Asura Tale Of The Vanquished Ebook
Asura Tale Of The Vanquished Ebook: A Review
If you are looking for a fresh and unconventional take on the epic Ramayana, you might want to check out Asura Tale Of The Vanquished Ebook by Anand Neelakantan. This book is not your typical retelling of the ancient story, but rather a revisionist and subversive version that challenges the conventional notions of good and evil, hero and villain, and victor and vanquished. In this article, we will review Asura Tale Of The Vanquished Ebook and see what makes it a unique and compelling read.
Introduction
What is Asura Tale Of The Vanquished?
Asura Tale Of The Vanquished is a historical fiction novel that was published in 2012 by Leadstart Publishing. It is the debut novel of Anand Neelakantan, an Indian author who specializes in writing mythological fiction. Asura Tale Of The Vanquished is the first book in a trilogy that also includes Ajaya: Roll of the Dice and Ajaya: Rise of Kali.
Who is the author of Asura Tale Of The Vanquished?
Anand Neelakantan is a bestselling author who has written several books based on Indian mythology and history. He was born in Kerala, India, and graduated from Government Engineering College, Trichur. He worked as a software engineer for several years before becoming a full-time writer. He is also a columnist, screenwriter, illustrator, and speaker. He has written books such as Bahubali: Before the Beginning, Rise of Sivagami, and Vanara: The Legend of Baali, Sugreeva and Tara.
What is the main theme of Asura Tale Of The Vanquished?
The main theme of Asura Tale Of The Vanquished is to present the Ramayana from the perspective of the defeated party, namely the Asuras or demons. The book challenges the popular narrative that portrays Rama as the ideal hero and Ravana as the evil villain. It also questions the morality and justice of the war that resulted in the annihilation of the Asuras and their culture. The book explores the complex and nuanced characters of Ravana, Bhadra, Sita, and others, and shows how their actions and motivations were shaped by their circumstances and choices.
Summary of Asura Tale Of The Vanquished
The story of Ravana
The book tells the story of Ravana, the king of Lanka and the leader of the Asuras. Ravana is depicted as a brilliant and ambitious ruler who dreams of creating a utopian society for his people. He is also a devout follower of Shiva, a lover of arts and sciences, and a master of diplomacy and warfare. However, he is also flawed by his arrogance, pride, lust, and anger. He faces many enemies and challenges throughout his life, such as his half-brother Kubera, his cousin Mahabali, his rival Vishwakarma, his nemesis Rama, and his own family members.
The story of Bhadra
The book also tells the story of Bhadra, a common Asura who becomes Ravana's loyal friend and follower. Bhadra is born in a poor and oppressed family, and suffers from discrimination and injustice at the hands of the Deva or gods. He witnesses the atrocities committed by the Deva against the Asura, such as the massacre of his village, the enslavement of his people, and the destruction of his culture. He joins Ravana's army and fights for the Asura cause, hoping to achieve freedom and dignity for his kind. He also falls in love with a Deva woman named Mandodari, who becomes Ravana's wife.
The story of Sita
The book also tells the story of Sita, the daughter of Ravana and Mandodari, who is adopted by King Janaka of Mithila. Sita is raised as a princess and a devotee of Vishnu. She marries Rama, the prince of Ayodhya and the avatar of Vishnu, and accompanies him to his exile in the forest. She is kidnapped by Ravana, who wants to avenge his sister Surpanakha's mutilation by Rama's brother Lakshmana. She is held captive in Lanka, where she meets her biological parents and learns about her true identity. She also faces the dilemma of choosing between her love for Rama and her sympathy for Ravana.
Analysis of Asura Tale Of The Vanquished
The perspective of the defeated
One of the most striking features of Asura Tale Of The Vanquished is that it offers a perspective of the defeated party in the Ramayana, which is rarely seen or heard in the mainstream versions. The book shows how the Asuras were not inherently evil or demonic, but rather a different race of beings who had their own values, beliefs, customs, and aspirations. The book also shows how the Asuras were victims of oppression, exploitation, and genocide by the Deva, who claimed to be superior and righteous. The book exposes the hypocrisy and cruelty of the Deva, who used religion, propaganda, and violence to justify their domination and subjugation of the Asuras.
The critique of the victors
Another notable feature of Asura Tale Of The Vanquished is that it critiques the victors in the Ramayana, who are usually glorified and revered in the popular versions. The book challenges the image of Rama as the perfect hero and role model, and shows how he was influenced by his political and social obligations, his personal biases and prejudices, and his moral dilemmas and compromises. The book also challenges the image of Ravana as the wicked villain and enemy, and shows how he was a complex and charismatic leader who had noble intentions and admirable qualities. The book also challenges the image of Sita as the ideal wife and victim, and shows how she was a strong and independent woman who had her own agency and voice.
The relevance of the myth
A third important feature of Asura Tale Of The Vanquished is that it makes the myth relevant to the contemporary context. The book draws parallels between the ancient conflict between the Deva and Asura, and the modern issues of casteism, racism, sexism, nationalism, imperialism, terrorism, etc. The book also raises questions about the nature of history, truth, justice, morality, identity, etc., that are pertinent to today's society. The book invites the reader to rethink and reevaluate their assumptions and perspectives about the Ramayana, and to appreciate its diversity and complexity.
Conclusion
Why should you read Asura Tale Of The Vanquished?
You should read Asura Tale Of The Vanquished if you are interested in a different and unconventional take on the Ramayana that will challenge your views and expectations. You should read Asura Tale Of The Vanquished if you are curious about the perspective of the defeated party that is often ignored or silenced in history. You should read Asura Tale Of The Vanquished if you are looking for a gripping and engaging story that will make you think and feel.
Where can you buy Asura Tale Of The Vanquished Ebook?
You can buy Asura Tale Of The Vanquished Ebook from various online platforms such as Amazon Kindle Store, Google Play Books Store, Apple Books Store, etc. You can also download a free sample or preview before buying it. You can also read reviews from other readers who have bought it.
FAQs
Q: Is Asura Tale Of The Vanquished based on true events?
some historical and cultural references that may be based on true events.
Q: Who are the Asuras and the Deva in Hindu mythology?
A: The Asuras and the Deva are two groups of beings who are often depicted as enemies or rivals in Hindu mythology. The Asuras are usually associated with darkness, chaos, and evil, while the Deva are usually associated with light, order, and good. However, these classifications are not absolute or fixed, and there are examples of Asuras who are good and Deva who are evil in some stories.
Q: What are some other books that are similar to Asura Tale Of The Vanquished?
A: Some other books that are similar to Asura Tale Of The Vanquished are The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, which retells the Mahabharata from the perspective of Draupadi; Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata by Devdutt Pattanaik, which presents a comprehensive and accessible version of the Mahabharata; and The Forest of Enchantments by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, which retells the Ramayana from the perspective of Sita.
Q: How long is Asura Tale Of The Vanquished Ebook?
A: Asura Tale Of The Vanquished Ebook is about 504 pages long, according to Amazon Kindle Store. It may vary depending on the format and device you use to read it.
Q: How can I contact the author of Asura Tale Of The Vanquished?
A: You can contact the author of Asura Tale Of The Vanquished through his official website (www.anandneelakantan.com/), his Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AnandNeelakantan.Author), his Twitter account (twitter.com/itsanandneel), or his Instagram account (www.instagram.com/anandneelakantan/).