The Queens of Hastinapur: A Bag of Delight & Disappointment
India, a land steeped in ancient history and mythology, holds a rich cultural tapestry woven with legends and epics. Among the most significant is the Mahabharata, a sprawling epic that delves into profound themes and showcases the complexities of human nature.
The Mahabharata narrates the legendary Kurukshetra war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, two royal families vying for power. It explores profound themes such as dharma (righteousness), karma (actions and consequences), and the intricacies of familial relationships.
One notable aspect of the Mahabharata is the role of women. Ganga, the celestial river goddess, plays a crucial part as the mother of the warrior Bhishma. Kunti, a virtuous queen and mother of the Pandavas, holds immense strength and resilience. Gandhari, the wife of the blind king Dhritarashtra, exhibits unwavering loyalty and self-sacrifice.
These female characters shape the narrative with their complexities, sacrifices, and contributions. Their stories challenge traditional gender roles and shed light on the powerful roles women played in ancient Indian society.
In the realm of literature and adaptations, Sharath Kommaraju’s book, “The Queens of Hastinapur,” brings these female characters to life. The book dives deep into the lives and struggles of Ganga, Kunti, and Gandhari, providing a fresh perspective on their experiences and emotions. It offers a nuanced exploration of their motivations, desires, and the consequences of their choices.
As for the author, Sharath Kommaraju is an acclaimed writer and researcher with a keen interest in ancient Indian history and mythology. His passion for storytelling and dedication to researching historical texts make him a prominent voice in the realm of mythological literature.
“The Queens of Hastinapur” offers readers a captivating journey through the lives of these iconic female figures, immersing them in the fascinating world of the Mahabharata. It provides a bridge between ancient mythology and contemporary storytelling, making it an intriguing read for enthusiasts of Indian history, mythology, and strong female characters.
With its gripping narrative and insightful exploration of the Mahabharata’s female protagonists, Sharath Kommaraju’s book breathes new life into the timeless tale of the Mahabharata, ensuring that the legacies of Ganga, Kunti, Gandhari, and others continue to captivate readers and inspire further exploration of India’s ancient past.
Before we dive into the article itself, let me share some disclaimer. In this article, I will provide my personal opinion, review, and rating, along with general insights into the book. While the introduction aimed to maintain a positive tone, the following content may present a different pace. It’s important to note that the introduction serves as a guide to encourage readers to explore the book and form their own opinions.
However, the content that follows is filled with my personal opinions and expressions, reflecting my experience while reading this particular book. Please don’t be confused by any contrasting elements between the introduction and the subsequent content. With that clarified, let’s embark on our journey. Shall we begin? Of course, we shall…
The Queens Of Hastinapur by Sharath Kommaraju
Genre: Fiction, Mythology, Fantasy
Page Count: 350
My Rating: 3.2/5
Opinions Formed while Engaging with the Book
Mahabharata is a story that can be interpreted in countless ways, and each version brings forth unique perspectives that blow everything wide open. I’m already captivated by this particular version, finding it truly fascinating. A wide smile adorns my face as I eagerly continue reading. It’s exhilarating to dive into a book when you have a sense of what to expect. I’m well acquainted with the essence of this epic tale, and what I find remarkable about revisiting it is the ever-expanding perspectives it offers. Each time, a new perspective unveils something broader, something that may have been omitted or limited in other versions. For me, perspectives define everything, and they enable us to deepen our understanding of the events that unfolded. This is truly an amazing experience, and I couldn’t be happier with the book and its promising beginning.
Women warriors, ah, they embody the essence of strength and courage. Happy…
This book is truly captivating and takes the story in unexpected directions. I’m excited to see where it leads next.
Indeed, it is quite naïve to derive one’s status or pride solely from superficial attributes like a beard. People on Earth often tend to find pride in arbitrary things, sometimes imposing it upon others who may not feel as confident within themselves. It’s a curious aspect of human nature.
