The Immortals of Meluha: A Book Review
I had been wanting to read this book for quite some time. Although I’ve never been into mythological stories, the immense popularity it garnered intrigued me. Finally, a few months ago, my loving and thoughtful partner gifted me this book.
I didn’t know what to expect, as I had never read books in this genre before. Additionally, I had fallen out of the habit of reading books for several years. This one seemed quite substantial, but I hoped it would be a good one to start with. Admittedly, it took me quite a long time to finish!
“The Immortals of Meluha,” the first part of a trilogy on Lord Shiva, is written by Amish. As the cover of the book suggests, this is the story of a man, Shiva, whom legend turned into a god. Set in 1900 BC, the backdrop, according to the author, is what modern Indians mistakenly call the Indus Valley Civilization.
From the start, I found the story to be written in a very lucid manner, with simple English and a contemporary narrative style. Despite its ancient setting, the story feels modern and relatable. The author presents historical events with such rationality and logic that it kept my curiosity piqued throughout.
The highlight of the story for me is the character of Shiva. As the central figure of the trilogy, he is portrayed with strong morals but also with human flaws. He expresses normal human emotions, like cursing when angry, making fun of his friends, and showing a wicked sense of humor. His relationships, whether with friends or in love, are depicted simply and without excessive drama. Shiva is not portrayed as a holier-than-thou figure, despite being revered as a god by the masses. This relatability and contemporary portrayal likely contribute to the book’s popularity.
The story also explores the perspectives of two kingdoms through comparisons of their administrative systems, human settlement patterns, flexibility of rules, and even color and fashion choices. Additionally, it delves into the masculine and feminine aspects of all things, which I found interesting.
Towards the end, the story’s exploration of the concepts of good and bad stood out to me. It suggests that good and bad are merely perceptions and that there is no absolute good or absolute bad. I appreciate any form of art or expression that holds up a mirror to society and offers perspectives rather than preaching, and this book does just that.
As I finished the story, I was left wondering about the Nagas and the Vayuputras, who are briefly introduced and will be explored further in the next two books of the trilogy. Shiva’s journey has been captivating so far and offers a thoughtful reflection on the past.
Overall, I’m glad I chose to read this book. Completing it has made me eager to continue the trilogy. I believe this book can be a compelling read for contemporary Indian young adults. From picturing Shiva as a super-powerful mystical god to seeing him as a simple man, this book has provided a perfect window into the past for me.
