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Asura: Tale Of The Vanquished (2012)

by Anand Neelakantan(Favorite Author)

3.54 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

938157605X (ISBN13: 9789381576052)

languge

English

genre

Historical Fiction

publisher

lead start publication pvt ltd

review 1: i first read 'ajaya' and was impressed. hence expectations were high with this book. but it turned out to be a dampner. the author has sought to portray ravana as a great warrior who established a class-less and just society down south. but the ravana of his book comes across as nothing more than an oppurtunistic ego maniac with no scruples whatsoever. further, the author describes the lankan society as also class-ridden and oppressive. the travails of one of the principal characters 'bhadra' is an example. in that case one dosent understand how ravana's society is different from the mainland's. in addition, by repeatedly referring to the people up north as savages and barbarians, the author has exhibited his chronic bias. blaming all the problems of society on one class ... moreviz. brahmins, is over simplifying the problem. if ananad neelkantan is to be taken seriously in the literary world, he must mellow down and learn to view things objectively. i really hope he does, because a) i like and admire his capacity to view things from a new perspecitve; b) his writting skills are impressive c) i can see that he really does do his homework before embarking on a new project and d) he has the potential to become a great author
review 2: ASURA: Tale Of The VanquishedFirstly, i congratulate Leadstart for presenting such a magnificent work in terms of quality and appearance of book. The soft elegance of holding the book have been something different.I am really glad that i got an opportunity to look into other perspective of our religious mythology. This story couldn't have any other better starting. The flow and rhythm have been swift. The elaborations have been more than enough and first half was really interesting. But once it reached the known territory of second half, i felt the desire of skipping. The spice of the story have been the character of Bhadra, really nice and comical one.But there is another aspect of story as well and that is what i pronounce as the soul of entire work. This soul is nothing else than the theme and motive of the story and it is not logical one and are based on stupid reasoning. Following are my reasons for saying so:1) During Vedic period i.e. the period of Indra, women were seen with highest regard and respect and there were no cases of molestation(As per Veda), forget the nonsense of rape and gangrape (page -22). This is highly fabricated theory. Indra has been praised for his warriors trait throughout Veda. Its true that he destroyed Asura empire ,but it doesn't give liberty to paint him as a rapist. It is absurd and nonsense. 2) Another nonsense is the theory of brotherhood given by Khumbha , the brother of Asura king Ravana. Although jokingly, but it draws very clear intention of Asura clan to de-mine the Devas .3)Another nonsense is (page 304)- Devas raped and cut off nose of Soorpanakha. To my dismay , i dont understand whether soorpanakha, an ugly looking Asura was a Miss world or Miss India. Can these ugly looking Asuras clan be raped? My goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!4) North Indians have been portrayed as uncultured and uncivilised as if Asura clan were super computers and most dignified community of mankind. what a Nonsense!!!!!!!!!!What i conclude is that the Asura clan are overpowered by feeling of inferiority complexion and this is because they are indeed an inferior creature.They don't have any stand on morality and they are envy of superior Deva clans. They are ugly looking creatures having power of bulls and this makes them feel as superior. Going through the story, many times i recalled the fight scene of SRK and Tangabali from Chennai Express. Finally I am glad that our god, Lord Rama killed those Asuras and made this earth a peaceful place to live. Although other way, author should be credited for making an impression on our mindset. For further continuity , i request my readers to go through my upcoming book "Travellage across the Age" , it will fairly elaborate the other part of Devas clan.See you soon. less

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