Ujwal Premji Parmar, MBA Student
This is a mythological fiction novel, published in 2010. It is the first book in the Shiva Trilogy, re imagining the legend of Lord Shiva as a mortal hero set in the ancient land of Meluha.
I chose this book because of its unique retelling of Indian mythology and the idea of presenting Shiva as a human warrior, which seemed both creative and thought-provoking.
The novel follows Shiva, a tribal leader from Tibet, who is identified as the prophesied saviour, the Neelkanth, after arriving in the peaceful yet threatened kingdom of Meluha. As he embraces his destiny, he must protect the kingdom from the Chandravanshis and Nagas while dealing with his own internal conflicts.
Good vs. evil, destiny, leadership, and moral ambiguity.
Ancient Meluha, inspired by the Indus Valley Civilization, portrayed as a highly advanced and structured society.
Key characters include Shiva, Sati, Daksha, and Nandi. Shiva is depicted as a relatable hero with personal struggles, while Sati adds emotional depth.
The language is simple and easy to follow, with modern expressions that make it accessible to a wide audience.
Shiva evolves from a tribal leader to a responsible hero, while Sati’s character adds grace and emotional strength.
The story is well-paced, balancing action, romance, and philosophical elements.
Explores how good and evil can be a matter of perception, emphasizing leadership and personal growth.
The book leaves a lasting impression through its philosophical depth and character conflicts.
Unique blend of mythology and fiction, relatable characters, and philosophical depth.
Modern language feels out of place for the ancient setting, and some plot points are predictable.
I connected with Shiva’s internal struggles between duty and personal desires, which felt very relatable.
The themes of morality, leadership, and perspective are still relevant in today’s world.
I would recommend this book to readers interested in mythology, historical fiction, and stories of personal growth.
The Immortals of Meluha is a captivating and imaginative read that blends mythology with personal transformation, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.