{"title":"Anand Neelakantan","description":"\u003cp\u003eRediscover the great Indian epics through the bold, subversive lens of Anand Neelakantan — one of India's most celebrated mythological fiction writers. Best known for \u003cem\u003eAsura: Tale of the Vanquished\u003c\/em\u003e, which retells the Ramayana from Ravana's perspective, and the \u003cem\u003eAjaya\u003c\/em\u003e series, which reimagines the Mahabharata through the eyes of the Kauravas, Neelakantan gives voice to the vanquished and challenges readers to question the nature of heroism, dharma, and power. His sweeping, richly imagined narratives have earned him a massive readership across India and beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"asura-tale-of-the-vanquished","title":"Asura: tale of the vanquished : the story of Ravana and his people","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe story of the Ramayana has been told countless times. The enthralling story of Rama, the incarnation of God, who slew Ravana, the King of Wrath, is known to every Indian. And in the pages of history, as always, it is the version told by the victors, that lives on. But what if Ravana and his people had a different story to tell? Asura is the epic narrative of the vanquished Asura people, a story cherished by the oppressed outcastes of India for over 3000 years. Until now, no Asura has dared to tell this tale. But perhaps the time has come for the defeated to speak: “For thousands of years, I have been vilified, and my death is celebrated year after year in every corner of India. Why? Was it because I challenged the gods for the sake of my daughter? Was it because I sought to free a race from the yoke of caste-based Deva rule? You have heard the victor's tale, the Ramayana. Now hear the Ravanayana, for I am Ravana, the Asura, and my story is the tale of the vanquished.” The ancient Asura empire lay shattered into many warring petty kingdoms under the heel of the Devas. In desperation, the Asuras look to a young saviour: Ravana. Believing that a better world awaits them under Ravana's leadership, common men like Bhadra decide to follow the young leader into war. With iron will and fiery ambition, Ravana leads his people from victory to victory, carving out a vast empire from the Devas. But even in triumph, the poor Asuras find that little has changed for them. But perhaps there is hope yet—but can Ravana change the course of history forever? Who is this for? Asura is a great choice for fans of mythological bestsellers like The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, The Forest of Enchantments, and the Ramayana in English. It is also a must-read for anyone interested in Indian mythology, mythological fiction books, spiritual books, and historical fiction books. For those who enjoy religious books and mythological books like The Ram Chandra Series by Amish\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dusky's Shrine","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":46035388694585,"sku":"9789381576052","price":539.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0795\/3367\/0457\/files\/712bY6-QsrL._SL1312_a7bc48ca-8f81-4f97-b9c4-a624da87fb0e.jpg?v=1782812576"},{"product_id":"mahishasura","title":"Mahishasura","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn the lost Archipelago of Kumarikandam, ruled queen Devi when an alien invasion sets forth on the Earth. Driven by ambition and motivated by science, their leader Naqta brings to life a half beast-half alien Mahishasura who has now taken over Kumarikandam. As the premonitions of Aggatiar, the sage comes to life, Devi is now faced with an intergalactic war with Mahishasura and his army to save her kingdom.Set 70,000 years ago, Mahishasura is an ultimate ode to the supreme energy mentioned in the Devi Purana. 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That celestial troublemaker says Hemanga should unite Nala, the king of Nishadas, with Damayanti, the princess of Vidharbha.Damayanti is a feisty beauty who has a mind of her own. She is no damsel in distress and has no need for a prince to rescue her. Nor has Nala any interest in finding love, for he is building a city for his tribe. Besides, he is a tribal king and thinks Damayanti is too above his position.Hemanga almost succeeds in making them fall in love with each other when Kali hears of his plan. Trapped on earth as he is not the creator of Brahma, he can't be free unless humans cease to exist. When he learns about Hemanga's mission to save humans, he seizes his chance. If Damayanti gives up Nala, he can prove that no true love exists in a woman's heart. 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From the pen of the author who gave voice to Ravana in the national bestseller, Asura, comes the riveting narrative which compels us to question the truth behind the Mahabharatam. As the Pandavas stake their claim to the Hastinapura throne, the Kaurava Crown Prince, Suyodhana, rises to challenge Krishna. As great minds debate dharma and adharma, power hungry men prepare for an apocalyptic war. The women, highborn and humble, helplessly watch the unfolding disaster with deep foreboding. And greedy merchants and unscrupulous priests lie in wait like vultures. Both sides know that beyond the agony and carnage the winner will take all. But even as gods conspire and men’s destinies unfold, a far greater truth awaits. The dark age of kali is rising and every man and woman must choose between duty and conscience, honour and shame, life and death…For fans of mythological bestsellers such as The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and The Forest of Enchantments, or those immersed in the Ramayana in English, Ajaya 1 and 2 are compelling choice. It is also a must-read for anyone interested in Indian mythology, mythological fiction books, spiritual books, and historical fiction books. Readers who enjoy the following or similar mythological books or religious books will find the Ajaya series a worthy addition to their collection: The Ram Chandra Series by Amish Tripathi, including Scion of Ikshvaku, Sita: Warrior of Mithila, Raavan: Enemy of Aryavarta, and War of Lanka, or Chanakya's Chant, The Rozabal Line and Krishna Key by Ashwin Sanghi, or The Palace of Illusions, The Forest of Enchantments or the Conch Bearer by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. 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The ideal introduction for beginners to the world of Indian mythology2. India's famous mythologist ventures into children's chapter book space with this new series3. Author is a bestselling writer of the Bahubali series, Asura: Tale of the Vanquished, Ajaya, Vanara. He's also a well-known scriptwriter for TV series and a newspaper columnist.4. This book features one of the funniest stories from Hindu mythology5. An incredible addition to the Puffin Chapter Book series, which currently boasts of Sudha Murty and Ruskin Bond6. This is a bright and full-color title that is packed with madcap illustrations7. 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And the rest is…Narayana, Narayana!This humour-filled tale with charming illustrations―the second in the chapter book series by bestselling author Anand Neelakantan―is packed with action, fun and dollops of laughter, making it a delightful read.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dusky's Shrine","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":46036110934073,"sku":"9780143458951","price":179.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0795\/3367\/0457\/files\/71i1OhjXBlL._SL1500_964c058f-a0fa-4576-9eff-c39f8248ceb3.jpg?v=1782815994"},{"product_id":"ajaya-1","title":"Ajaya 1","description":"\u003cp\u003eAjaya: Book 1: Roll of The Dice (Epic of The Kaurava Clan), the first book of the series Ajaya: Epic of The Kaurava Clan is a retelling of the story of the great epic Mahabharata. The epic itself is built on an exciting plot that has interesting sub plots and leaves much opportunity for research and introspection. In this series, the author, Anand Neelkanthan uses the tool of subversion for his new perspective. Here, the Kauravas become the protagonists and the story is told from their point of view. Duryodhan is named as Suyodhan. In Ajaya: Book 1: Roll of The Dice (Epic of The Kaurava Clan), the values of the Pandavas are questioned here as they believe in a religion, based on a classcaste nexus. On the other hand, Suyodhan has a liberal mindset and believes in equality. Characters like Eklavya, a deprived lower caste boy and Karna, son of a charioteer, are given new voice and energy to establish their identity. They want an end to insults and deprivations due to birth history, in spite of having great skills. The handling of these new sides to the epic characters in Ajaya: Book 1: Roll of The Dice (Epic of The Kaurava Clan) becomes quite interesting and entertaining. 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