The Sword of Buddha: The Curse of Kalinga

In the turbulent decades following Ashoka's death, 2nd-century BCE Bharatavarsha standsshaken, divided, and perilously unarmed. The once-fiery spirit of kshatra has dimmed underthe pacifist rule of Ashoka's Buddhist successors, leaving the subcontinent vulnerable asDemetrius of Bactria sweeps farther into region than even Alexander dared. Amid thisgathering storm, Pushyamitra Sunga struggles to restore Magadha's fading glory whilecontending with the rising Satavahanas of the south and the furious resurgence of Kalingaunder King Kharavela, whose people is still haunted by the hundred thousand lives lost inAshoka's devastating conquest.At the heart of this struggle stand King Sri Satakarni and Queen Naganika, the first Indianempress to rule and mint coins in her own name, driving the Satavahana push northward.Their legendary commander Vijayadatta finds himself torn between duty and desire as he isdrawn to Srilekha, a Buddhist bhikshuni bound by ahimsa and shadows of a mysterious past.Her quiet strength challenges his convictions even as he joins her quest to uncover herorigins.Hope rekindles when Maharshi Patanjali, through the birth of the Yoga Sutras, sparks arevival of India's martial soul. As unlikely alliances forge and old borders ignite, Vijayadattamust lead a campaign that will test his heart, his honour, and the very destiny ofBharatavarsha. The Sword of Buddha-adapted from Mudigonda Sivaprasad's timelessTelugu classic Srilekha-brings history, love, and the clash of dharma and ahimsa vividly tolife.