Avishi: Reimagining Vishpala of the Rig Veda by Saiswaroopa Iyer

​"Avishi: Reimagining Vishpala of the Rig Veda" by Saiswaroopa Iyer - World’s first reference to prosthesis!

This book was published by Bloomsbury India in 2021 and has 394 pages.

Forrest of Naimisha, abode of Rishis who define the codes for the society. Kingdom of Vishrabhavati ruled by Khela who has usurped the throne by killing the incumbent. Ashtagani, a small settlement that has a ruling council that represents the subjects and chief Ganapati. Avishi, an orphan from Naimisha comes to Ashtagani and rises in the ranks quickly. Khela has sinister designs for Ashtagani. The stage is set. 

Why does Khela want Ashtagani? How influential are the sages of Naimisha? How high can Avishi rise? How good is the prosthetic?

Avishi is the fearless warrior. She is liked by everyone. Her mate Satya is a doctor and a non fighter. Khela is the devious villain. Shula is the senani of Ashtagani and in awe of Avishi. Gautam is a Naimisha sage and Avishi’s former mate. 

Avishi’s prosthesis is the real reason for the story, but Avishi gets it very late in the story, just before the final duel. So the reason for writing the story actually recedes in the background. The story is very slow and not very interesting. It also lacks excitement. It took me more than 6 months to complete this book. 

It’s Vedic time period. So the characters invoke Varuna and Mitra, the prominent Gods of Rig Veda. The institution of marriage was not established at that time, so author uses the introduction of institution of marriage as the disruptive element.

There are a few hymns in Rig Veda about a Vishpala (ruler), who lost a leg in a war with Khela. She was granted a metal leg by twin deities Ashwins. This is world’s first reference to prosthesis. Author has taken these 4-5 hymns and developed a full length novel, a fiction.

Since the seed is small, it’s a Herculean task to create a full length novel out of it. Author huffs and puffs to do so. Ashok Banker has written a master piece based on a hymn in Rig Veda (Ten Kings or Dasha Rajna). This book pales in comparison to Ten Kings. 

This book has been optioned for film or digital adaptation. 

Why did I read this book? Blurb 

What I didn't like? Slowness, lack of excitement. 

What did I like? The concept.  

Give it a miss