This book is...different. I don't even know what category to put it in. It was recommended to me by a friend in India as a popular Indian science fiction trilogy. However, I do not think it qualifies as science fiction, at least in this first book.The novel is a pretty good read though and definitely a look at the world through a non-western lens. I am learning a lot about Hindu mythology, although I am not sure what is part of the standard mythology and what is the novel's own invention.In Immortals of Meluha, one of the main Hindu gods, Shiva, is actually a mortal human and chieftain of a small tribe in Tibet. He and his tribe are invited by the Meluhans to immigrate into their country, which is peaceful and prosperous, unlike the area where Shiva is from where his tribe is constantly waring with neighboring tribes and struggling for survival. Once they reach Meluha, each member of the tribe is given a medicine which rids them off all illness and confers virtual immortality. In addition, Shiva develops a blue throat indicating that he is of special importance to the Meluhans. A prophecy indicates that he will deliver them from their enemies.At this point, Shiva is not a god, he's just a regular guy trying to deal with a new culture that has huge expectations of him. The basic question facing him is what is the difference between good and evil?There are some science fictiony aspects. The Meluhans, while just entering the bronze age, seem to have very sophisticated knowledge of medicine and chemistry. They understand anti-oxidants, for instance. They don't have gun powder or even crossbows, but there is some reference to divine weapons that could even be nuclear.I'm going to read the next book. I'm interested in where this is going. Irrespective of what the book cover suggests this is not a typical book on Shiva. You'll see a humble Shiva who is in strong denial that he is not God just a helper. You will be always on the edge of your seat right from the start through the middle to the end wondering. This can be because even though we may be familiar with Shiva Puran, the story makes you perceive Shiva's story with a very unusual and new perspective. The leader of a tribe Shiva who is a great warrior is influenced by the descendants of the Suryavanshis (who claim Lord Rama belongs to their tribe) to fight the Chandravanshis whom they say are cruel, evil, violent beings. Shiva gets caught up in this and eventually it leads to many revelations. The relationship of Shiva and Sati is not very Godly and a bit cheesy. Up to the end the author has made sure that he kept an element of surprise for the reader at every stage. At one point I even ended up distinguishing people in my life into Suryavanshis and Chandravanshis.
What do You think about The Immortals Of Meluha (2010)?
Nice writing. Good logical thinking to explain lot of mythological theories.
—Dacil
very good book to read..content is cliff-hanger...
—Chixy