Kamsa’s portrayal as naïve in this book raises interesting questions. Perhaps there are upcoming twists and turns in the narrative that will shed light on his character and motivations. I’m eagerly anticipating the unexpected developments that lie ahead. Some U-turns, haha…
Pundra is a fascinating place mentioned in the book, renowned for its association with warfare. It seems to possess a wealth of knowledge about the art of war. As for the black stones, they hold intrigue and mystery. I can’t wait to uncover their significance and unravel their secrets. But where is it on map?? I am unable to align.
Ah, it appears that Kamsa’s true colors are starting to emerge. The anticipation builds as we witness the unveiling of his darker side. It’s always fascinating to see the complexities and hidden depths of characters in a story. Let’s continue reading to see how events unfold and what surprises lie in store.
This is great. THIS IS SIMPLY GREAT.
I am currently experiencing a sense of stress and a burning sensation in my stomach due to the intense nature of the story. The unexpected turn of events has taken me by surprise, evoking a wide range of emotions. It is fascinating to witness the unfolding of the plot in such a captivating manner. The level of anticipation and excitement is beyond what I had initially expected. I find myself fully engaged in the story, eagerly awaiting the outcome of the current developments.
Please utilize your abilities and vanish magically… Are you all akin to gods? Or is this a fresh interpretation?
I am delighted by the inclusion of intricate details and the rawness in the storytelling. The focus on simple everyday aspects adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. It is through these elements that the story becomes relatable and immersive for readers. This is simply awesome and amazing.
The depiction of desperation for life and the lengths one can go to is portrayed exceptionally well in this book. It captures the essence of how extreme circumstances can drive individuals to take drastic actions.
Whatt? Non-veg?? Really??
Who exactly is this Jahnavi and Rishabha?
It’s fascinating to witness how the characters in the book adhere to their own set of rules and code of conduct, adding a layer of intrigue and complexity to the story. The constant sense of stress and anticipation that accompanies the reading experience is a testament to the book’s ability to captivate and engage. With its suspenseful elements, this book certainly qualifies as a thrilling read. Let’s continue our journey and discover what surprises lie ahead!
Oh, I just realized that the title of this book, ‘Queens of Hastinapur,’ has only introduced Ganga so far. However, Ganga doesn’t quite fit the bill as a true queen of Hastinapur. It’s interesting that we’ve had just one queen in the first 100 pages. I’m curious to see how the other queens will come into play as the story progresses. Let’s see…
Shurasena… I feel like I’ve heard that name before, but I can’t quite recall where. It’s one of those moments when something feels familiar, but the memory remains elusive.
Ohh
I am so excited to see the unfolding of Hastinapur. By the way, this version of Devaki is so fierce and likable.
Devaki being the queen of Kunti is an interesting revelation. It’s fascinating to think about the connection between Kunti and Krishna as niece and aunt. This adds another layer of intrigue to the story.
Okay, so Pritha is Kunti, ahh? I guess that’s her original name, I guess, as Kunti is the name of the kingdom.
Who is this Jahnavi in real life? I can’t associate her with anyone that I am familiar with. Uff, she is going to raise Lord Krishna, and I must know who this person is.
This book is making me feel tense with each page, always keeping me on edge.
A flute?
Haha, Mathuran people are so funny.
‘Tell me about it,’ said the big guard. ‘Younger brothers can be such asses.’ (True they are) ‘And my father thinks I should show him the way, sir.’ The guard nodded. ‘Yes, yes. Even though nobody had to show you your way, I take it’ — This is too good. Eeee, I love it.
What? Hahaha, Suhasana and Sarangi. What kind of names are these? I love it! And their descriptions are just fantastic. I’m loving it, loving it, loving it!
OMG. I am tense.
Wow, this guard is incredibly loyal and strict. Come on, let them go already…
Ohhhh, this is amazing. The people of Meru are truly exceptional. Incredible. Incredible. God, what a story! I love it once again…
Who is this Suhasana? Ahh… This guy is too greedy. He seems dangerous.
Yeah, Lady Jahnavi, please refrain from speaking any further, not even a small hymn… Just remain silent for a while. Uff.
Yes, that’s true. Your plan has gone completely wrong, and now the problem has become even bigger. But let’s see what awaits in the future. I’m always on edge while reading this book.
