Rating: 5/5
As someone who
has always been fascinated by the stories of India's freedom struggle,
especially those surrounding Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, I was instantly drawn
to The Lost Treasure of Azad Hind Fauj by Piyush Rohankar. The
title itself was enough to spark curiosity, and the fact that it delves into
the lesser-known mystery of the Azad Hind Bank and its treasure made it even
more irresistible. Netaji is my idol—not just a leader in my eyes, but a symbol
of courage, vision, and undying patriotism. Naturally, a story that intertwines
fiction with his legacy felt like a must-read for me.
Rating: 5/5
As someone who
has always been fascinated by the stories of India's freedom struggle,
especially those surrounding Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, I was instantly drawn
to The Lost Treasure of Azad Hind Fauj by Piyush Rohankar. The
title itself was enough to spark curiosity, and the fact that it delves into
the lesser-known mystery of the Azad Hind Bank and its treasure made it even
more irresistible. Netaji is my idol—not just a leader in my eyes, but a symbol
of courage, vision, and undying patriotism. Naturally, a story that intertwines
fiction with his legacy felt like a must-read for me.
Plot That Kept Me Hooked
The story begins during World War II, when the Azad Hind Fauj had established the Azad Hind Bank in the liberated Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The central mystery of the treasure and the team that mysteriously vanishes during this mission sets the tone for a gripping historical thriller. The narrative seamlessly shifts between timelines, adding a multi-layered depth to the plot. There’s also a British officer’s mission involving a secret weapon hidden on a forbidden island in the Nicobars, with clues embedded in a cryptic poem. These dual plotlines, though seemingly unrelated at first, converge masterfully, keeping me engrossed till the very last page.
Blending Fact With Fiction
One of the strongest aspects of the book is how Rohankar blends real historical events and facts with a gripping fictional narrative. It never felt like he was trying too hard to impress with historical knowledge; instead, he used it as a rich backdrop to tell an exciting story. I was especially intrigued by the details about the Azad Hind Bank, something rarely touched upon in mainstream history books. The imagination around what could have happened to the treasure, and the eerie disappearance of search parties, gave the story a haunting allure.
Emotional Depth and Personal Journeys
Aside from the treasure hunt and the war backdrop, what truly moved me was the emotional core of the story—a son trying to uncover the mystery of his father's disappearance during the war. When he stumbles upon a bundle of old letters in his ancestral home in Manipur, I found myself completely immersed in his emotional journey. The way the letters served as a bridge between generations and timelines was beautifully done. It reminded me of the personal cost of war, something we often overlook when focusing only on the larger political or military picture.
A Tribute to Netaji and His Legacy
Reading this book felt like more than just entertainment; it felt like paying homage to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the brave soldiers of the INA. As someone who considers Subhas Bose my hero, I appreciated how respectfully and insightfully the author portrayed his vision, ideals, and efforts to liberate India. Even though the story is fictional, the spirit of Netaji lingers throughout the pages, giving it a powerful emotional resonance. It made me feel proud, nostalgic, and deeply connected to our past.
Final Thoughts
Overall, The Lost Treasure of Azad Hind Fauj is an unmissable read for anyone who loves historical fiction, especially stories rooted in India's freedom movement. It’s well-researched, fast-paced, emotionally rich, and above all, it honors the unsung heroes of the INA. For someone like me, who idolizes Subhas Chandra Bose, this book was not just a novel—it was a journey. A journey into history, mystery, emotion, and pride. I enjoyed every moment of it.
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