Duryodhan was a man of strong character and integrity.

Duhshasan was respectful, generous and kind towards women.

Shakuni was a very simple man who loved his subjects unconditionally.

Duryodhanization refers to the birth and processes of development of a villainous character-whether in works of history or mythology. In this book, Uppal ekes out the dark side of management and leadership by studying fascinating characters from the Mahabharta. He probes what it really means to be a villain, and if villainous traits are inherent or cultivated. Original and thought-provoking, the book draws from history, mythology and literature, and unpacks the process of villianization through the central character of the legendary villain, Duryodhana. Praise for the Book It’s interesting to read an amalgamation of mythology and modern social sciences to understand people’s characterization in literature and history. – (Suniel Shetty, actor and producer)

Whenever we come across the word “villain”, we consider it to be the character who tends to have a negative effect on others. Such characters are not always fictional, we all know such people even in real life. But whenever we come across such a person, we always wonder: “Why are they so?” We know that a person is not born a hero or a villain . . . Duryodhanization gives us a unique insight into the subject, about which not much has been written. It is indeed an excellent work and a must-real for all. – (Sandeep Jajodia, president of ASSOCHAM, and industrialist) A book that helps us in deconstructing villains from the Mahabharata to help us understand modern-day equivalents! Who would you juxtapose with Duryodhana? – (Sonali Chander, former sports editor, NDTV)

About the Author

Nishant Uppal is associate professor in Human Resource Management Group, Indian Institute of Management Lucknow. He earned his PhD in organizational behaviour and human resource management from the Indian Institute of Management, Indore.