Let’s hope that you all make it home safely. Let’s not celebrate too quickly. Let’s wait and see what unfolds…
Vishnu and Vasishta, try to resolve your issues without putting these innocent women in danger. You… I can’t even express my frustration.
Vishnu and Vasishta, please halt your minds. Your ideas are simply dreadful.
Ganga has always been a beacon of goodness. Throughout this book and beyond, she has never wronged anyone, except perhaps in the case of Shiva. Nonetheless, she remains the brightest among them all.
Uhm, Uhm, the twins. I can sense a glimpse of the future.
But wait, what is happening?
OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG. Who is this Jahnavi??? And what is happening? I can’t believe it. OMG, OMG, OMG, ahhhhh this is just too absurd. GOD
Yes, that’s Vishnu. I can see it now.
This is so beautiful
Oh Vasudev, just listen and follow Devaki’s plan. Men have no right to speak, considering all that has happened.
Hey, hey, Vrindavan. Oh God, just the mention of the word brings tears to my eyes. I absolutely adore it.
Again, who is this Rishabha? I can’t seem to connect any of these characters with anyone in real life.
And who is this Nishanta in real life? I must Google all this as soon as possible. I want more information.
Is Jahnavi the other name of Yamuna or Ganga? Is that a metaphor for Ganga herself? Uff, this newborn is going to be Krishna’s brother, Balarama. Which is cool, but I don’t know his relevance to all this. I’ve never read something like this. And by the way, where are the queens of Hastinapur?
Yes, Vishnu is so into everything. I’m in awe of this book’s daring attempt at this. But let’s see what unfolds next.
Yeah, Devarath and Balarama are not going to become the true kings of any kingdoms. They’ll just be figureheads, mere namesakes. Hmm.
Ohhh… Wait, wait? What is happening? Vishnu equals Krishna. I mean, I thought this was Balarama. Oh my God, this is just awe-inspiring. I am crying now, not because of something emotional, but because of these perplexing relationships. Jahnavi, Ganga, Vishnu, Devaki, Rishabha, Nishanta, Kubera, Krishna, Shurasena — God, what is this? I am definitely going to research this more…
I just saw the book cover once again for reference. It depicts a human-like figure made of water, accompanied by two female heads, one on each side. Initially, it appeared to be just a design to me, but now I realize they are clearly two female figures. My observation was incorrect, and I apologize for that. Anyway, upon closer examination, I noticed that one of the figures is blindfolded, indicating that she is Gandhari. The other figure resembles someone familiar, possibly Kunti (as we know her) or Draupadi. She wears a large bindi on her forehead, which aligns with both assumptions. However, she has a small nose stud, which is not typical of Draupadi, often depicted with a larger ornament around her nose. On the other hand, as a widow, Kunti would not have a large nose stud. So, I am inclined to believe that this figure represents Kunti. As for why Draupadi would face Gandhari, it seems that Kunti and Gandhari are positioned on the edges, with a river-like human figure dividing them, possibly symbolizing Ganga for various reasons.
I just realized that there is a part two for this book, which completely changes my plans for the next month’s reading list. Hmm, it seems like I’ll have to make some adjustments now.
Hmm, I am exhausted from the day and can’t process any more information. So, good night (as it is night for me now). See you tomorrow, my beloved thriller book.
What??? This portrayal of Gandhari and Pritha is not acceptable to me. Oh no, I understand it’s a work of fiction, but still. I hold great respect for them in general, and this depiction is incredibly distressing.
Okay, this level of fiction is becoming overwhelming. It’s starting to affect my interest in the book. Please don’t let these excessive fictional elements detract from the overall experience.
Of course, Archery is at the top in Hastinapur.
Are women only meant for sex? Is having an heir the only thing that matters? This mindset is barbaric. While reproduction is indeed essential for the survival of any race, the idea of daily sexual encounters or such practices is excessive and unjust.
So much politics is taking place.
Author, please reconsider making Duryodhana the firstborn. He shouldn’t be. Ahhh man, please…
I had considered reading more books by this author, but if this is the way his books are going to be, I’m afraid I’ll have to reconsider. The numerous changes and the portrayal of key, virtuous characters like Devarath and Pandu in such a negative light deviate from the essence of retelling a story.
