In the last few years, mythological fiction has gained immense popularity in India, unlike any other genre. Just like the Shiva trilogy by Amish, many Indian writers have come out with works that have been loved and appreciated by book lovers. With the many kings, queens, prince, princess gods, and goddesses instilled in our childhood memories, we have started to look forward to the next best book that caters to our never-ending imagination and feeds our hunger of more such tales of ancient times. So here’s a list of some of the best mythological fiction novels by Indian authors that you must read!
1. The Palace of Illusions – Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
A retelling of Mahabharata from Draupadi’s perspective, The Palace of Illusions has got a pretty unique approach. It sums up the epic Mahabharata in 360 pages from a perspective that intrigues many mythology enthusiasts. While reading the saga, we couldn’t help ourselves but wonder how Draupadi must have felt at the time of her forced marriage to five or when she was put on stake in a chess game that didn’t go down well. This book might help you get some answers (fictionally, of course).
Get your copy here.
2. The Pregnant King – Devdutt Pattnaik
Image Source: sohinibanerjeeblog – WordPress.com
A compelling fictional tale of a childless king – Yuvanashva of Mahabharata – who accidentally drank a magic elixir meant for his queens to bare kids, which resulted in him giving birth to a son. This is not all that makes this story intriguing. It has many characters that blur the lines between male and female. It is about Yuvanashva, his mother who wants to be a king but can’t because she is a woman, his son who gives up his genitals to be a wife to Arjun, who is lives disguised as a woman after a nymph emasculates him. This book breaks quite a few barriers and presents a very fictional tale which may be a very relatable one in today’s time!
Get your copy here.
3. Ram Chandra Series – Amish Tripathi
Here’s another tremendous mythological saga from the author of the great Shiva trilogy. This time he has picked up the great Ramayana and while the first part is interesting, however, Sita: The Warrior of Mithila, which is the second in this series, is probably the best in the series. The first one, Ram: Scion of Ikshvaku is from the perspective of Ram, the second from the perspective of Sita and the third instalment in the series gives all the unique perspective of Ravana. This third one has only recently come out, so make sure to pick up all three in this series!
Get your copy here.
4. The Kalki Series: Avtar of Vishnu – Kevin Missal
Missal tells the story of Kalki, the 10th Avatar of Vishnu, as a hero, the one we all were waiting for since Krishna told the prophecy. The characters, the plot, the writing! Everything fits perfectly. It’s a feel-good book with thrill and some wow moments. The second book in the series Satyayodha Kalki came out last year too. So get your hands on these now!
Get your copy here.
5. The Hastinapur series – Sharath Komarraju
This series starts with The Winds of Hastinapur which tells the tale of Ganga and her catastrophes, with seven of her kids dead and the eighth one left who has to determine the future of Hastinapur. It also tells the story of Satyavati, who baits Shantanu into marrying her with a dream of making her sons future kings. The Rise of Hastinapur, the second in the series, which is basically Mahabharata like never before! The third instalment, The Queens of Hastinapur, as the name suggests revolves around the different female characters, making it a strong retelling of Mahabharata with a touch of fantasy and fiction.
Get your copy here.
6. Karna’s Wife: The Outcast’s Queen – Kavita Kane
Different from all the other books on this aspect of Mahabharata, Karna’s wife is a story told from Uruvi, Karna’s wife’s perspective. This particular story brings to the forefront the story of Karna as an unsung hero, as seen by his wife, Uruvi. A Kshatriya princess by birth, Uruvi falls in love with Karna and chooses him over Arjun. She tries to come to terms with the social implication of her marriage and her husband’s blind allegiance to Duryodhana.
Get your copy here.
7. Vanara: The Legend of Bali, Sugreeva and Tara – Anand Neelakantan
Vanara is a mythological fiction book that talks about the lesser popular tales, that of Sugreeva and Bali. And this is what makes it refreshing. The book is the story of the tribe of Vanaras, and three of the most influential people of their tribe – Baali, Sugreeva and Tara. It is also, probably, the story of one of the world’s first love triangle.
Get your copy here.
8. Kamadeva: The God of Desire – Anuja Chandramouli
Kamadeva: The God of Desire is a mythological fiction that tells us (fictionally, of course) the entire story of Kamadeva, the legendary God of love. So, expect a mythological fiction which takes you on a roller coaster ride that is the life of Kamadeva.
Get your copy here.
Let us know in the comments below which one you liked the best!
