One of my favorite Authors is Kavita Kane, an Indian writer known for her works in mythological fiction and primarily based on Indian Mythology. All her books focus on the stories and perspectives of the female characters in the epics who are marginalized and overlooked in the original narratives.
Her bestseller is Karna’s Wife: The Outcast Queen, which tells the story of the wife (Uruvi) of Karna, the tragic hero of Mahabharata.
I love reading her books cause of the reason that they are captivating, inspiring, and insightful. I love how while reading her books, I get transported to a different realm, that lets me explore the rich and diverse heritage of our Indian spirituality and culture. It helps me in a challenging way that it lets me think about issues and the dilemmas faced by characters in an empathetic and critical way on how they could relate to the contemporary world. Her books also bring out the importance and celebrate women’s courage, wisdom, and strength which can make a difference in their lives and of others.
Some of her books which I like are,
SITA’s SISTER: This is the story about Urmila who is the sister of Sita and the wife of Lakshmana who was left behind at Ayodhya when Ram, Sita, and Lakshmana went to the forest. Her sacrifices, resilience, and struggles as she faces the trials and tribulations in Ramayana are very well explained.
MENAKA’S CHOICE: This is the story about the celestial nymph, Menaka who was sent by Lord Indra to seduce Vishwamitra, the sage from his penance. Contrary to the purpose for which she was sent, she fell in love with the sage and gave birth to Shakuntala, the book portrays her choice, passion, and dilemma.
LANKA’S PRINCESS: This book narrates the story of Surpanakha, who was Ravana’s sister, and the catalyst of the war that blooms between Rama and Ravana. For the injustice and humiliation done by Rama and Lakshmana, the book explains her actions and motives as she seeks to take revenge on the brothers.
KARNA’S WIFE: It is the story of Urvi, a princess who falls in love and marries Karna, the son of a charioteer and the tragic hero of the Mahabharata. She stands by Karna in the war, the book explains the loyalty of Urvi, her struggles, and her sacrifices as the war proceeds. We also understand the conflicts and complex relationships between Karna and characters like Draupadi, Krishna, and Arjuna.
TARA’S TRUCE: It is the story of Tara, the wife of Vaali and the Queen of Sugriva. Her wisdom, courage As she tries to restore harmony and peace in her Kingdom Kishkinda, the book portrays her wisdom, courage, and diplomacy. The motives, and emotions of Tara are portrayed beautifully, and her relationships with characters like Rama, Hanuman and Lakshmana.
Learning more about the female characters, their point of view of the great epics was a different experience away from always reading the epics in the same old perspective. I do hope that some of these titles would make you pick them up and get drenched in the female characters courage, wisdom and diplomacy.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘BookishCafeBloghop2024’ hosted by Rakhi Jayashankar and Samata Dey Bose .