Who is the author of the popular historical thriller novel "Chanakya's Chant"?

Introduction / Context:
This question relates to Indian historical thriller fiction. "Chanakya's Chant" is a popular novel that mixes ancient Indian political intrigue with a modern storyline. It is often mentioned along with other Indian bestsellers, so recognising its author is useful for exams that test current reading trends as well as classical literature.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The novel "Chanakya's Chant" is mentioned by name.
• The authors listed are Amish Tripathi, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Ruskin Bond and Ashwin Sanghi.
• Only one of these is the true author of this book.

Concept / Approach:
Ashwin Sanghi is known for conspiracy themed and historically inspired thrillers such as "The Rozabal Line", "Chanakya's Chant" and "Krishna Key". Amish Tripathi writes mythological retellings based on gods like Shiva. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is known for literary novels often focused on women and diaspora experiences. Ruskin Bond is famous for short stories and children's fiction, especially set in the hills. Matching each author to their main style makes the answer clear.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the basic theme of "Chanakya's Chant" an interplay between ancient strategist Chanakya and a modern political setting. Step 2: This combination of politics, history and thriller elements is characteristic of Ashwin Sanghi's writing. Step 3: Amish Tripathi, while also dealing with Indian myth and history, focuses mainly on mythological figures and not on a novel titled "Chanakya's Chant". Step 4: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni writes more literary and character driven fiction, not this specific thriller. Step 5: Ruskin Bond specialises in gentle stories and children's literature, not in political thrillers like "Chanakya's Chant". Step 6: Therefore, the correct author is Ashwin Sanghi.

Verification / Alternative check:
Bookstores, publishers and online catalogues list "Chanakya's Chant" under Ashwin Sanghi's bibliography. Many interviews and book reviews explicitly discuss his approach to blending history and thriller elements in this novel. No reliable source attributes the book to the other three authors.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Amish Tripathi is incorrect because although he writes about mythological and historical themes, he did not write "Chanakya's Chant".
• Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is incorrect because her works, like "The Palace of Illusions", are different in tone and title.
• Ruskin Bond is incorrect because his writing is mostly short fiction and children's stories set in the Indian hills.

Common Pitfalls:
Because several Indian authors work with mythological or historical material, candidates often confuse who wrote which title. Another common error is to pick the most familiar name without checking whether the genre and style match. Remembering that Ashwin Sanghi is especially known for titles like "Chanakya's Chant" can prevent this confusion.

Final Answer:
The author of the novel "Chanakya's Chant" is Ashwin Sanghi.