Jaya by Devdutt Pattanaik - More than just a story!

"Jaya" by Devdutt Pattanaik - More than just a story!

This book is published by Penguin India in 2010 and has 372 pages.

Jaya, the itihas, is popularly known as Mahabharat. It's the story of Pandav's and Kaurav's, of Sri Krishna and Bhagwat Geeta, of victory of Dharm over adharm, and of the glorious 18 day war.

Popular Mahabharat starts from Shantanu, but author starts from Budha an Ila and continues to Dushyant Shakuntala then Yayati Devayani, Sharmishtha then Yadu and then Shantanu. Similarly story does not end with Yudhishthir reaching swarg but with him achieving Jaya.

Author tells us this known story in his style. He narrates the story chapter wise and then provides his commentary and analysis at the end of each chapter. This commentary is insightful. He  analyzes the events of the chapter from logical, social and philosophical point of view. (e. g. How the story of shakuntala changed from Mahabharat to Kalidas based on prevailing social practices or Edipus complex VS Yayati complex). Author refers to a number of folk tales across India and neighbouring countries like Indonesia as well as artistic literature to corroborate his deductions or to emphasize a point. 

Author makes some important points:

Philosophy of veda's was not to aspire or achieve but to introspect.

Dharma is not about defeating others but about conquering ourselves. 

India is originator of board games where only luck rules (snakes and ladders), where luck and intelligence rules (Chausar) and where only intelligence rules (Chess).

Disrobing of Draupadi represents collapse of a civilization, fall of Dharma.

In Mahabharat forests are not inky lands but the represent unknown, untamed part of mind. Rishis were the first to explore them. They created trails that connected caves and water bodies. Then it becomes safe for common man to inhibit. These are metaphors for taming of mind.

It's a good read that gives you knowledge about Mahabharat and more. However, you should have patience to read the known story again. 

Why did I read this book? Author and Story. 

What did I like? Commentary. 

What I didn't like? Nothing. 

Recommend reading so that you can look at it as more than just a story.

Draupadi in high heels by Aditi Kotwal.

"Draupadi in high heels" by Aditi Kotwal.

Deeya Panchal, an uber rich young entrepreneur & heiress, is attracted towers handsome Karan Ravi and also likes Arjun Kapur. Who will she choose? Her closest male friend & advisor is Krishna Gopalkrishnan. Does this remind you of something?

Intelligent readers would have smelt the plot by now. This is Mahabharat in modern times. Deeya, at one point, realizes the parallels in her life with that of Draupadi. Draupadi made choices that shaped her destiny and created history.

What choices does Deeya have? Will she marry Arjun Kapur and his brothers? Will she choose Karan? Or would she find someone else? Is there a karmic relation between her and Draupadi? What influence does the modern day equivalents of Bheeshma, Kunti, Drushtadyumna, Dushala and Drupad have on her decision and future? What role does Krish play?

Aditi has a fluent writing style. Since the story runs parallel to Mahabharat, she had to invent little on that front. She has portrayed the character of Deeya with vigor. Today's young independent entrepreneur who is rooted to Indianness, open-minded young lady yet longing for serious relationship is shown beautifully.

She has compensated in writing where the book lacks in story. Experienced readers can guess the end by the time they are half way through. Aditi could have added a lot of twists and turns and could have made the story a lot more complicated, but she has preferred to keep it simple and straight instead of risking entanglement in her own web.

I completed the book in one sitting. Recommend reading.