Indian Mythological reads are a treasure trove of stories. These stories often revolve around Mahabharata and Ramayana. Writers have often tried to retell the mythological stories from these epics, mostly from a different character’s perspective. This often fleshes them out in a way that resonates with modern society. Let us go through 10 Indian Mythological reads that you must read right away!
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The Palace of Illusions
This book by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is simple and easy to read. This Indian mythological novel tells the Mahabharata from Draupadi’s perspective. The book shows her emotional fights and struggles. It also highlights her strong yet incomplete desires, in a patriarchal world.
It shows how Draupadi was forced into situations by choices made by others around her. She was a wife to five men and collateral for a gamble. The novel tries to tap into her psyche while all this happens to her. Besides this, it highlights the problems of womanhood. Meanwhile, the readers experience her intense pain and loss. It depicts various kinds of social norms that existed back then. Slowly, we being to wonder how similar conditions still prevail in today’s society.
You can buy it here.
Krishna Key
Krishna Key, written by Ashwin Sanghi, is one of the most popular Indian mythological thrillers you will find. Along the lines of Dan Brown thrillers, this novel talks about a professor who has been wrongly accused. He has to dig deep into Indian mythology to prove his innocence. It keeps us engaged and thrilled with twists and turns from cover to cover. Here, the author has intertwined the story with myths and folklore. We get a lot of factual knowledge from the book too. This one is a must-read for those who love mythological thrillers.
You can buy it here.
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Shiva Trilogy
Amish Tripathi’s trilogy is by far the most popular entry in this list. These books are grounded on Shiva Purana. Shive is not “the”, but one of many Mahadevs. He is a tribal leader brought to the kingdom of Meluha, the ideal state of Lord Ram. Amish creates a universe centred around Shiva.
This universe gets affected by every choice he makes. The responsibilities of power and its consequences force Shiva to question the realities around him. Alongside him, we the readers are also asked questions. This book offers details about the various civilizations and the reason for their downfalls.
The Immortals of Meluha is the first instalment of the Shiva trilogy, followed by The Secret of the Nagas and The Oath of the Vayuputras.
You can buy it here.
The Liberation of Sita
Popuri Lalitha Kumari wrote this strong, woman-oriented work, originally in Telugu. Later, P. Lalitha Kumari, T. Vijay Kumar, and C. Vijayasree translated it into English. This work is an outstanding piece of art that involves 5 of the most important women from the Ramayana. It is spread into 5 short narratives, centered around Sita. The book shows Sita’s encounter with Surpanakha, Renuka, Ahalya and Urmila. And in the final short, Sita confronts her fears after talking to all these women.
This is yet another rendition where women introspect their perils in a world where choices are a privilege limited to men. We see women with strong character. This book has a very strong point of view, posing uncomfortable questions and ideas; some of which might have arisen in the female minds of that era too. A brilliant compilation of witty women talking about their rights and wrongs!
You can buy it here.
Myth = Mithya
Devdutt Pattanaik tries to decode Indian mythology and Hindu gods through this book. This book focuses on the many gods in our mythos and the various myths associated with them. The author presents stories from the Rig Veda, Ramayana, the Skanda Purana, and folklore. If you think logically, there seem to be many absurdities in Indian mythology. This book answers many such queries that one might have had! And tries to give logical reasoning for many things that we’ve followed for ages but never knew why. In short, this is one of the best Indian Mythological reads that can serve as an introduction to Indian mythology; a condensed form of its vast expanse.
You can buy it here.
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My Gita
Here, Devdutt Patnaik simplifies all the 18 chapters of the Gita. Even a beginner can understand the concepts. Gita, as we know, is the conversation between Arjuna and Lord Krishna on the battlefield. It touches upon sins, virtues and duty. The conversation goes into an intense exchange of ideas and beliefs between the two. Arjuna faces various doubts while he is on the battleground against his cousins (the Kauravas). He faces a huge dilemma and struggles while fighting against his family. But Krishna comes to his rescue. Krishna clarifies all his doubts and guides him to stabilise his mind. A simple yet powerful read to know and understand the Gita better!
You can buy it here.
Mritunjay
Originally written in Marathi by Shivaji Sawant and later translated to many languages. Mritunjay is an excellent retelling of the Mahabharatha from Karna’s point of view. The story follows Karna from his birth, childhood with foster parents, and the rest of his life. It also highlights his strange connection with the Sun, and how he chooses friendship over family. This book shows the readers some unexplored sides of Karna, like his affection for Lord Ram. Mritunjay is not a complete first-person narrative. Out of nine chapters, five are narrated by other characters. They include Kunti, Duryodhana, Shatrunjaya (Karna’s foster brother), Vrishali (Karna’s wife), and Krishna. It adds up to a grand bright view of a large and contrasted life. Shivaji Sawant makes us think about how situations can lead to unfortunate decisions.
You can buy it here.
Randamoozham
Randamoozham translates to “the second chance”. It is regarded as M. T Vasudevan Nair’s masterpiece. Randamoozham is a rendition of the Mahabharata. It is written from Bhima’s perspective.
The storyline touches upon how he sees the world and what he feels about the things that happen around him; the importance of these events and ignorance from others. Bhima is strongest among the brothers and yet the most emotional one too. The story taps into these emotions.
A classic plot point of the novel is the death of Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha’s death was a win for Pandavas. Even Krishna joins the night festivities as Bhima looks on, lamenting the death of his son. This book will make the reader fall in love with the simple style of narration.
You can buy it here.
Dharmayodha Kalki
Kevin Missal’s Dharmayodha Kalki is the first book of Kalki series and of the best Indian Mythological reads. This is an exemplary thriller novel with many twists and turns. It is followed by Satyayoddha Kalki: Eye of Brahma and Mahayoddha Kalki: Sword of Shiva.
This book revolves around Kalki, who is shown to be a villager at the beginning of the book. Kalki, in mythology, is the tenth and final incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Someone who enters the world in the Kaliyug to destroy evil. Readers go on a fascinating journey with the characters and their transformation and will remain hooked throughout the book series.
You can buy it here.
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Ram Chandra Series
Here is another Amish Tripathi series that makes it to this list. The storyline, this time, revolves around Ramayana. We get a detailed view of the characters and their choices. We get a complete view of Ram, Sita, and Raavan. The first of the book series is Ram- The Scion of the Ikshvaku. Followed by Sita: Warrior of Mithila (Ram Chandra Series – Book 2) and Raavan: Enemy of Aryavarta (Ram Chandra Series – Book 3).
This series is a unique blend of mystery, mythology, religious symbolism, and philosophy. Yet, with a layer of thrilling threads woven well, it makes for an interesting read. This Ramayana fiction is simple and relatable to readers and does not have even one dull moment. All the characters and their way of thinking is sure to make the readers want more!
You can buy it here.
These are our suggestions of Indian Mythological reads to start your reading journey if you love Indian mythology. Let us know your favourite book in the comment section below. Happy reading folks!
