‘ASURA: Tale of the vanquished' (Book review)by Anand Neelakantan.
Asura is basically Ramayana from Ravana’s Perspective. Its a very fresh and different view towards what we as Indians have been hearing since our childhood. This book is very anti brahmin. Since birth, we have heard Ramayana and believe that only to be but it’s just one side of the coin. other part is unrevealed! The author has not involved any Superstitious belief/incidents and have instead given any Proper explanation for each incident.
The two main characters that really amazed me wear "Ravana" and “Bhadra". Bhadra was Ravana’s best friend who was with him throughout the Plot.
Throughout the Storyline main focus was on Ravana. There are three Important things that this book teaches us.
first thing this book tells us is 'It isn’t the People who are bad, it’s the situation that is making them do bad.’
The second thing is this book tells us is ‘how to react during moments of Power because the things we do during moments of power is what our future depends upon. If you misuse your Power then your future will be doomed’
The third thing this book taught was ‘one mistake can ruin all your good deeds you did throughout your life.’
Ravana was a great scholar, true devotee of lord shiva. only wrong thing he did was abducting Sita, Ravana due to his Love for his daughter and willingness to rule over India, made many mistakes. Ravana was a great ruler, flawed but great. Even Ramayana acknowledges the fact that ravana was a very learned and able ruler. He was a great king for his people. The entire eventually crumbled due to infighting and Havana’s ego. Resulting in a great war.
This book is a perfect depiction about Ravana’s life by authour Anand Neelakantan giving us a different perspective to what we have been following throughout our childhood.
It’s Worth a read once. Would you/have you read it? Let me know!