Thank God, Kunti. Thank God, author.
OMG, who is this Shubrasi? Did she do that?
Wow, Gandhari (in this book) is depicted as extremely unstable and manipulative. I have strong feelings about this character, and I dislike how the book portrays her in such a manner.
This Pritha and Madri are portrayed as quite funny and naïve in this book. Which is hilarious for some extent.
I hate this book. Awful, awful, awful. I am just going to skim through the rest, which seems like 50 pages. I just want to end this worst retelling ever. A retelling that hurts the core sentiments of people like me. I hate this feeling. I am never going to read one of this author’s books. This is just too depressing to see my favorite characters portrayed as such bad ones in this book. If they were villains, it’s fine, I am okay with that. But if someone lingers in between good and bad, those are the people that I hate the most. I am okay with Ravana and Rama, but I am not okay with Vibhishana. I am okay with Duryodhana and Arjuna, but I am not okay with Karna. Be on one side or stay away totally, but don’t just linger in between, that’s what I believe in. And this book just reiterated that. I hate it.
I hate this book. It’s absolutely awful, and I can’t express my disappointment enough. Initially, until Part One, it felt like the best book I had ever read. The storytelling was captivating, and I was completely engrossed in the narrative. But then came the second part, and it was a colossal letdown. The plot became convoluted, the characters lost their depth, and the overall direction of the story took a nosedive.
Even though I didn’t fully grasp the references from the first part, I still found it enjoyable. There was a certain charm to the unknown, and it kept me intrigued. However, with the second part, which I was familiar with in general, I found myself even more disappointed. Perhaps it was because I already had expectations or because I knew what was coming, but it simply fell flat. The storytelling felt forced, and the events seemed disconnected from the overall narrative.
As a whole book, I have to say that I dislike it immensely. The contrast between the promising start and the disappointing follow-up was jarring. It’s disheartening when a story that had so much potential takes a turn for the worse. I had hoped for a captivating retelling that would honor the essence of the characters, but instead, it left me feeling frustrated and dissatisfied.
I believe that a retelling should stay true to the core sentiments and characteristics of the original characters, even if there are creative liberties taken. But this book veered too far from the essence of the characters I cherished, and it left a bitter taste in my mouth. I won’t be recommending this book to others, and I’ll be hesitant to explore more works by this author. It’s a shame when a book that starts with such promise ends up being a huge disappointment.
Best Lines from the Book, “The Queens Of Hastinapur” by Sharath Kommaraju
“Crying will clear your mind, and you will be able to hear your own voice better afterward.”
“All wars — indeed, all petty quarrels — are of that nature. Once the anger has ebbed and peace returns to the mind, one looks back at the time of fighting and asks how so many men could be persuaded to think that slitting throats of other men was heroic and worthy of praise.”
“Who had said that motherhood was a gift, that a woman’s life was complete only after giving birth to another? A man, no doubt.”
“But one could never tell when Mother was being serious and when she said things just to soothe.”
“He did not understand. Of course he did not, for he was a man. She did not much fear for Krishna’s welfare, for she knew he would be protected by many. She did not worry he would not be cared for — after all, he would have two mothers on Earth who would see to his every whim.”
“A step taken in haste is a step better not taken.”
“Do not covet the throne, for it cannot be owned. If you serve it instead as a slave, it will be yours for as long as you live.”
“It does not help any of us to cling to old memories. They are like dust from the mines. They linger for a moment, but the wind will blow them away.”
“It’s a sin to claim the life of any living thing while it was entwined in the embrace of love.”
My Rating Explained
Disclaimer: I categorize my rating system into five distinct categories, with each category receiving a single rating. Each category is accompanied by four specific questions, each with its own internal marking system. The details of the internal questions will remain undisclosed. It’s worth noting that my rating system for non-fiction and fiction books differs slightly.
