The Web Columnist

The Immortals of Meluha aims at telling the story of the most feared yet loved Hindu God Shiva in a modern, rational and logical way. The authors attempt to paint a mortal picture of the revered Hindu God weaves an interesting story, but with lots of inconsistencies. The book starts with the story of the Tibetan nomad called Shiva living in Mount Kailash (present day Tibet) with his tribal group the Gunas, who engage in regular skirmishes with the Pakratis over the Mansarovar Lake. As the story unfolds the author presents the ruthless yet compassionate image of the tribe leader Shiva, who's addiction with weed and protecting his tribe against foreigners forms much of the first few chapters. Amish largely divides the Indian subcontinent intro three main divisions. The Suryavanshis (Meluhans, westeners and followers of the Sun), The Chandravanshis (Swadeepans, easterners and followers of the moon) and the South Indian Dravidians. The Story begins to unfold when the Gunas are approached by a messenger from the Meluhan province.The Meluhans believe that the solutions to all their strife and misery in their homeland will end with the arrival of the Neelkanth ( Man with the blue throat). They are convinced that Shiva is that very person who can end all their misery. Shiva is presented with a proposition to move to the Meluhan province much known for its sobriety in West India - the Idealistic land created by Lord Ram - where his tribe would be provided with an improvement from their nomadic ways up in the Himalayas. Eventually Shiva and his tribe decide to move to Meluha and so the tale begins. As Shiva gradually gets acquainted with the Meluhan way of life, he realises that the Meluhans have a reason behind having him in their midst. The Meluhans face constant attacks from the Chandravanshis who are determined to take the river Saraswati which is essential for the prodcution of Somras, which the author describes in the story as the Drink of Gods. An elixir of life that lets people live beyond 100 years. The people of the province are convinced that Shiva is their savior.  

A story that asks many questions, the story of good and evil, love and lust. Shiva's constant dilemma of having to cope up with immense faith and hope the Meluhans have on him. Was Shiva a mere mortal man who rose to become the God of Gods? The Mahadev, The Destroyer of Evil, A Passionate Lover, Fierce Warrior, Consummate Dancer, Charismatic Leader, An all powerful soul, yet incorruptible. 

The book is a definitive page turner if you manage to read through the first few chapters where all that Shiva does is smoke his chillum and says "Bloody Hell" , "What the devil is going on here?" trying to look cool and rough. Amish also craftily integrates Shiva's love for Sati into the book keeping in mind the Indian psyche and its love for love stories. 

Though the book is full of contradictions regarding historical facts, locations and chronological orders of events, it turns out to be an interesting piece of fiction. One can be skeptical about the literary content of the book, but considering the way its presented and the strength of the plot, I felt it can be overlooked. I personally enjoyed the book, this being the first in such a genre where someone deconstructs history and presents it in a modern way.

The book is followed by Book 2 in the Trilogy - Secret of the Nagas -