New book release
The Chola Tigers and the Legacy of Somnath: Amish Tripathi, a bestselling author known for mythological and historical fiction, has launched his new book titled The Chola Tigers: The Avengers of Somnath. The event took place in Chennai, highlighting Tamil Nadu’s cultural and historical backdrop. This work forms a part of the larger Indic Chronicle series, aiming to bring alive stories from Indian history.
Theme of the book
The book focuses on the valor of the Chola dynasty and their connection to the Somnath temple invasion. The narrative captures the idea of resistance and revenge against foreign attacks on Indian heritage. Tripathi’s storytelling style combines historical events with creative imagination, making it appealing for both general readers and aspirants preparing for exams.
About Amish Tripathi
Amish Tripathi rose to fame with the Shiva Trilogy, which became one of the fastest-selling book series in Indian publishing history. He later authored the Ram Chandra series and has established himself as one of the most influential figures in modern Indian literature. He currently serves as the Director of the Nehru Centre in London.
Static GK fact: The Nehru Centre is India’s cultural wing in the UK under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
The Chola connection
The Chola dynasty ruled southern India for centuries, with their empire reaching its peak under Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I. Known for their naval strength, they extended influence to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. The Cholas also patronized art, architecture, and the construction of magnificent temples like the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur.
Static GK fact: The Brihadeeswarar Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Great Living Chola Temples.
Importance of Somnath
The Somnath temple, located in Gujarat, has been destroyed and rebuilt several times in history. It was one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, making it a highly sacred site for Hindus. The temple faced multiple invasions, most famously by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1025 CE. The book connects the Chola naval might with the story of avenging the plunder of Somnath.
Static GK Tip: The present Somnath temple was reconstructed in 1951 under the guidance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Significance for readers
This launch marks an important cultural milestone, blending literature, history, and heritage preservation. It also underlines the growing interest in Indic historical narratives that focus on native perspectives rather than colonial interpretations. Such works encourage aspirants to link current affairs with historical knowledge for exam preparation.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
The Chola Tigers and the Legacy of Somnath:
| Topic | Detail |
| Book title | The Chola Tigers: The Avengers of Somnath |
| Author | Amish Tripathi |
| Series | Indic Chronicle series |
| Launch city | Chennai |
| Dynasty focus | Chola dynasty |
| Temple focus | Somnath temple, Gujarat |
| Author’s role | Director, Nehru Centre London |
| Famous earlier work | Shiva Trilogy |
| Chola architecture | Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur |
| Somnath reconstruction | 1951 under Sardar Patel |
