Jai Maa Bharathi! India – the land that gave us Chandragupta Maurya, Rani Laxmi Bai, Raja Rajendra Chola; gave birth to one more Son of the gods – a fierce and astute warrior – whose courage and heroism is the reason we can still call our country one, free of any foreign rule. Attacked and plundered repeatedly by hordes of Barbaric Turks in 1025 AD – the weak and divided kingdoms of Northern India fell prey, easier than predicted. Mahmud of Ghazni, along with his army of Turks, invaded India seventeen times between 1000 AD and 1027 AD, leaving it to rags. 

Legend of Suheldev: The King Who Saved India (Review)

Fear of the Turks had begun to haunt ubiquitously, and nobody dares stand against – for those that did, would be mercilessly slaughtered, their women and children raped and sold. Led by Salar Maqsud, the ruthless Commander-in-chief of the military, the Turks brought a horrifying new definition of Warfighting without scruples – like animals. Battles were a symbol of brutality & inhumanity. Hinduism & Idolatry was considered weak, blind, and foolish. One of the many blunders they committed was to attack and destroy the very pride and respect of every Indian – the magnificent Somnath Temple of Lord Shiva. 

Raging with fury, a young warrior rises. Prince Suheldev, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, vows to avenge this misdeed among the other atrocities. Carefully camouflaging his band of warriors and journeying through Northern India, he forges allies and protects villages from being plundered. Utilizing tactical and strategical might, aside from the military, he identifies the fundamental reason for our failure against the Turks – our individualistic and divisive politics. Realizing that the problem is not our ethical battle-code, or our weaker forces but our lack of unity in fighting against a common enemy. 

They say darkness does not win because it is strong – it wins because the lamps stop fighting. It was now time to bring together all the lamps in northern India, and all that fire that had been raging within – to eliminate the darkest of those savage beasts. While Suheldev continued to build military strength, a Turkish soldier and insider emerges out of nowhere and wins Suhel’s trust. Imparting inside information about the Turks, this Turk now becomes privy to every military and strategic move that Suheldev makes against the Turks. But, who is he really, and what is his secret? Is he truly on Suhel’s side of the battle? 

"They say darkness does not win because it is strong – it wins because the lamps stop fighting." Click To Tweet

In a chance encounter against the Turks, Ozgur, the faithful Turkish servant, secretly refers to him as “My lord.” Has the legendary Suheldev been duped in the worst possible way? The Battle of Bahraich, fought on 14th June 1033 CE, was one of the bloodiest battles fought in Indian History. Replete with traditional yet sophisticated battle games, this book on the legend of King Suheldev is a fascinating account of our history. 

Published on the 20th June 2020, this historical fiction is Amish Tripathi‘s eighth book inspired by true incidents and is unputdownable. Filled with suspense and endless twists – it leads to an unpredictable revelation, turning the tides of this battle. Highly recommended for a gripping and extremely gratifying read. It is sure to leave you surfing the internet for more information about the lionhearted and heroic Suheldev and the glorious Battle of Bahraich. You can get the book here! 📖

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