a brief account or a detailed history?
Such a disappointment….I blame myself for wasting my time, energy, and money reading this book.