Last week we reviewed The Immortals of Meluha by Amish; the same book that has been topping the fiction best sellers lists in India ever since it’s release. It’s success caught many by surprise, because it was published not by Penguin, Harper, Hachette, Random House or Rupa, but by the booksellers, Bahrisons. So today we take a closer look at the novel : what is it about this fictionalised interpretation of Shiva’s life that has appealed to the hearts and minds of Indian readers?
Faith has always been a best seller. And when faith fuses with fiction to bring to life Gods which are revered by millions, fireworks are no surprise. It happened with the “Jesus was a man, a husband, a father” Da Vinci Code. And now the same is happening with The Immortals of Meluha that tells the story of Shiva the man, who legend made into a God. For some, it is just the freshness of the plot (or relative freshness as critics cite the Da Vinci code “inspiration”) that blends elements of history and mythology with action, adventure and religion. For others it is a desire to relook at some mythological and religious sayings. Agnostics are drawn to it by hope; believers pick it up so that they can dismiss its blasphemous contentions. A few housewives confessed that they just wanted to see what the “human avtaar” of their Gods would be like . An elderly reader explained that a plot set in the context of his beliefs and religion was more appealing – “I can relate to it, understand it.” And a college student at the billing counter offered, ” I just want to see what the hooplah is all about!” Varied reasons, and yet they meshed together to make the 35 year old MBA from IIM Kolkata an instant celebrity.
The charm of The Da Vinci Code was in the seamless fusion of “believed” fact and fiction. Where did reality end and story begin, where did legend end and creativity begin – it was impossible to tell. The book did carry some important messages – respect for the feminine and the need for faith (or as some would say the power of faith), but these were lost in the intricacy of the plot and in its intrigue.
This however, is not the case with The Immortals of Meluha. Not surprisingly, while the plot and premise of the book have been much talked about, little has been said about it’s literary merit, about it’s consciously “modern” writing style that is completely at odds with the age and era it seeks to create for the reader. Many a times, it seems as if the author has juxtaposed modern day concepts on an ancient society. Disconcerting yes, but forgivable because once you rid yourself of your expectations from the plot, you discover nuances that hold great import for today’s world. For instance, after leading the “good” Suryavnshis to victory against the “evil” Chandravanshis, Shiva discovers his error. The Chandravanshis were not evil, not “terrorists” as the Suryavanshis and he himself had believed; only different. Just like the Asuras who were cast as “evil” by the Devas in their own texts (a reference to the bias of history – it always reflects the beliefs of those who pen it) . The “war against evil”, the Dharmayudh in which millions were killed were thus never battles of the righteous. They were battles between two different belief systems, two lifestyles, both of which were essential to maintain the balance in this world, to complete the world. The warriors and civilians who lost their lives were not martyrs who gave up their life for the “greater good” but unfortunate victims of the lack of understanding between two cultures that refused to engage with, and hence to understand each other.
The last few chapters of the book hold important lessons. Shiva was repeatedly plagued by doubts about the “evilness” of the Chandravanshis but at every stage he silenced his conscience by stating, “but they are evil and so this is justified.” Perhaps just like us when we view the “war against terror,” when we label innocent women and children as “collateral damage,” when we refuse to even understand the “other” because we are convinced that they are evil determined to destroy our way of life. But if the great God, the Mahadev could err, can’t we? If he could accept that he was “wrong”, can’t we? The important question, as an enlightened Pandit told a visibly shaken Shiva was not “Who is evil?” but “What is evil?” The job of a leader, of a God is not to destroy evil, but to identify it, recognise it.
Let us take another instance. Many readers going through the book will, like Shiva, believe the Meluhan society to be almost perfect. (Some though will find problems. But more on those later- in a separate post maybe) They will commend the great Suryavanshi king Daksha on the humaneness of his vision – not to destroy the Chandrvanshis but to offer them a chance to embrace the better quality of life offered by Meluhan society; to enter a society where the rich and poor are almost treated equally, where everyone lives by the law, where there are no beggars. And yet, in the end, they like Shiva will discover that no way of life is perfect; that each has its own strengths and weaknesses. What ails our world today, what causes strife and what has been the source of strife throughout history is the “Daksha syndrome.” The belief that our way of life – be it religion, political or economic system – is “the way of life” and the persistent attempt to make everyone embrace it.
