REVIEW OF OCEAN OF COBRAS

When a glowing Murad Ali Baig announced on Facebook that he had authored a novel called ‘Ocean of Cobras’ I could not get my hands fast enough on it, as his previous work ’80 Questions to Understand India, History, Mythology and Religion’ had proved so fascinating a read that I had not only devoured it but let others participate in the rich mental feast as well. His original, unorthodox approach and answers to questions that might have churned silently in many a mind yet never been asked or, if asked, been answered, fascinated me no end. They also made me conscious how differently historical periods and events can be depicted, analyzed and interpreted and that in a way that truly engages not only the mind, but also the soul and senses.

In ‘Ocean of Cobras’ Murad, a self-professed ‘mongrel of good pedigree’ (from Timur to Mayflower pilgrims via numerous other illustrious characters!) presents from an insider’s perspective not only a rich tapestry of the life and times of Shah Jahan’s reign, but shows, how from early childhood on, the emperor himself incidentally fostered the animosity between the two of his sons, who should later become the main protagonists in the battle for his succession.

While Shah Jahan adored his eldest son Dara Shikoh, an easy going, scholarly aesthete, who was convinced that, ultimately, all religions were one and, thus, there was no need for a conflict between them, the emperor openly rejected the sterner prince Aurangzeb and his narrow interpretation of the Koran.

Keeping the companionable Dara as much as possible by his side, the emperor often got rid of Aurangzeb by sending him to distant trouble spots to subjugate rebellious vassals. Over the years, he thus became a battle-hardened soldier and able administrator, qualities that proved as attractive to some as Dara’s love of humankind to others. Whatever, the hatred and rivalry between the two brothers constituted an important factor in the battles for succession, which cost many a life and an emperor his freedom.

The way Murad juxtaposes Dara’s all-inclusive approach to religious beliefs and Aurangzeb’s narrow interpretation of the Koran makes one wonder what would have happened if not Aurangzeb but Dara had won the crown, - intriguing fodder for thought, indeed, which might nourish a desire to turn the wheel of history a bit backwards –in Dara’s direction.

‘Ocean of Cobras’ is a heady cocktail of adventure, romance, betrayal, battles of the mind and sword and much more. Well researched, it gives insights into court life, marriage ceremonies, tribal customs etc., and, most important, it is a jolly good read.

Roswitha Joshi

When a glowing Murad Ali Baig announced on Facebook that he had authored a novel called ‘Ocean of Cobras’ I could not get my hands fast enough on it, as his previous work ’80 Questions to Understand India, History, Mythology and Religion’ had proved so fascinating a read that I had not only devoured it but let others participate in the rich mental feast as well. His original, unorthodox approach and answers to questions that might have churned silently in many a mind yet never been asked or, if asked, been answered, fascinated me no end. They also made me conscious how differently historical periods and events can be depicted, analyzed and interpreted and that in a way that truly engages not only the mind, but also the soul and senses.

In ‘Ocean of Cobras’ Murad, a self-professed ‘mongrel of good pedigree’ (from Timur to Mayflower pilgrims via numerous other illustrious characters!) presents from an insider’s perspective not only a rich tapestry of the life and times of Shah Jahan’s reign, but shows, how from early childhood on, the emperor himself incidentally fostered the animosity between the two of his sons, who should later become the main protagonists in the battle for his succession.

While Shah Jahan adored his eldest son Dara Shikoh, an easy going, scholarly aesthete, who was convinced that, ultimately, all religions were one and, thus, there was no need for a conflict between them, the emperor openly rejected the sterner prince Aurangzeb and his narrow interpretation of the Koran.

Keeping the companionable Dara as much as possible by his side, the emperor often got rid of Aurangzeb by sending him to distant trouble spots to subjugate rebellious vassals. Over the years, he thus became a battle-hardened soldier and able administrator, qualities that proved as attractive to some as Dara’s love of humankind to others. Whatever, the hatred and rivalry between the two brothers constituted an important factor in the battles for succession, which cost many a life and an emperor his freedom.

The way Murad juxtaposes Dara’s all-inclusive approach to religious beliefs and Aurangzeb’s narrow interpretation of the Koran makes one wonder what would have happened if not Aurangzeb but Dara had won the crown, - intriguing fodder for thought, indeed, which might nourish a desire to turn the wheel of history a bit backwards –in Dara’s direction.

‘Ocean of Cobras’ is a heady cocktail of adventure, romance, betrayal, battles of the mind and sword and much more. Well researched, it gives insights into court life, marriage ceremonies, tribal customs etc., and, most important, it is a jolly good read.

Roswitha Joshi (author)