The Blind King by S. Deepanshu

 The Blind King by S. Deepanshu

As the name suggests this book talks about the blind king from Mahabharata. But what is so important or not so worthy about him that it needs to be acknowledged. It makes you ponder the both sides of a king who did his actions blindly in the love for his sons and not for the welfare of his kingdom.

The story explores the inner turmoil and regret over past decisions, making the king, a relatable & humanized figure. The story begins with Gandhari's curse for Krishna. In this book, I get to know a different perspective of Lord Krishna and Dhritarashtra's conversations are mostly with him. 

Through these conversations, Krishna confronts & guides the king about the consequences of his own actions. I loved how every chapter is balanced with past & present. The past is all about pre war, and the present is about post war. The book also highlights the struggle of the king's desires & duties.

We are all aware that Dhritarashtra was just physically blind, not mentally. He was mentally aware of everything. His character was both a spectator and a participant. And his lack of mental awareness made him a fool. However, if we look optimistically, we can see his unwavering love for his sons. 

He feared losing his son Duryodhana if he failed to acknowledge his inner thoughts. He was not only a king, but also a parent, and he ignored his instincts because he, too, knew Duryodhana was on the wrong path. He was stuck by his own insecurities. And his physical and emotional blindness forced him to listen to other people's voices rather than his own.

The author's writing is detailed and well-researched. He has vividly portrayed the aftermath of the war and how each character's action or inaction has led to loss and destruction. I found this unique and thought-provoking as it shares the fruit of what decisions we make on a personal level. Even the details of each character in depth adds to the knowledge and gives a better understanding of the scenario.

Overall, The Blind King left a lasting impression on me. It’s a fresh take on a classic epic, reinterpreting familiar legends through the lens of regret, responsibility, and ultimately, redemption. The reflective journey of Dhritarashtra, coupled with Krishna’s guiding wisdom, offers a thought-provoking narrative that encourages introspection about personal accountability and the ripple effects of our choices.