Popular fiction writers in India started a novel trend
wherein the Mythological stories of our great land received a new lease for
life. These stories which are intense, emotional, gripping woven with intricate
plots, sub-plots, internecine wars conveying larger social message have become
the standard framework for the new generation of creative writers.
Amish Tripati with his
creative acumen, articulation and writing brilliance has emerged as a prodigal writer
of fantasy stories. His trilogy series comprising of The Immortals of Meluha,
The Secret of the Nagas and The Battle of the Vayuputras released from 2010 to
2013 have become the fastest selling book series in the history of Indian
Publishing. The creative genius with this novel marketing strategy launched
audio books and high-profile videos to reach the vast majority of educated
Indian youth. The skyrocketing sales and soaring popularity of the author has made
him the most sought after Indian writer of modern times.
The book as the title suggests is about Lord Rama, the
descendant of the Ikshvaku dynasty, the Suryavanshis. The land of Bharat was
ruled by two major dynasties Suryavanshi’s and Chandravanshi’s. Of all the
Suryavanshi’s Lord Rama, a mortal, considered as the incarnation of Lord Vishnu,
is worshipped and revered for his righteousness and strict adherence to law. The
first volume in the series makes an earnest beginning and attempts to retell Ramayana
with a modern perspective. Sri Ramachandra as a legendary character is
introduced into the live of every individual by parents at an early age to
inspire their children to emulate the ideals of the scion.
The book begins with the heart rendering scenes of kidnap of
Sita. It then slips into the times where rulers of the SaptSidh harboured a
disdain for the trader community which ly leads to the weakening of the mighty
Empire of Ayodhya. The story then quickly portends the greedy and outrageous
demands of Lankan trader Kubera brother of Ravan who threatens them of dire
sequences if his demands are not met. Dasharatha the indisputable king of
SaptSindh angered by high commission rates of Kubera dares him to relent. But
the cunning Kubera with the help of Ravan defeats Dasarath in a war at
Karachapa. Consequently, Ravan takes control over the entire trading system of
India. Dasarath who was childless and never lost of war becomes deeply disturbed
by the defeat. The defeat coincides with birth of his eldest son Rama. He blames Rama for the defeat and spurns him.
For people who already read Amish’s The Shiva Triology, the
narrative may not be thrilling as essentially his naive and simple style of
writing is clearly reflected in the characterisation of the plots. But what is
interesting is bringing about relevance to the problems that existed in those
days to the present times and linking up to the frame work of governance and
the laws to be implemented to bring about order in the society. The long drawn candid
philosophical conversations between Rama and his Guru Vasishta and constructive
arguments over the dhrama or strict adherence of law are thought provoking.
Another refreshing aspect about this modern version of
Ramayana is depicting Sita as a warrior, supremely confident and independent
lady. Even the characters like Manthara, Kaikeyi, Sumitra are portrayed as
smart and strong women. The toughest challenge perhaps for the author has been
to bring about novelty without disrupting the broad storyline of Ramayana. The central
plot of the book makes an obvious allusion to the sensational Nirbhaya case and
the alternative retributive justice delivered during that trial. The instance of
the juvenile rapist escaping the punishment and alternatively how he has been
laid to rest has been discussed in length.
Book is generously proffered with philosophical debates about
dharma, responsibilities and duties of the citizens and rulers reflecting
author’s deep seated urge to discuss governance issues. A subtle but profound reference
to the adherents of polytheism and monotheism and their conflicting interests
in the society runs throughout the main story line. Unlike the previous
versions of Ramayana which solely focused on the Divinity of Rama, this book brings
about refreshingly new gyration by crafting scholastic discussions between Lord
Rama and Sita.
Advertent reference to Somras, Meluha reminisces of The Shiva
Triology. Further to many close analogies between Sati of Meluha and Sita reiterates
author’s penchant to portray protagonist as a feisty individuals. Creativity
has been Amish’s forte but unfortunately several instances in the story line
reminds of his earlier work. More so recreating the same old magical script unveiled
in the past can make the story a drab. Overall since the story of fast-paced it
is an enjoyable read. It will be an instant hit among the readers who haven’t
read Amish earlier, but the old followers might be little disappointing. In
spite of being constrained by the storyline, he endeavoured to bring about new
freshness into the characters.
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