In Bed of Arrows, Kush Bhargava offers a profound retelling of the Mahabharata through the unique perspective of Bhishma, one of its most revered yet tragic figures. Once a mighty warrior who renounced his claim to the throne for the sake of a vow, Bhishma becomes a symbol of sacrifice and an unwavering sense of duty. Ironically, his decision to step away from power sets in motion a series of events that drive the kingdom toward inevitable war.
The novel spans the 58 long nights Bhishma spends lying on his bed of arrows, waiting for death to arrive. During this time, he reflects on the concepts of dharma (duty), sacrifice, and heroism, as well as the eternal battle between righteousness and desire. Bound by his oath of celibacy and loyalty to the throne of Hastinapura, Bhishma watches helplessly as the Kauravas and Pandavas wage the bloody war of Kurukshetra.
Bed of Arrows presents Bhishma’s inner turmoil as he contemplates his legacy—will he be remembered for his unparalleled strength and valor, or condemned for his role in the tragic downfall of his family and kingdom? Bhargava’s evocative prose explores the complexities of Bhishma’s life, diving deep into his psyche and the moral dilemmas that defined his destiny. Through this retelling, readers are invited to rediscover the timeless lessons of the Mahabharata from a deeply personal and introspective angle.
Book Description:
| Book | Bed of Arrows |
| Series | None |
| Parts | None |
| Publication Date | 22 August 2024 |
| Author | Kush Bhargava |
| Publisher | Rupa Publications India |
| ISBN-10 | 9361562142 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-9361562143 |
| Pages | 352 pages |
| Publication Format | Paper Back, Kindle |
Bio of the Author:
Kush Bhargava comes from the prestigious lineage of Munshi Newal Kishore, founder of the 19th-century Newal Kishore Press in Lucknow, a historic institution in Indian publishing. Bhargava has been actively involved in public life, having served as the chairman of the UP State Congress Media Department and as a two-term member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC). His disillusionment with politics led him to step away from active participation.
In addition to his political career, Bhargava has held leadership roles in sports associations, including being the vice president of the Billiards and Snooker Federation of India and currently serving as the president of the Uttar Pradesh Billiards and Snooker Association.
Bhargava’s creative contributions include producing the telefilm Kasak and the feature film Monica, both of which address the challenges and persecution faced by women. His articles on international affairs have been featured in prominent newspapers such as The Times of India and The Pioneer. Bed of Arrows is Bhargava’s second novel, following his debut Dance of Destiny.