Mythological stories provide the perfect fodder for imagination and curiosity. Tales of mythological beasts, mysteries, secret brotherhoods, religion, old manuscripts etc captures a reader’s/listener’s interest.
The latest trend in the Indian literature is mythological fiction. Authors research myths and facts to spin fictional stories around them.
The excitement of many clues leading to unlocking a well kept secret, definitely heightens the reading momentum and piquing the curiosity levels. Also, varied versions/point of view of a epic legend makes for a nice read.
Some of the Indian bestsellers which have well sketched characters and narratives are listed in this article. Pick this up at your nearest book seller or simply buy it online, without regret.
Palace of Illusions — Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Mahabharat is the epic saga of revenge and dynasty politics. It is one of the exhaustive tales to be written in the entire world.
The Pandavas and Kauravas are pitted against each other right from their childhood over their rightful inheritance of the throne of Hastinapur. Pandavas are led by Yudhistir, follower of dharma and Kauravas are led by Duryodhan, short tempered and egoistic.
The ultimate battle between the warring groups was the Kurukshetra war, fought for revenging the disrespect meted out to Panchaali, also known as Draupadi, wife of the Pandavas.
This battle tested their loyalties, cunningness,strengths, sportsmanship and strategic abilities..
However, this brilliantly written book shows us the entire saga with a different viewpoint. The protagonist is Draupadi, who shares her feelings and viewpoints right from the time she is born from the ceremonial fire, married off to 5 husbands, being the queen of Indraprastha till being manhandled and disrobed in the court of the hastinapur after being wagered in a bet.
Her vow of revenge sets the wheels in motion for a blood thirsty war. Also mentioned is her special friendship with Lord Krishna and her secret crush on Karna.
This is a good read since its Mahabharata retold with a twist.
Chanakya’s Chant — Ashwin Sanghi
Chanakya was a kingmaker who is credited to have installed King Chandragupta on the Mauryan throne , written “Arthashastra” the political treatise, being a great orator and possessing a brilliant mind. His style of retribution from his foes made him a fearful adversary. He was at the pinnacle of power aided by his crafty and strategist mind.
This novel is a beautifully ode to the master. The storyline spans two era, separated by 2000 years. Older era narrates the story of Chanakya, from his humble beginnings till his ascent to power. Similarly, in the present time, Gangasagar mishra is a clever kingmaker who is determined to install a small town girl, Chandini in the Prime Minister’s role.
Delve into the world of political intrigue with this fast paced novel. Absolute Must read!
The Pregnant King — Devdutt Patnaik
Doesn't the title seem quirky? oxymoron-ic? unbelievable?
Author Devdutt Patnaik, a mythologist, revisits the epic Mahabharata and extracts a lost-in-the time story of King Yuvanasha.
Yuvanasha is the son of Shilavati, an ambitious woman, who is unable to rule the kingdom because she is a woman. Guided by her diktats, Yuvanasha is the puppet head.
The King is, as the title suggests, pregnant after drinking a magical potion which was meant for his wives! What made him gulp the potion? How did he deliver the baby boy? What were his associated feelings? will the kid call him dad or mom?
All these questions along with by-stories of interesting characters, make this novel a bestseller!
The Krishna Key —Ashwin Sanghi
It has been prophesied that in the kaliyuga -the dark age, a new avatar of God shall manifest on earth to purge it of all sins.
What if some psycho thought he was the aforementioned avatar and chose to unleash terror? Committing sins in the name of God?
A hidden prized possession of Lord Krishna, the enigmatic saviour of the masses is at stake!
A historian leads the path in finding out the real legacy and secret behind the Krishna key. A trail of evidences which helps to discover the hidden truth and put a stop to the serial killings.
Book your seat in a fast paced roller coaster ride from east to west, north to south of India.
The Mahabharata Secret — Christopher C Doyle
2300 years ago, Emperor Ashoka formed a secret brotherhood of 9 men, entrusted with the books of immense knowledge. After stumbling across a deadly secret,which had the potential to destroy the world, within the pages of the epic Mahabharata, it was decided to bury the secret in a such a way that it should be forgotten with the winds of time. However, time took a different course.
In present times, a cold blooded murder of an imminent scientist is discovered. His nephew receives cryptic e-mails and clues from him at the time of his death. He vows to solve the mystery and shoulder the responsibility entrusted to him, unaware of a powerful dark organisation who are also keen on the same.
Will he and his accomplices be able to unearth and safeguard the mystery? or will they just watch the world perish?
Find out more, when you read it.
Hope i have sowed the seeds of curiosity in you to read any one or all of the above..
Thank you for reading my post.
love,
Anu