Oscillating across centuries and continents while hopscotching from subjects as diverse as quantum physics, metallurgy, history, philosophy, and international affairs is no mean feat, and Sanghi does a commendable job of juggling many balls with reasonable levels of dexterity. But he does drop the ball on occasion. Known for his meticulous research and fascinating factoids, he nevertheless falters in his attempt to bridge the North and South-Indian divide. Inaccuracies about the authenticity of Tamil language, literature and cultural milieu crop up and key historical events from the South, which witnessed violent clashes between the Shaivite and Vaishnavite sects in the late Vedic age and during the rule of certain Shaivite Chola Kings are skipped, which is a pity given the concept of the novel. The occasional anachronism creeps in as well, and the reader is informed that a character “unbuttoned his shirt” in the throes of passion, 2,000 years ago.
While he deserves a rap on the knuckles for not paying closer attention to detail, a pat on the back is also due for the commendable effort made to remind his readers that while regional identity and pride are understandable, it must not come at the cost of Indianness and unity. Some characters make a worthy effort to overcome the barriers of race, religion and caste in the interest of the greater good.
