Gods in Exile

This anthology of short stories draws inspiration from the historical accounts presented in Meenakshi Jain’s Flight of Deities and Rebirth of Temples, tracing the Hindu response to the destruction of temples and desecration of their deities during periods of Islamic conquest. Each story captures moments of quiet resilience and bold defiance—acts of devotion, courage, and cultural preservation in the face of profound loss. For centuries, the devastation of temples and mutilation of deities have left a deep, transgenerational wound in the Hindu psyche—a trauma that has only recently begun to be acknowledged in mainstream historical narratives. Cantered on the themes of dharmic resistance and spiritual endurance, the anthology honours the efforts of rulers, communities, and individuals who fought to protect, reclaim, and rebuild their sacred spaces. In doing so, it offers a deeper understanding of the cultural and emotional weight these events continue to carry.