Harshal Bhusari is a political strategist, researcher, and analyst with expertise in Indian politics and governance. A Research Associate at MIT School of Government, he brings over 15 years of insight into power dynamics. Game of Power reimagines Robert Greene’s principles through India’s historical and political lens.
The Literature Times: What inspired you to reinterpret Robert Greene’s ‘The 48 Laws of Power’ in an Indian context?
Harshal Bhusari: Robert Greene’s The 48 Laws of Power is a masterful exploration of power dynamics, yet it lacks an Indian perspective. India, with its millennia-old history of empire-building, diplomacy, and strategy, offers a vast reservoir of real-world applications of these laws. From Chanakya’s Arthashastra to Shivaji Maharaj’s guerrilla tactics and modern political maneuvering, power has been wielded in uniquely Indian ways.
This inspired me to write Game of Power: Navigating 48 Laws in India, reinterpreting Greene’s laws through historical, mythological, and contemporary Indian examples. By weaving stories from the Mahabharata, Chandragupta Maurya, Harshavardhan, the Marathas, and modern political figures, this book bridges a crucial gap. It transforms abstract principles into relatable lessons for today’s leaders, strategists, and professionals. India’s power struggles hold invaluable insights, and this work aims to decode them for a wider audience, making the study of power both relevant and deeply rooted in Indian heritage.
The Literature Times: How did India’s rich history and mythology shape your perspective on the 48 laws of power?
Harshal Bhusari: India’s history and mythology are rich with intricate power dynamics, offering a profound lens to reinterpret The 48 Laws of Power. From Chanakya’s Arthashastra to Shivaji Maharaj’s guerrilla warfare, Indian rulers have mastered strategy, diplomacy, and statecraft in unique ways. The Mahabharata itself is a treasure trove of power tactics—Krishna’s diplomacy, Shakuni’s manipulation, and Bhishma’s restraint all illustrate Greene’s laws in action.
By examining figures like Chandragupta Maurya, Harshavardhan, and modern political leaders, I realized how power is wielded differently in India—often blending pragmatism with deep-rooted ethical narratives. This perspective shaped Game of Power: Navigating 48 Laws in India, ensuring each law is not just a lesson in power but a reflection of India’s distinct strategies. The book brings these insights to life, making power principles more relevant to Indian leadership and governance today.
The Literature Times: Can you share a specific example of a historical Indian figure or event that perfectly illustrates one of Greene’s laws?
Harshal Bhusari: The First Battle of Tarain (1191) showcased Prithviraj Chauhan’s military brilliance when he decisively defeated Muhammad Ghori. The Rajput forces, known for their valor, overwhelmed Ghori’s army, capturing him in battle. However, Prithviraj, embodying Rajput honor and magnanimity, chose to spare Ghori’s life and allowed him to return—a decision that would prove disastrous.
Prithviraj’s mercy ignored the fundamental rule of power: Crush Your Enemy Totally. Given a second chance, Ghori regrouped, strengthened his forces, and returned with a more calculated strategy in 1192. In the Second Battle of Tarain, he used deceit, feigning retreat to lure the Rajputs into a vulnerable position. The Rajput army, misled by their sense of honor, broke formation and walked into a trap. Ghori’s forces launched a decisive counterattack, crushing Prithviraj’s army.
Unlike Prithviraj, Ghori showed no mercy. Prithviraj was either executed or blinded and imprisoned, ensuring he could never rise again. This failure to eliminate Ghori in 1191 cost India dearly, leading to centuries of foreign rule.
The Literature Times: What challenges did you face while contextualizing the laws of power for an Indian audience?
Harshal Bhusari: Contextualizing The 48 Laws of Power for an Indian audience came with several challenges. First, maintaining the book’s intellectual rigor while ensuring the reinterpretation aligned with Robert Greene’s original framework was crucial. Second, selecting the most relevant historical and political case studies required extensive research to ensure accuracy and compatibility. Third, gathering enough credible evidence to substantiate each law demanded meticulous sourcing from historical texts, biographies, and political analyses. Finally, adhering to Law 19: Know Who You’re Dealing With—Do Not Offend the Wrong Person was essential. Given India’s complex political landscape, it was important to present contemporary examples objectively, avoiding direct criticism of any politician, whether in power or opposition. Balancing historical depth with present-day relevance while maintaining neutrality was the key challenge in this endeavor.
The Literature Times: Which Indian leader, past or present, do you think embodies the principles of power dynamics most effectively? Why?
Harshal Bhusari: One of the best examples of Robert Greene’s Laws of Power in Indian history is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s strategic genius. He masterfully applied several laws, including:
Law 2 – Never Put Too Much Trust in Friends; Learn How to Use Enemies: When his father, Shahaji, was imprisoned by the Afzal Khan, Shivaji Maharaj cleverly used this law with Emperor Shah Jahan, using diplomatic maneuvering to secure his father’s release—demonstrating the art of turning enemies into useful allies.
Law 3 – Conceal Your Intentions: During the Lal Mahal Raid, Shivaji masked his true intentions, tricking the enemy forces into believing he was surrendering before launching a surprise attack to reclaim Pune.
