Grahankal

• Author: Maitree Ray Maulik
• Genre: Novel (Upanyas)
• Cover: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9789350404713
• Pages: 396
• Weight: 503 grams

Book Overview:

Grahankal unfolds against the backdrop of a world intertwined with trade, mystery, and ambition. The novel delves into the intricate Silk Road, stretching from Changhan (Shanghai) to Kashgar, where a significant portion of the trade route is controlled by Chinese merchants. This network not only connects the East to Europe, transporting silk, but also hides the secrets of silk production that the Chinese craftsmen jealously guard.

In this tale, the fabric of secrecy, myth, and ambition intertwines as the Chinese way of life is disrupted by external invasions. People lose their lands and homes, fleeing into the unknown. Amidst this turmoil, a strong and determined leader rises in the northern Gobi Desert, creating a distinct nation with military tactics alien to any civilization of the time. To those in the established nations, this leader is perceived as barbaric and demonic.

Meanwhile, a group of young men from Hindustan make a fortune by trading silk bought from the Chinese merchants in Kashgar and selling it to the Greeks. As they move quickly to amass wealth, they become entangled in a complex struggle for dominance. Will these middlemen, thriving on the Silk Route, ever gain complete control over the precious silk trade?

The novel reflects the tensions between three nations and four individuals caught in a struggle for fortune, power, and survival. Set in the 12th century, Grahankal is a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and the forces of history that shape the Eastern world.

About the Author:

Maitree Ray Maulik is a geologist by profession, born in Kolkata. She holds a B.Sc. in Geology from Presidency College, Kolkata, and both M.Sc. and M.Tech. degrees from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay. Currently working as a field geologist, she is also involved in environmental research at Rutgers State University, New Jersey.

In addition to her scientific career, Maitree is passionate about writing. Her works, including poems, stories, and novels, have been published in various literary magazines like Sananda, Unish Kuri, and many other prestigious little magazines. She has also been involved in translation work, including translating the book "From Sevagram to Sodhagram" into Bengali. Her deep connection with the land and its people, cultivated through her travels across remote regions of India, is evident in her literary work.