"Mahajaya: The Battle for Dharma Resumes..." by Alpna Das Sharma is a contemporary reimagining of the Mahabharata, set in Delhi University. The story is a blend of mythological themes with contemporary settings and Alpna has been able to weave a very intricate thriller. It has an engaging narrative and as you turn the last page, it makes you reconsider how much the world has changed, and yet remains the same.
The narrative follows Yaj Thakur, heir to a political dynasty, and his friends, Bhav, Aryan, Neil, and Sehajveer, as they prepare for a high-stakes Kabaddi match against their rivals, Daman and Dvit. Joined by the spirited Dwija, they confront personal challenges and internal conflicts. This not only reflects the timeless themes of duty, honour, and righteousness but also how one can strive to uphold dharma in the face of adversity. The story culminates in a thrilling Kabaddi showdown, symbolising the modern-day Kurukshetra.
The story is told in the third person, but each character gets their own first-person POV chapters, offering a more personal perspective. This narrative structure adds layers to the storytelling, making it highly engaging. The characters come from diverse social and cultural backgrounds, which not only enriches the narrative but also highlights the societal and cultural barriers they navigate. The setting in a college campus provides a fresh backdrop for the unfolding drama, with elements like classroom rivalries and campus politics adding layers to the story. And through all of this, Alpna highlights the deep-seated fractures in our society that fuel hate and violence.
Alpna's prose is poetic and there are various thought-provoking quotes I got to highlight throughout. Some of the lines that I loved are-
"... the kindest souls have many an unseen scar from battles they have fought inn silence!"
"It's funny how one helped themselves the most by extending a hand of support to someone in need."
"It's bizarre that while kindness came naturally , we chose to teach hate!"
"When respect and care precede love, every love story becomes a perfect love story."
"To manifest your heart's desires, you must BE what your heart desires."
"Mahajaya" offers us an opportunity to experience the timeless themes of the Mahabharata through a contemporary lens. Since the concept presented resonates with current times, it makes "Mahajaya" a compelling read for anyone interested in modern retellings of classic epics.
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