MANDODARI: QUEEN OF LANKA - By Manini J. Anandani

Mandodari, one of the most beautiful apsaras married the mighty Ravana, and this book is her narrative, of the events that unfolded post marriage. The book is not a retelling of the Ramayana, but a story of Ravana’s rise and fall in Lanka, from Mandodari’s perspective.

The book starts off with a rosy narrative, wherein Ravana and Mandodari harbour marital bliss, but for most part of the book, the plot revolves around Mandodari’s agony, grief and despair. Troubles begin when Ravana starts marrying princesses from other kingdoms, and justifies it in the name of expanding power. Mandodari recognises his weakness for women, and predicts that his relentless pursuit of winning women like “trophies” will be the reason behind his fall. In addition to this, the book highlights Ravana’s hyper-ambitious ideals, as he prepares a medicinal concoction that could make him immortal. He incised this medicinal potion under his navel- and post this operation, Lanka saw a more controlling, fierce and unstoppable version of Ravana. In addition to these eye-opening anecdotes, the book also raises certain conspiracy theories about the origin of Sita. One of these theories address the possibility of Sita being Ravana’s and Mandodari’s daughter, and goes on to question why Ravana would want to marry Sita.

This mythological novel is an easy read, informative, and stratified. It touches upon various issues like patriarchy and polygamy, that are prevalent even today. The author, Manini J. Anandani, has done a great job by offering the epic a female perspective, and in highlighting both the positives and negatives of the mighty Ravana.

I recommend this book to everyone who loves mythology, specially those who have a germinating interest but lack a solid knowledge base of the same.