They say what we seek is what we see. Perhaps, I am so caught up in the politics of our world that I find references to it in a fictionalised mythological story. But to me, the Immortals of Meluha is a political commentary with messages for our world and a hope that since they flow from the Mahadev himself, they will find greater acceptance. Be it the interpretation of Shiva’s battle cry – Har Har Mahadev as Every man a Mahadev or the valour of Sati who fights her own battles – every passage is rich in meaning and yet, open to interpretation. Therein lies the strength of this book.
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May 18th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
May I make a request if it’s not too much trouble? Is it possible for the writer of this review to email me on amish@shivatrilogy.com? Whoever has written this review has really understood my motivations and the issues that drive me. I would love to talk to him/her and understand his/her view of the world. cheers, Amish
May 18th, 2010 at 2:25 pm
Thanks Amish. I too would love to discuss my interpretation of your thoughts with you. Have sent you an email. cheers
May 21st, 2010 at 12:13 am
I loved this book. It is so gripping. I am just waiting for the sequel. Hurry Up Amish. When can we expect the next one?
May 21st, 2010 at 10:38 am
I am a big Shiva Bhakt and so I truely enjoyed the book. But I must say I did not think of all these hidden meanings and messages. It has cast the book in a whole new light for me. I am going to read it again before I respond to this post and is that truely the author who has commented here?
May 21st, 2010 at 10:47 am
@ Lata….I believe you will have to wait another year for the sequel Lata. Last I heard that was the timeline.
And I am sure he would be interested to hear your views, just like we would be. So, do come back and let us know if you agree, once you reread the book.
@ book_addict. Yes it is truely the author, Amish Tripathi who has left the comment here
May 24th, 2010 at 10:51 am
I really enjoyed this one but I agree with you about the language. It did seem a little weird. I mean seriously terrorists and, dept of immigration and the entire conversation style was too much today.
May 24th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
@Shaila…Hi. I am Anish, Amish’s proud elder brother. Quick comment on your modern language comment. Lets take “dept of immigration”, if a well-organized society like Meluha, was built around immigration, like say the US of today, I am sure that they would have had a dept for it. Now should we call it “Aparavaasi Vibhag” or just leave it as Dept of Immigration.
The book is targetting the youth of today and hence the convrsational style is one that we can all assocaite with. It may sound a bit weird in the beginning as we are all used the the Ramanand SAgar variety of depiction (and thereby language) of our gods and not as human beings who attained godhood on the basis of their karma.
May 25th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
Dear Anish,
You have every reason to be proud. Meluha is a good book. But the point about writing is to also recreate the scene, to take the reader to the world that is being written about. In this case, the description took me to Meluha to 1900 BC but the conversations kept bringing me back to the present. That was jarring. I believe that a good book is not just about plot and characters but also about the writing style. I am not saying it should be so difficult that people can’t understand it or relate to it. Just that it should suit the time and age of the characters. Even 50 years back, in my childhood, we didn’t talk this way. So, to expect that a 4000 year old society used this type of conversation is a little weird. Having said that maybe this modern language will get you the youth you are targeting. Good Luck and God Bless you both.
May 25th, 2010 at 6:00 pm
@Anishda, love u man!
@Shaila, I appreciate ur concerns. In fact this was one of the issues on which there was a lot of debate with the editor and within the family. I guess the point is that the modern language makes it accessible to a larger audience, especially the youth. That point does make sense to me. But the fact that it can spoil the experience for people like you, I can understand… My sincere apologies for that. And I’m glad that you still enjoyed the book. I hope Lord Shiva continues to bless you and your family.
May 28th, 2010 at 11:31 am
I have heard that in this book the evil are called Naga – if that is the case, it is truely shocking. Your review says this is a very sensitive book. Could you please tell me how it is sensitive to use the label of an ethnic group and cast them as “bad”? That is not really literary license, that is insensitivity and I am shocked you did not bother to mention it in your review.
