This is the second book I came across narrating the stories that make the cherished epic called Ramayan which is authored by Anand Neelakantan. Like the earlier book, depicting the details of Ravana’s life, this too successfully manages to capture readers’ attention from the word go.

Here the author is specifically talking about the five women characters which form the central part of this timeless tale. As expected the story begins from the beginning when Valmiki witnesses the death of two love making cranes at the hands of a forest dweller. Thus begins the first stanza of the famous epic against the backdrop of an hunter taking aim precisely during the most vulnerable moment for those birds. This certainly brings forth upheaval of emotions in the great sage’s mind which results into the birth of Bhumija in his mind’s eye. The goddess of the earth whom we have bestowed so many names, the prominent one being Sita.

However, the story really begins with Shanta- the first born of Ishvaku clan and the only child of King Dashratha. Since the king is still desiring for a male heir to inherit his dynasty, it’s no surprise that Shanta is largely neglected and almost forgotten by him. The only ally for this unwanted princess is her stepmother- Kaikeyi who takes her under the wings in order to get her trained into warfare as well as crown politics. But against the wishes of this stepmother, Shanta is treated like cattle, only to be gambled away in state craft and ends up marrying an hermit. Deliberately neglected and forgotten from history, Shanta returns in this timeless tale only after her father is almost abandoned by his own cherished sons.

There is another character who prominently features in Shanta’s story and that is Manthara- governess, caretaker and childhood guardian of her stepmother, Kaikeyi. Manthara features in the longest chapter of this book and appropriately so as she is one of the key characters forging the path of this epic story. An ugly, hunchback whom a soldier found in the streets and brought to the palace on the King’s orders, Manthara soon establishes herself as the sole guardian of his infant children. How she gains more and more control of Kaikeyi’s life, even crossing the line of her duty to claim the princess as her daughter is definitely interesting to read. Manthara feels insecure whenever she feels her grip on the second queen of Ayodhya is relaxing. By prodding and reminding Kaikeyi about the forgotten boons, she sets in motion the most dramatic parts of this classical story and in turn becomes the ill-famed villain.

Next we meet Maricha and his mother Taraka. She of Yaksha origin and married to a Gandharva against her father’s wishes, Taraka comes across us independent, strong willed woman. It’s no surprising that she becomes central part of her children’s universe after her husband’s untimely gruesome death. Readers can wonder of how this forced single parenthood might have shaped the temperament and fate of Maricha. Born into mixed set of parents, hardly knowing any other relatives beyond his parents and having weak links with the Asura king lead him to take the ultimate revenge. Still, this is as much Taraka’s story as of him, even though he unexpectedly loses her for eternity at a young age.

And the last short story tells the tale of Minakshi whom we all know as the demonic character called Surpanakha. Sister to the mighty Asura king Ravana, she pays the price for satisfying egos of different men. What starts as killing of her beloved husband by her revered brother, pushing her into widowhood turns into the most grotesque insult of a woman once she fells in love with Laxmana. The young prince of Ayodhya not only rejects her matrimonial proposal but also punishes her in the most gruesome way by chopping off her nose, ears and breasts. This disfigurement of his only sister leads Ravana on the path to revenge which culminates into his death and the destruction of Lanka. In this story, we see how Minakshi still manages to laugh and live life heartily after a life of being used as a pawn. It’s quite touching to read about the kind of solace she provides to Sita and helps her to strengthen her will for facing the banishment. This sisterhood of wronged women certainly makes a readers feel empathy towards them.

All in all, these different women who either pushed to margins or vilified because of their actions, present their side of story which is quite refreshing to see. Definitely worth a read if you enjoy retelling of mythologies or simply would like to know more about oft ignored strong women characters.