📕Butshikan: Tears of Somanatha by Satyaki And Major Garg (R.)

BOOK DETAILS : 

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ MyMirror Publishing House Pvt. Ltd.; 3rd edition (3 August 2025); MyMirror Publishing House Pvt. Ltd. 36 Vedantgad Tulshibagwale Colony, Sahkarnagar No - 2 , Pune 411009 Mob - 9422316689
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 360 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9388550773
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9388550772

ABOUT THE AUTHOR : 

BOOK REVIEW : 

Historical fiction has the power to make us pause and wonder: What if history had taken a different turn? “Butshikan: Tears of Somanatha” does exactly that; it dares to reimagine one of the most devastating chapters of Indian history with gripping storytelling, meticulous research, and a thrilling “what if” narrative.

The novel begins in 1001 CE, when a young Maḥmūd ascends the throne of the Ghaznavid Empire and begins his ruthless campaigns across Bhāratavarṣa. His invasions are portrayed not just as political conquests but as ideological assaults, leaving trails of plunder, massacre, and desecration. By 1025 CE, his most infamous act; the destruction of the sacred Somanātha Temple, sends shockwaves across the subcontinent.

Here’s where the authors take a bold leap. Instead of continuing with the tragic inevitability of history, they ask: What if Rājendra Chola; the mighty naval emperor, conqueror of rivers and kingdoms—had decided to confront Maḥmūd head-on?

From that pivot springs a powerful tale of destiny, rage, and dharma. We meet:

• A son burning with vengeance, whose sword thirsts for justice.

• A deadly female warrior, torn between loyalty and ambition.

• An ancient manuscript, whispering secrets waiting to be unveiled.

• Rājendra Chola himself, whose one impulsive decision may alter the fate of future centuries.

The narrative thrives on this alternative timeline; a reimagined clash between two civilizational forces. The prose balances battle strategy, palace intrigue, and spiritual undercurrents with remarkable finesse. You’ll find yourself at the crossroads of history and myth, asking what the fate of Bhāratavarṣa could have been if such a confrontation had taken place.

What elevates Butshikan further is its attention to detail. The closing sections provide:

• A glossary of Sanskrit non-translatables,

• A list of ancient and present-day geographical names,

• Islamic terms and historical measures,

making the book both immersive and accessible. These additions enrich my understanding while keeping the world authentic.

⭐ Why you should read it

If you enjoy works like The Palace of Illusions or The Empire of the Moghul series, this book will strike a chord—but with a sharper edge of speculative history. It’s not just a retelling, but an exploration of civilizational resilience, cultural memory, and the timeless battle between dharma and adharma.

With its cinematic pace, evocative imagery, and intellectual depth, Butshikan: Tears of Somanatha is more than just a novel; it’s a reminder of the power of stories to reshape the way we see the past, and to provoke us to reflect on the present.

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