The book is a critical appraisal of the events in the Mahabharata as also of the acts and policies of the principal characters and others with special emphasis on the role of secret agents. The kings and the wise men of those days were fully conversant with the importance of the timely information to thwart the evil designs of the enemies. Secret agents were described as the eyes and ears of the rulers.
During the devastating 18-day Mahabharata war, collection of intelligence took different twists and turns. The emissaries and the secret agents of both the sides, Pandavas and Kauravas, were specially activated during the period of war preparations to collect information on war tactics and strategies of the rivals. And the Pandavas managed to hoodwink the Kauravas on many occasions. Krishna, a brilliant war strategist, raised a band of reliable agents of his own who directly reported to him on various subjects.
A well organised intelligence service is required even more today. The book highlights details on secret agents, their training from this great epic, it may be an informative and interesting reading for all
Ramendra Narayan Sanyal (1926), former Joint Director, Intelligence Bureau, Government of India is recipient of President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service, and Police Medal for Meritorious Service and Police (Special Duty) Medal, Manipur. Mr Sanyal, an officer of the Indian Police Service retired in 1984 and engaged himself in studies on Security Management and conducted training sessions for senior officials. He has to his credit four books in Bengli language and many articles on security subjects in different newspapers and journals.
Preface
The Events Chronology
Introduction
Mahabharata and the Spy Net-work
A Message
Glossary
Who's Who
The Places: Then and Now