May 29th, 2010 at 11:43 am
@ Yangrela. You are right about the term Naga being used in the Immortals of Meluha. I have worked extensively in North east India, especially Nagaland and I must admit that the term did rankle a little. But then Naga (literally the serpent) is a prominent figure and symbol in Hindu mythology as well. While I can’t speak for the author, given his views on issues like othering, terrorism etc, I find it difficult to believe that the term reflects insensitivity or bias. My guess is he perhaps did not think of the ethnic angle at all. Hence we did not point it out in our review. But yes, some of my other Naga friends have also talked about this and one even suggested that the author could change the term a little – Naaga or Nagaa- to avoid the ethnic controversy. I am sure Amish will clarify any other doubts you have on this.
May 29th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
My initial reaction was that of Shaila’s. However, on second thoughts I think the style is easy to read through with more attention on the substance. I think the style suits the intent of the author well. One of THE BEST books I have read.
It probably helps the people of today’s world to better appreciate the diverse and at times anti-views in existence.
May 30th, 2010 at 10:24 am
@Yangrela, Thank you for your views and my apologies for your hurt feelings. But I would like to point out two things. Firstly, have you considered how illogical and irrational it would be to call todays Lankans evil just because Lord Ravan ruled an apparently evil land called Lanka many millenia ago? It is completely irrational right? Today’s Lanka (mainly Buddhist) has nothing to do with Lord Ravan’s Lanka (mainly Vedic). All they share in common is an accident of a name. There are many examples like this: like the Hindu holy symbol Swastik and the dark Nazi symbol Swastika – there is nothing in common between them except the name. Similarly, there is absolutely nothing in common between the Nagas of The Immortals of Meluha and the Nagas of Nagaland. 90% of Nagaland is christian, the Nagas of Meluha are Vedic (Hindu as a term didn’t exist then; it is a persian corruption of River Sindhu). Most Nagas from Nagaland tend to be amazingly good looking, the Nagas from The Immortals of Meluha are deformed. Secondly, and most importantly, if there is one thing I have learnt about the Shiva Trilogy, we should not jump to conclusions over who or what is evil. You never know what twists and turns await us in the future. In fact the book ends with a question to Shiva: What is evil? The answer is not that obvious.
May 31st, 2010 at 8:33 am
@ Amish. Thank you for your response. Good to know that your motive was not to malign us but can you guarantee that your readers won’t think so either? Most of your readers know about Sri Lanka. On the other hand how many of them know about Nagaland? Our state has a long history of conflict. The only time you people read about us is when there is NSCN related activity or ceasefire. Many of you still think of us as head hunters and barbarians. Even now I am asked for my passport in hotels in your cities. People outside our region know nothing about us. Imagine how easy it would be for them to stereotype us. That is my problem.
@ admin. I still think you should have pointed out the reference. Your reviews are normally always neutral. That is what I like about your site. Please don’t change. I also think that your friend’s suggestion about changing the spellings won’t solve the problem, bu might do some damage control. I believe the author should put a disclaimer in his next book, saying that the group referred to as Naaga in here is with reference to Vedic period and has no resemblance or connection with the Naga people inhabiting the state of Nagaland. If what you say in the review is true, if the author is actually try to call for a greater understanding between different cultures, then this is important.
June 2nd, 2010 at 10:47 pm
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June 17th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
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July 11th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
The book brings forth the idea and ideology of human thoughts which is there even today. The want of power still remains so you identify with the age old legend. That it is in the form of a God is acceptable as well as startling.Shiva a human? Then can every man do so? Thats why perhaps , har har mahadev is still rampant in every age.
August 19th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
I found the book very interesting. The benefits of this genre of books in using a style and language that communicates with todays young reader in India has been highlighted above and I appreciate that. But here I will highlight a few shortfalls I noticed in the book and will put it here as creative critism.
The book is expansive in ideas, but lacks depth. Few observations from the book prose.
1. A million casualties in the war, and everybody carries on as routine without a feel for the unfolded tragedy including the conduct of the Kings on either side at the end of the war. The characters behave according to the author’s style of “make it quick and move on”, and hence seem out of a realistic context in their reaction (or rather lack of it). They seem to be mulling “Cant wait out here, the author is asking us to run to the next….”
