Are you looking to read Indian mythology books but not sure where to start? It is time to keep your worries aside, for The Bombay Circle Press is here to rescue you. A handpicked book recommendation list, these books will make you want to dive deep into the world of mythologies like never before. Take a look.
- Folktales of India by A.K. Ramanujan
This enchanting collection of a splendid 110 tales from all over India, translated from more than 20 languages, is bound to mesmerise you with its harrowing or comical turns, often with mysterious and romantic elements. With Gods or supernatural beings disguised as beggars, animals with Machiavellian behaviours, magical storytellers or foolish Kings, this anthology contains everything you need from Indian Mythology.
- Parva by S.L. Bhyrappa
This historical fiction is considered to be the magnum opus of the Bhyrappa. It is a re-telling of Mahabharat with a modern day twist. Devoid of all the mystical and fantastical elements, this story is set in the 12th century B.C.E. India. It forces the reader to see Mahabharat as a story of war, love and justice rather than just an epic. A certain shock element accompanies the story and challenges the reader’s perspective of Mahabharat.
- The Guardians of the Halahala by Shatrujeet Nath
This mytho-fiction tells the story of a battle between Devlok and Patalok over the powerful Halahala, that Shivji once drank to save the universe. However small portions of it remain, it guarantees its holder control over the world. To solve this crisis, Shivji turns to the human race. It is now up to the courageous Samrat Vikramaditya, known for his equal and just rule, and his Council of Nine to prevent the world from tumbling into chaos.
- 7 Secrets Of Vishnu by Devdutt Pattanaik
For Hindus, Vishnu is the god who inspires man to discover humanity by engaging with the world. Poets say that when he is awake, the world takes shape; when he is asleep, the world ceases to be. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, follows him wherever he goes.
He is worshipped across India as Balaji, Shreenathji, Jagannath, Ranganath and Badrinath. Locked in the stories, symbols and rituals of Vishnu is the wisdom of the ancestors, transmitted over hundreds of years. This book attempts to unlock seven secrets that are relevant even in modern times.
- Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee
A novel worth all its hype, it tells the story of Mahabharat from the point of view of Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas. Written from a feminist perspective, this compelling novel shows the inner turmoil of Draupadi during crucial moments until the war, often relying on her good friend, Lord Krishna. This mytho-fiction explores the themes of love, justice and promises through the lens of a woman, who seems helpless in the beginning but soon turns into an intense heroine. Her girlhood is lost and she slowly morphes into the queen she was prophesied to be.
If you loved these recommendations, keep a lookout on The Bombay Circle Press’ bulletin for even more! We not only blog about our favourite books but everything literature. Thanks for reading!