M V Krishna Rao Author page

M.V. Krishna Rao brings a unique perspective to ancient Indian literature, combining analytical rigour with profound reverence for scriptural tradition. A retired mechanical engineer with decades of experience in systematic problem-solving and detailed analysis, he has channelled his methodical approach toward exploring the rich tapestry of characters that populate India's greatest epic. 

Following a successful engineering career, Krishna Rao discovered his passion for writing, initially focusing on science fiction and personal finance. However, his lifelong fascination with the Mahabharata eventually drew him into an intensive multi-year study of its complex characters and their intricate relationships. 

My Journey: From Blueprints to Ancient Texts

My path to becoming an author was not a straight line, but a confluence of two distinct rivers: the world of systematic, analytical thought and the timeless realm of story. For decades, my life was defined by the rigour and precision of mechanical engineering. It was a profession that taught me to see the world in systems, to deconstruct complex problems into their fundamental parts, and to build solutions with meticulous attention to detail. That engineering mindset—the habit of looking for structure, logic, and function—never left me. It has become the bedrock of my creative process.

A New Chapter: Diverse Worlds and Modern Well-being

Upon retiring from my engineering career, I found myself with the freedom to channel this analytical energy in new directions. My first explorations in writing began with two seemingly disparate genres: science fiction and personal finance. On one hand, science fiction offered a limitless canvas to build new worlds, explore speculative technologies, and ask "what if?"—a question that every engineer is familiar with. On the other hand, writing about personal finance was a direct application of systematic thinking, helping people navigate the complex financial systems that govern our lives.

My non-fiction work continues to expand, driven by a purpose to energise younger generations. I am preparing new books on vital contemporary topics, including the art of looking attractive, the global obesity epidemic, and the profound benefits of meditation. Through these efforts, I aim to offer clear, practical guidance on health and well-being, empowering young people to establish a solid foundation for their future. These early forays taught me how to communicate complex ideas in clear, accessible prose, whether the subject was a futuristic society or a retirement portfolio.

The Call of the Epic: A Return to the Mahabharata

While I enjoyed charting new fictional territories and demystifying modern challenges, a lifelong fascination with a much older story began to call to me with increasing intensity: the Mahabharata. This was more than just an interest; it was a return to a source of profound wisdom that had captivated me for years. The epic's vast tapestry of characters, its intricate moral dilemmas, and its deep philosophical underpinnings presented a challenge I could no longer ignore.

I realised that the very skills I had honed as an engineer were uniquely suited to exploring this ancient text. The Mahabharata, in its own way, is a masterclass in complex systems—a web of interconnected characters, motivations, and consequences. I decided to embark on an intensive, multi-year study, treating the epic with the same precision and focus I once brought to an engineering project.

Engineering an Epic: A New Lens on Ancient Characters

My approach to the Mahabharata is twofold: to apply the analytical framework of my former profession while maintaining a profound reverence for the text's sanctity. I delved into the original Sanskrit sources and their most authoritative translations, not as a storyteller seeking to retell the story, but as an analyst seeking to understand. My goal was to map the intricate "human machinery" of its characters.

This journey has culminated in an ambitious four-volume series—a comprehensive character analysis of the Mahabharata. In this series, I apply systematic, evidence-based analysis to each character's journey, cross-referencing their actions, dialogues, and motivations across the entire epic. I believe that this methodical approach can help contemporary readers appreciate the timeless wisdom and psychological depth embedded within these archetypal figures.

My diverse writing background allows me to bridge the gap between scholarly analysis and engaging narrative, making the profound insights of the epic accessible to all. Today, I continue this work from my home in Hyderabad, dedicating my time to the remaining volumes and furthering my research into India's classical literature.

This project is more than a scholarly exercise; it is a personal journey of discovery. It is proof that the eternal human challenges of duty, righteousness, and the search for meaning—so brilliantly illuminated in the Mahabharata—continue to resonate, offering guidance to anyone navigating the complexities of our modern world.