Bengaluru: ‘Keeper’s of Kalachakra’ by Mr Ashwin Sanghi was the backdrop of a session moderated by author Madhavi S. Mahadevan, though the discussion for the most part revolved around the twin concepts of mythology and history. Mythology has a kernel of truth from which various other stories spring out, while history is a body of facts, someone else’s facts at that, Sanghi said.
He reflected on numerous retelling of Mahabharata, which he said is the best example of what mythology can do provide a source of inspiration to others to borrow and dip their own pen. He said that he treats myth as a treasure trove, from which he borrows heavily in all his characterisation and plot. “However, this should not be taken to mean that his novels are purely mythological.”
As told by Madhavi Mahadevan during the session, there is a perfect mingling of ancient and modern elements in his novels. For instance, in his ‘Chanakya’s Chant’, the protagonist Gangasagar Mishra is spurred by the principles of Chanakya’s Arthashastra, a testimony to the hues Sanghi fuses into his novels, she said.
Eliciting laughs from the audience for a take on his writing, “Lying and storytelling go hand in hand”, he said that he takes liberty in mixing facts and fiction.
His days in business have taught him the art of organisation which he now uses in his writing. He relies heavily on Excel to organise his research, timelines and stories. Looking at his novels, however, one does not think that his craftsmanship has evolved out in such methodical fashion. ents in his novels. For instance, in his ‘Chanakya’s Chant’, the protagonist Gangasagar Mishra is spurred by the principles of Chanakya’s Arthashastra, a testimony to the hues Sanghi fuses into his novels, she said.
Eliciting laughs from the audience for a take on his writing, “Lying and storytelling go hand in hand”, he said that he takes liberty in mixing facts and fiction.
His days in business have taught him the art of organisation which he now uses in his writing. He relies heavily on Excel to organise his research, timelines and stories. Looking at his novels, however, one does not think that his craftsmanship has evolved out in such methodical fashion.
