Asura: Tale Of The Vanquished: The Story of Ravana and His People by Anand Neelakantan

Description

“Asura: Tale of the Vanquished: The Story of Ravana and His People” is a novel written by Anand Neelakantan. Published in 2012, the book provides a fresh perspective on the well-known Indian epic, the Ramayana, by telling the story from the point of view of Ravana, the traditional antagonist of the epic.

In the Ramayana, Ravana is depicted as the demon king of Lanka who kidnaps Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. However, “Asura” seeks to humanize Ravana and his people, exploring their motivations, emotions, and experiences. The book aims to present a more complex and nuanced portrayal of Ravana’s character, shedding light on the other side of the narrative.

Anand Neelakantan’s retelling delves into the backstory of Ravana, his rise to power, the political and social dynamics of his kingdom, and the conflicts that eventually lead to his downfall. The novel also delves into the societal divisions and injustices that shape the world of the Ramayana.

By offering an alternate perspective on the epic, “Asura” challenges readers to reconsider the black-and-white morality often associated with traditional epics and to question the nature of heroes and villains. It’s part of a growing trend in literature to explore the complexities of characters and narratives that have been traditionally presented in more simplistic terms.

Overall, “Asura: Tale of the Vanquished” provides readers with an opportunity to see a familiar story from a different angle and engage with themes of power, empathy, and the human experience.