Speaking about the writing style, I found it quite hard to understand what the author was trying to talk about. Yes, it was easy to understand after a few pages, but the beginning couple of pages were an imbalanced tightrope walk, which received minus marks from my side. While it was hard to understand in the beginning, nonetheless, I found the way the content was expressed to be delightful. It was interesting to read, but I didn’t find any eye-catching or dictionary-worthy words or phrases in the book. It followed a conventional narrative style without anything out of the box, which was a big drawback for me.
Now, speaking about the plot in general, it was consistent and interesting enough to maintain the plotline with no wasted or unnecessary information. The plot pulled everything together in order, except for the ending. The last 50 pages and beyond were illiterately written, which made it a terrible book. A deserving ending is very important, and this book lacked that, which was a major drawback.
Speaking about the characters, I felt that all the characters were well-established and carried some values, whether negative or positive, that added value to the story. There was significant character growth in many characters, be it good or bad, and those changes felt essential to continue reading the book. The book also represented a number of unique characters with minor roles but a significant impact on the plot, which was amazing. I assign points in this category accordingly.
From an entertainment perspective, the book was emotionally engaging, whether it was surprising, thrilling, sad, or any other emotion. The book also had an eye-catching cover, which was amazing to look at and gained some points. However, this book isn’t a complete package in terms of its genre and plot. Was I happy by the end? Definitely not. The plotline faltered in the end, and it felt disappointing. That took away the gained points in this category.
Finally, speaking about a few special factors about the book, one can take away something from it, so it falls under the category of a readable book. However, it is not a must-read book as there is nothing exceptional about it. It was plain and lacked depth in terms of likability. So, one can read this book but shouldn’t expect anything exceptional in terms of literature. Lastly, speaking about whether it checks all moral and human boxes, well, it did and it didn’t. To say the least, it checked most of the boxes, which gained some points.
Considering all the positives and negatives, the book attains a rating of 3.2 out of 5.0, which is impressive even after disliking and not fully understanding the core of the book.
A Page From the Book
While this single page may not fully encapsulate the entirety of the book, it does provide a glimpse into the vastness of its contents. Like, a drop in the Ocean…
Drying herself with her cloak, she took a deep breath. Mother Ganga had told her there would be moments on Earth when she would like to weep, and in those moments she must not hold back. ‘Crying will clear your mind,’ she had said, ‘and you will be able to hear your own voice better afterward.’
Jahnavi put on her garments, one by one. If they had to get out of the prison alive, she thought, it was down to her. She cleared her throat, to release the catch. She looked up at the window, and through it she saw a brilliant blue sky. I will smell the air of Meru again, she told herself. I will drink from the Crystal Lake again.
As they walked back up the stairs, she in front, the guard behind, with his weapon half-drawn in its sheath, Jahnavi said with as much authority she could muster, ‘Your name is Rishabha. Did you live your whole life in Mathura?’
She heard his breath hold, but he did not answer. They reached the head of the stairs. She went blind for a few seconds, then she began to see smudgy shapes shuffling behind the bars on either side. The smell of dried sweat was back, and the torches that had been lit in the corners burned with a harsh, flickering light, filling the room with shifting shadows.
‘You do not bear the stocky look of Mathuran men,’ she said. ‘You look more like the men in my city. You wear a moustache. Your hair covers your ears. Your voice is deeper, like those who have been bred on the mountain.’
Again she waited, and again she got nothing but silence from the guard. When they reached her cell he went ahead of her and signaled to the guard there. He entered the room and bent down to pick up her fallen shackles. He waited at the back wall, looking past her.
She smiled at him and loosened her cloak, so that he could see the milky mounds of her shoulders. Her heart thumped inside, for she did not know the ways of men. Not on Earth, not on the mountain. Lady Ganga had said that a woman could turn a man around her little finger if she knew how to entice him with the promise of physical union. ‘Men are much like asses, Jahnavi,’ she had said. ‘You just have to know how to dangle the carrot.’
Bottom Line
The Queen of Hastinapur” by Sharath Kommaraju initially captivates with its promising start, the second part of the book disappoints with convoluted storytelling and a departure from the essence of beloved characters. The book falls short of expectations, leaving readers feeling frustrated and dissatisfied. It serves as a cautionary tale of the perils of straying too far from the core sentiments of a well-known narrative.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope you found it informative and insightful.
