“Asura – A Fresh Perspective on Ramayana”
Approaching this weighty tome by a debut writer, I initially hesitated. However, as I delved into the pages, the quality of the writing revealed an author well beyond their novice status. The book, captivating with its narrative and precise language, breaks the myth that mythology might not engage the current generation, offering a tale that appeals to readers of all ages.
Numerous attempts have been made in the past to portray Ravana, the antagonist of Ramayana, as a heroic figure with admirable qualities. In “Asura,” Ravana, though the central character, is not entirely cast as a virtuous figure; his character is portrayed with both good and evil aspects. Surprisingly, some characters in the book are depicted as better or braver than Ravana himself.
Commencing with the ending, where the well-known story of Ramayana is already known, the narrative manages to sustain interest, leaving readers curious about the unfolding twists in the subsequent pages. A notable aspect of the story is the inclusion of Bhadra, a common man, who serves as an additional protagonist. The dual perspective of Ramayana, viewed through both Ravana and a common man’s eyes, enhances the story’s allure.
The author subtly connects Asuras and Devas with Aryans and Dravidians, echoing the British theory of the more civilized Indus Valley civilization being pushed southwards by foreign Aryans. The story intertwines political and social messages that seem more relevant to the contemporary period than the era of Ramayana.
Initially puzzled by the title “Asura” for Ravana, traditionally considered a Rakshasa, the narrative itself offers an explanation. The author skillfully elaborates on how certain characters transform into Gods over time, even those originally considered Rakshasas. A commendable aspect is the author’s effort to provide logical or scientific explanations for divine incidents such as Sita’s appearance to Janak, Sita’s fate, Agnipravesh of Sita, Rama winning Sita in Swayamvar, and the concept of Pushpakavimana.
While the story is a product of the author’s imagination, exploring alternative scenarios, some characters and events from the original Ramayana are manipulated in the process. The initial half of the story seems influenced by various versions of Ramayana, though not the original Valmiki Ramayana. However, the latter part, where Rama and his associates are portrayed in a negative light, diverges significantly from any known version of Ramayana. It appears the author may have been driven by the need to depict Rama as evil to do justice to the protagonist, Ravana. Perhaps, an alternative approach without altering incidents from the original Ramayana could have been considered.
In conclusion, “Asura” stands as an engaging read. My best wishes to the author, hoping for the creation of more captivating books and anticipating the success of this novel as one of the bestsellers in India.