A warrior who stood alone against the mighty Uglu Khan, a lover who never saw his beloved's cast, A fearsome warrior for Samrajya who overthrew the sultans of Bijapur, Golconda, Bahamani, and Gajapatis, this commander was a loyal soldier who would never hesitate to sacrifice his life in the service of his king. The might of this ruler was even acknowledged and admired by the Portuguese and the Mughal Emporer Babar.
He was Karnataka Samrajya Chakravarti Krishna Deva Raya. Unfortunately, you can't find his name in the school curriculum like many potent Hindu Rulers. But, The bravery and character of Indians are unsealed, Just like the rays of the Sun and water in the ocean.
Now let's review the fascinating book Krishna Deva Raya: The Boy Who Would Be King and Knew About His Lost Identity, Yet Kept in Hampi Today Despite Being Erased from the Institutional Syllabus.
Initial Impressions of the Book
Suppose I had the eligibility to suggest that book's accurate subtitle phrase to the author. In that case, I will present "Love Story of a Mighty Warrior" because, From the eight chapters, I found the first four chapters divided alternatively into a war scene & romantic set of Chinna and Krishna Deva Raya.
In Author's note section, Abhijeeth Hiliyana also clearly states that Chinna Devi (One of the three primary wives of Krishna Deva Raya) is the central theme of that book. But as per my experience, you will tie up with every phrase even if you are not usual with romantic fiction.
Despite having Krishna Deva Raya and Chinna as the primary characters of that story, two more characters grabbed my attention and taught me many things; first is King Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya, and the rest is Krishna Deva Raya's First wife, Tirumala Devi which love for her husband sounds more pious than Chinna. But after giving you my viewpoint about that finding, let's try to understand Book's Author, Abhijeeth Hiliyana.
Why is Abhijeeth Hiliyana the most fitting choice for writing that Book?
According to my internet research, he is primarily an engineer with a background in computer science. He also spends significant time abroad for professional and educational purposes.
But is that make him a good author of a medieval Indian historical book? No! But his Dedication and passion for researching Indian history (mainly medical periods) make him. because passion is the only thing that can do even in tiredness. After all, it works to overcome that.
My observations indicate that Abhijeeth's ultimate purpose is to share the glory of India's magnificent heritage, which he continues to do while working full-time as a Senior Software Engineer. Kudos to him!
Analysis of Krishna deva Raya: The boy who would be king
That first book is the first of two parts. This depicts Krishna Deva Raya's journey from 1497, when he defeated Uglu Khan, to 1509, when he was crowned.
The story presents an image of the glorious era of the mighty Vijaynagar Empire, ruled by the Saluva Dynasty under the great Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya, which had a chief minister named Tuluva Narasa Nayaka. The second of Narasa Nayaka's three sons was Krishna Deva Raya.
In a later chapter, Chinna, a temple dancer who fell in love with Krishna Deva Raya but was aware that he was the chief minister's son and could not wed her, is introduced. Although in love with Krishna Deva Raya, Chinna never concluded that she would become his wife from the community's point of view.
In numerous chapter chapters, Krishna discovers Chinna after she disappeared and convinces her that he knew her as Krishna and not as the son of Chief Nayaka—nevertheless, the plot changes when Krishna learns that Chinna had died unexpectedly.
On the other side, Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya was captured by enemy forces in a battle against the Gajapatis after being betrayed by one of his allies' kings. As a result of his release, he was compelled to surrender some of his empire's most valuable land. That hurt him, and eventually, he passed away after some days.
Unfortunately, after the death of Narasimha, the kingdom was led by a ruler who lacked the mental capacity to make independent decisions, allowing rivals to take advantage of him.
Yet the storyline takes a surprising turn at the Climax. But the Story is not over yet. You must read the second part of Krishna Deva Raya (Part 2): The Crown of Vijayanagara.
Three Lessons from That Book
A successful Emporer Never depends on his generals.
Chapter 3, Page No. 83, When Emporer Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya decides to lead his army by himself despite having a great general, Krishna Deva Raya asks him a reason for doing that, when the Emporer states,
Because I am the emperor, Krishna, any of my able commanders could have led this expedition. It couldn't be more genius for the emperor to lead all campaigns in person. But it isn't reasonable for the emperor to rely solely on his generals.
Tirumala Devi's pious love
Before getting married, Krishna Deva Raya told her about the unexpected death of Chinna and his first love for her. But Tirumala never judged him, even after the return of Chinna; she welcomed her and supported her husband to marry his first love.
At that time, she said to Chinna (page no.227)
My Swami loves you deeply, your death broke him, and now you wish to abandon him? For my husband's sake, I cannot let you go, Akka.
Hardly can one find such tail of a love where a wife willingly sacrifices his love for his husband's first love.
Relationship between the king and the people
Page No. 280, At Chinna's Suggestion and following the footsteps of ancient kings, Krishna Deva Raya installed a large bell near the palace. Any civilian who wished for an audience could ring the bell, and Krishna himself would hear his complaint. He spent two hours daily listing and administrating justice as best as possible.
The audience I would recommend this book to
Suppose you like Bajirao Mastani, a blockbuster film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. In that case, you will undoubtedly fall in love with this book. If you enjoy reading romance and historical novels, this is your ideal two-in-one combination.
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