In an era saturated with leadership literature that often borders on motivational cliché or formulaic advice, Rules to Rule by Prashant Anand is a rare exception—measured, intelligent, and deeply rooted in historical insight.

An Indian Police Service officer with decorated experience in national security and counter-insurgency operations, Anand brings to this debut work the discipline and clarity of a strategic thinker. Rather than offer superficial hacks or modern jargon, Rules to Rule draws its inspiration from the ancient courts and battlefields of India, illuminating the principles that defined some of history’s greatest rulers.

A History-Inspired Manual for Modern Leadership

This book is not a conventional history text. Nor is it a mere tribute to long-gone emperors. Anand carefully selects 19 rulers—ranging from Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka to Samudragupta, Prabhavatigupta and Rajendra Chola—not to glorify them, but to distil enduring leadership lessons from their actions, decisions and legacies.

Each chapter functions like a case study—compact yet insightful. The author avoids romanticising or moralising, opting instead for a lucid retelling of history that is both accessible and thought-provoking. Whether discussing Ashoka’s transformation from ruthless conqueror to dharma-anchored sovereign, or Prabhavatigupta’s deft governance as a female regent in a patriarchal era, Anand always circles back to the central question: What can we learn from this for our times?

Leadership as Discipline, Not Drama

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Rules to Rule is its core argument: leadership is not about charisma, dominance, or even popularity. It is a discipline—a constant balancing act between purpose, perception and adaptability. As Anand writes, true leaders listen before they speak, build before they claim, and respond with clarity rather than impulse.

This is not a book that panders to boardroom buzzwords or startup bravado. It reminds us that the best leaders throughout Indian history succeeded not by seizing moments of glory, but by building sustainable systems, investing in long-term alliances, and governing with imagination and scale.

Timeless, Yet Urgently Relevant

At just 168 pages, Rules to Rule is crisp without being shallow, reflective without becoming abstract. The language is clear, confident and unpretentious. Anand doesn’t try to preach; instead, he invites the reader to observe, reflect, and apply.

A notable strength of the book is its relevance across fields. Whether you’re in politics, administration, business or even education, the rules Anand articulates—drawn from real-world leadership, not theory—offer a framework that is both timeless and practical.

The foreword by political strategist Prashant Kishor adds another layer of credibility and context. In it, Kishor underlines the essential point that leadership is less about control and more about clarity, courage and connection with people’s deeper values.

Why To Read

Rules to Rule is a compact powerhouse of a book. By bridging ancient Indian political wisdom with modern-day leadership challenges, Prashant Anand has created a work that is as intellectually stimulating as it is actionable.

In a time when leadership is often reduced to optics and rhetoric, this book brings us back to fundamentals: purpose, systems, vision and responsibility. For anyone aspiring to lead—with authenticity and endurance—Rules to Rule is not just a good read. It is a necessary one.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5/5)

Recommended for:

• Professionals in leadership roles
• Civil servants and public administrators
• Students of history, politics or management
• Anyone seeking grounded and ethical leadership inspiration

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Prashant Anand is an Indian Police Service officer with extensive experience in national security, counterinsurgency and strategic operations. Throughout his distinguished career, he has held key leadership positions across Jharkhand and other high-impact regions. He has also served with the National Investigation Agency, where he investigated terrorism-related cases and threats to internal security.

A recipient of both the Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation and the Police Antrik Suraksha Seva Padak, Anand brings a disciplined, systems-oriented approach to leadership. In Rules to Rule, his debut book, he distils timeless lessons from ancient Indian rulers into a practical guide for modern leaders.