2. Vikarma’s abrogation is treated so casually. A big thing for a highly disciplined society, but it is done so casually that there is no reaction from the society and the author did not deal with it at all.
There are several more points where the author could have brought depth for its appreciation by the readers. Lets not assume that while today’s youth seeks easy read and contemporary language, they are ready to swallow glossing over intricate issues.
Amish: What do you say?
Well written and good read none the less and a 6/10.
November 20th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
Hi Amish, i have just completed The book and eagerly waiting for its sequel.Expecting it to be soon.
I am amazed to see that how you have collected all those rare concepts and put them together in such a adventurous yet a delightful story.
December 2nd, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Hi Amish,
First of all, I must applaud you on being so accessible to your readers even after the huge success of your book. It is insightful and exciting getting a glimpse behind the scenes so to speak of your work and your current views and responses to your readers queries, doubts and even ’shikayats’ !! Thank you very much indeed.
And thank you ‘admin’ for your perceptive take on the book which allowed many of us a new and more rich re-reading of the book.
Amish, do hurry up on the second book
and wishing you an even greater success !
PS this is my first time reading anything on Hindu mythology and i think i am going to continue
May 5th, 2011 at 12:05 am
I have always has Lord Shiva as my Isht God! Though well aware of his innocence and wisdom I never had too much information about him. I was made to believe that Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh emerged from a super God with their strictly assigned duties. It was heart warming to envisage Shiva as a human being..esp with all mortal virtues.You want to read and discuss this book with people..Full of information. Good Book!!
October 31st, 2011 at 4:05 pm
sir amish you are so awesome we are waiting for the the oath of the vayuputras to release im still in 9th grade but your book has fasinated us so much,now every alternate kid reads meluha
January 12th, 2012 at 8:48 pm
I loved reading this book! I am aspiring director but unfortunate uninterested future engineer who feel the maika system should have been there in present day INDIA atleast an extra 10th Maika class where one can choose their profession out of interest.
The points and scenes that i loved.
1. Shiva is a ‘cool dude’ and his sense of humour,depictions.predictions etc .The picture of Shiva on the book which makes foreigners to awestruck at that macho look of our God and also to compare with their heroes Gladiator,Sparta king or wateva. I love to Hrithik in the karan’s film.
2. Wow the love story man! Amish would have loved Preeti which he reciprocated the same – Shiva is flirt, Shiva is fooled sometimes by Sati, Shiva didnt understand her heart previously etc etc. \\The Sexy scene Shiva lets Sati to fight and in Agnipariksha despite others’ beliefs that she would lose to tarak which helps Sati to start love as she got that ‘RESPECT’.
3.the Battle Sequence is awsome from start to end preparations.One of the initial Disbeliever of Neelkanth,Parvateshwar Calls Shiva ‘My Lord’ when Shiva comes LIVE into battle field and later Vraka reactions.Everyone start shouting Har Har Mahadev after inspiring speech form Shiva.
(Har Har Mahadev interpretation was kiraaak, keka, masth hey). But that Tortoise thing is expected and not new for modern world after many films.
4.Vasudev Pundit Good n Evil conversations , Maika System , Badges , Weed addict shiva, confusing Vikarma System , Oxygen – Oxidants thing , Third eye suspense , Mohandejaro , Egypt trades etc are awesome innovative depiction on facts of fiction wateva.
5.Shiva answer ”I would like it if you killed for Meluha ” to Drapahu words ‘We want to die for our country’ . Vidyu Veer tilak on Drapahu when he lead his Vikarma team to the pass.
Confusions and answers which i might find in next books:
if cleared in the book.
1. Blue throat and Shiva origin – Smudra Mantham
2.Queen and Hooded man.
3.Bhagirath and Dilipa are supposed to be from Suryavamsh
4.Entrance of Brungi like Nandi
5.the Lingam concept and contrversy
hARA HARA MAHAVDEV .. Shambho sankara.
Chalo its tym to start the Secret of Nagas which is in my hand tigh now.