Law 5 – Guard Your Reputation with Your Life: His strict code of conduct, especially his unwavering respect for women, solidified his image as a just and noble king, winning the loyalty of his people and instilling fear in rivals.
Shivaji Maharaj’s strategic brilliance across multiple laws showcases his unparalleled mastery in the Game of Power.
The Literature Times: How did your academic and professional background influence the writing of this book?
Harshal Bhusari: My journey from a Civil Services aspirant (2014–2021) to a researcher and faculty member at MIT School of Government (SoG), Pune played a pivotal role in shaping this book. Studying governance, history, and political strategies during my master’s program at SoG provided me with a strong theoretical foundation. Later, working as a research associate at SoG deepened my understanding of power dynamics, leadership strategies, and political maneuvering, all of which were instrumental in analyzing Robert Greene’s laws through an Indian lens.
Additionally, various knowledge-sharing platforms enriched my research. YouTube channels like Seeken and GIGL helped refine conceptual insights, while Marathi political channels such as Pratipaksh by Bhau Torsekar, Sushil Kulkarni, and Prabhakar Suryawanshi offered in-depth political analysis relevant to India’s context. This combination of academic training, research experience, and digital resources enabled me to craft Game of Power with historical depth and contemporary relevance.
The Literature Times: What can modern leaders and professionals learn from ancient Indian strategies of power, such as those used by Chanakya or Shivaji Maharaj?
Harshal Bhusari: Ancient Indian power strategies, as exemplified by Chanakya and Shivaji Maharaj, teach modern leaders that power is not merely acquired—it must be retained, consolidated, and expanded through calculated tactics and strategic sacrifices. The pursuit of power is ruthless, demanding both resilience and adaptability. Silence and patience emerge as the two most formidable weapons in this journey, allowing leaders to anticipate threats, outmaneuver rivals, and strike at the right moment.
Academicians and professionals can study these strategies to understand how governance, diplomacy, and warfare intertwine in the quest for power. However, the ultimate lesson remains that true leadership is not just about gaining authority but ensuring the welfare of subjects and securing national prosperity. A ruler who prioritizes public well-being and state security stands the test of time, much like Shivaji Maharaj, who combined military brilliance with administrative foresight. Power, when wielded wisely, becomes a force for stability, progress, and long-term success.
The Literature Times: How do you think India’s political and social structure has evolved in terms of power dynamics since independence?
Harshal Bhusari: Since India’s independence, the political and social structure has undergone significant shifts in power dynamics. Initially, the Indian National Congress dominated the political landscape, often referred to as the “Congress System.” However, over time, unchecked power and mismanagement led to the rise of regional parties, especially from the 1960s onward. The emergence of new political forces, driven by regional aspirations, marked a shift in the national narrative.
The JP Movement in the 1970s, followed by the Mandal Commission’s recommendations, saw the rise of OBC (Other Backward Classes) leaders who played a prominent role in shaping India’s political scene. Ayodhya politics further shaped the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), capitalizing on Hindu sentiments and issues of identity. Congress’s policy of Muslim appeasement backfired in the 2014 elections, leading to a significant decline in its political dominance. Today, India’s power dynamics are more fragmented, with multiple regional and national players shaping the landscape.
The Literature Times: For readers unfamiliar with Indian history, how do you ensure the book remains accessible and engaging?
Harshal Bhusari: To ensure the book remains accessible and engaging for readers unfamiliar with Indian history, I’ve written it in simple and clear language, making the complex political concepts relatable to a wide audience. Each law is explained with examples that are easy to understand, even for those with no formal political education. The examples range from ancient texts like the Vishnu Purana to modern-day instances, and even moral stories from children’s literature, offering something for everyone.
The political developments discussed in the book are framed in a way that highlights their relevance today, making them engaging and thought-provoking, regardless of the reader’s background. Whether you’re familiar with Indian politics or not, the book offers valuable insights that are both educational and enjoyable. The approach ensures that readers can connect with the content, making it a highly recommendable read for anyone interested in understanding power dynamics through the lens of Indian history.
The Literature Times: What do you hope readers will take away from ‘Game of Power’, especially in the context of today’s political and business landscapes?
Harshal Bhusari: Game of Power: Navigating 48 Laws in India is not just a book on strategy—it’s a guide to understanding the ruthless and ever-present nature of politics. In today’s world, whether in governance, business, or daily life, power dynamics shape every decision. Many claim to be uninterested in politics, but that doesn’t mean politics isn’t interested in them.
This book will enhance political literacy, helping individuals become responsible and participatory citizens. By contextualizing Greene’s 48 Laws of Power within Indian history, mythology, and contemporary leadership, it provides practical insights into how power operates. Readers will see that politics isn’t about good or bad—it’s about strategy, survival, and influence.
Understanding these laws is essential for anyone to navigate leadership, governance, or corporate hierarchies. It will improve political awareness among citizens, making them more informed and engaged in shaping India’s future. Ultimately, Game of Power will make one thing clear: politics is everywhere, and those who master its rules are the ones who truly succeed.
