Book Review- Asura,Tale of the Vanquished

Author: Anand Neelakantan

This is not an actual book review, it is just about the book and not about me being judgemental or rating it.

Asura, as the name suggests is about those dark forces which are regularly shown as the villians against the supreme Indian Gods. They are dark, huge, filthy, violent and immoral as shown and described in television shows, films, books and folk tales. We all need to fear and hate them, but not understand their story. This book is basically a story of that dark clan told through the greatest villain of the history "Ravana". 

*few spoilers ahead (but they won't ruin your reading)*

This story begins with the death of Ravana and the first chapter is titled as "The End", the writer purposely starts with the negative title first. The story is about the usual and famous Ravana who has suffered as a child in a poor dysfunctional family with his mother and two siblings-  Vibhishana and Surpanakha. The book is divided into two perspectives - Ravana (the king) and Bhadra (someone who is instrumental in his story and also the one who represents the common folk of Asuras and their sufferings throughout). More than Ravana's tale which we all know, the more touching and poignant tale is that of Bhadra. Amongst the wars and fights between Devas and Asuras the common folk is assaulted, beaten and battered the most. 

The best thing about this story is that, neither Devas (the divines) nor the Asuras (the immoral monsters) are shown as superiors. Both are shown as equals, having committed the same kind of crimes and injustice. Ravana is full of pride, ego and self love but Rama on the other hand is more like a slave to the system, his doings are merely decided by the high cast(Brahmins) of his kingdom. 

Here, the story is told just like the stories of Mughal emperors or Greek empires. There are no logic shattering miracles, nor some story saving supernatural elements nor the blessings of God. Every one is shown human with human follies and tendencies. 

The major focus in this novel is liberal thoughts and the caste systems. The Asuras are shown ugly but, with liberal thoughts and open minds, whereas the Devas are particular but do not have proper planning, freedom to their women and are believers of corrupt systems such as accountability or sati. In today's times a reader can easily identify with these malpractices and the more one reads it, the more we find the Asura system purgative. 

But the hero of the novel is not Ravana according to me, but a common man called "Bhadra". who has seen major setbacks in his life and witnessed the inhumane behaviour projected towards someone who is not in the category of the caste system, he has lost his family, fought death for his king, done odd jobs to survive and the most liberating thing : Re-married a prostitute and adopted her son as his own. A reader's heart goes out for Bhadra at the end of the book and the mind emerges out with new perspective about the Asuras. Yes, one might question the truth but this work of fiction will surely set your thoughts flowing in a different direction. The "might be" of your mind will get a new food for thought. 

This book is a must for those who like Indian Mythology as it is shown in a new light. For others it is a famous story told in a different way and the deep rooted malpractices which are relevant somewhere in India even today.

If you don't like the detailed descriptions of war do not worry, those are detailed but really intriguing and fascinating. Every chapter in this novel has a story in itself and a moral without being preachy. 

For people who like to read Amish Tripathi, Devdutt Patnaik or Ashwin Sanghi, do not hesitate in buying this copy for yourself. It is going to be a treat to you!