BED OF ARROWS

Category Literature & Fiction
Format Paperback
Imprint Rupa
Price 495

ISBN: 978-93-6156-214-3
Pages: 352 pages
Date: 5th August 2024

ABOUT THIS BOOK

‘The point of view of Bhishma […] articulated eloquently.’—Bibek Debroy

A vow, a sacrifice and a false sense of duty became an unshakeable curse for a mighty warrior.

In Bed of Arrows, Kush Bhargava retells Mahabharata through the eyes of a man whose decision to relinquish his right to the throne ironically fuels a fight for it and nearly takes the kingdom towards doom.
Lying on his bed of arrows for 58 nights, waiting to summon Yama, the Lord of Death, Bhishma meditates on the nature of heroism, sacrifice and the eternal struggle between dharma and desire. His entire life, Bhishma grapples with a sense of abandonment and helplessness, made tortuous by his vow of celibacy and promise to protect the throne of Hastinapura. As the Kauravas and Pandavas wage war, Bhishma is forced to reflect on the curse that shaped his destiny, wondering whether he would be remembered for his past glories or condemned for his passivity.
In Bed of Arrows, Bhargava’s poignant storytelling invites readers to explore the psyche of one of history’s most iconic figures and the enduring lessons hidden within ancient lore.

AUTHOR OF THE BOOK

Kush Bhargava hails from the illustrious family of Munshi Newal Kishore, the founder of the iconic 19th-century Newal Kishore Press in Lucknow.
Bhargava was the chairman of the UP State Congress Media Department and a two-term
member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC). Disillusioned with the party, he decided to stay away from active politics.
Bhargava served as the vice president of the Billiards and Snooker Federation of India and is currently the president of the Uttar Pradesh Billiards and Snooker Association.

Bhargava is known for his association with various charities. He also held the honorary position of the chief warden of Lucknow Civil Defence.

On the creative side, he has produced a telefilm Kasak (starring Deepti Naval) and a feature film Monica (starring Divya Dutta and Ashutosh Rana), both highlighting the persecution of women.
Bhargava has contributed numerous articles to The Times of India and The Pioneer on international affairs. This is his second novel, following his debut work Dance of Destiny.