KU
By Koral Dasgupta
KUNTI is the second of the five-book series on Panchkanya by Koral Dasgupta.
KUNTI is a mythological book, not fiction, that educates and enlightens the readers. One would wonder how empowered and evolved Indian women were hundreds of centuries ago and what made them devolve.
Koral writes in ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
"THE STORIES OF FAMINE LEGENDS HAVE BEEN OVERLOOKED GENEROUSLY FOR PATRIARCHAL CONVENIENCE, INSPIRING THE WOMEN TO CELEBRATE THE BRAVERY OF ONLY ONE SECTION OF THE SOCIETY AND FEEL GUILTY ABOUT HER OWN."
This is a harsh truth we all will agree to somewhere in our consciences and will feel a pang of guilt after reading about characters like Kunti, a woman of rare intellect, wisdom, confidence, and resilience. What Kunti had acquired from Durvasa, no other woman has ever acquired, and mind you, she got it because she deserved it.
KUNTI is a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey through the life of the famous mother of the revered Karna and the lovable Pandavas. When you finish this 203-page novel, Kunti will have a better opinion of you, and not just as the ill-fated queen of Pandu.
Koral Dasgupta's brilliance surfaces frequently in the book. She surprises you with undiscussed aspects and by adding new dimensions to this folklore. The rivalry between Surya and Indra is an integral part of Kunti's story. The aspect that impresses me the most is Koral's depiction of the effect of the mother's state of mind at the time of conception on the child's psychology, behaviour, and attributes. She has elaborately related it to Ganga-Bhishma, Satyvati-Vichitravirya, Ambika-Dhritrashtra, Ambalika-Pandu, Kunti-Karna, and other Pandavas.
Another standout feature of KUNTI is the author's ability to bring the characters to life with vivid and evocative descriptions. The author has confessed that she reinvents KUNTI with a feminist consciousness. She portrays Kunti as a strong and independent woman navigating societal expectations, unabashedly expressing her obsession for Indra and abhorring other men, even her husband.
I wondered why the ancient women were infatuated with Indra and quickly consoled myself with the fact that Krishna was not incarnated in their time.
Koral's writing style is both poetic and lyrical, effortlessly transporting readers to different time periods and locations. The attention to detail in her descriptions creates a rich tapestry that immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and smells of Indian culture. The author has generously and felicitously described nature and its bounty.
Another noteworthy aspect of KUNTI is how it tackles important social issues such as gender inequality and familial obligations. Through Kunti's journey, readers are challenged to reflect on their own beliefs and prejudices while gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities of Indian society. Sadly, the book ended with Arjuna's birth and left me unsatisfied.
KUNTI is a thought-provoking and beautifully written novel that offers an insightful exploration of love, identity, and societal expectations. Highly recommended, this book will enlighten you like a mythological book should.
Also read, my review on AHLYA:
https://gauravmotley.blogspot.com/2020/08/ahalya-by-koral-dasgupta-review.html?m=1
#mythology #books #indianmythology #kunti #pandavas #mahabharat #krishna #hastinapur #indra #surya
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Thanks for your invaluable perception.