Pratidwandi (The Opponent): Book One: The Kalari (Author's Edition) (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9789360120061)

"The year was 1852. A fire had engulfed the entire nation. A fire, which not only burnt entire cities and villages, it was a fire, which destroyed the ethos of a culture as old as civilization itself. India was under siege. The national identity was threatened. Ancient knowledge was in ruins. The Indian was facing the wrath of an empire foreign."Set in a fictional universe, Pratidwandi (The Opponent) is the story of how a people's revolution shook a global empire. It revolves around a band of Indian martial art fighters, people from the various disciplines of Kalaripayattu, Silambam, Gatka, Mardani Khel, Thang Ta and Kushti, amongst others, who decide to fight against the oppressive rule of the British East India Company.PRATIDWANDI IS THE FIRST EVER SERIES ON INDIAN MARTIAL ARTSThe first edition received a 4.6+ star rating on Amazon India. Presenting to you the Author's Edition with a quick sneak peek into the sequel.A few critic's reviews of the first edition:

"Ambuj Gupta's Pratidwandi is deep, dark and disturbing but definitely worth a read. This gripping nationalistic saga takes one hurtling through the incredible resistance movement pioneered by the heroic Indian martial arts exponents against the inhuman British in Kerala. Gupta writes like H. Rider Haggard. I read it in one go. Strongly recommended."

- Almas Hussain, AuthorDaughters of Char Chinar

"This historical fiction showcasing the beauty, bravery and richness of lesser written Indian martial art - Kalaripayattu - fighting their existential battle against the tyrannical British rule is a gripping tale. The easy flow of narrative style complements beautifully both the vividity and grandiosity of imagination, giving it a magnificently fictional texture."

- Dr Shishir Srivastav, AuthorRage Against the Dying of the Light

"I am a non-fiction reader and the reason I pick fiction to let my emotions and senses experience the ups and downs. Pratidwandi ticks all the boxes. Romance, heroes, villains, super girls, war, suspense, drama, thrill, emotions. Ambuj Gupta has packed loads of stuff in this beautiful meal. The characters are lively, the theme and stage are almost crying for a Bollywood calling. Ambuj finds an interesting connection between an ancient martial art form, its tutors & pupils, British regime and then sews them together to narrate a war story. A must-read for its characters. And, now eagerly waiting to experience the next story from Ambuj's imagination locker."

- Nishith Goyal, AuthorBe Better Bit-By-BitGlobal reviews of the Author's Edition: "...The pacing is strong, with enough twists and revelations to keep the story moving while still allowing important moments to breathe. By the end, I was invested not only in Sai's fate but also in the larger struggle unfolding around him. For readers who enjoy historical fiction, martial arts, and stories of courage in the face of oppression, Pratidwandi is a compelling and memorable read. It introduced me to a fascinating aspect of Indian history and left me eager to continue the series..."

Author: Ambuj Gupta
ISBN-10: 9360120065
ISBN-13: 9789360120061
Publisher: Self
Language: English
Published: 07/02/2026
Pages: 498
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.97lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.00w x 1.24d