Dr. Nutan Kanegaonkar Kulkarni ,Assistant Professor (nutan.kanegaonkar@mmcc.edu.in)
Marathwada Mitra Mandals College of Commerce Pune

What a masterfully crafted tale, featuring Hindu mythology, culture, and religion as its foundation.”The Hidden Hindu: Part 1″ by Akshat Gupta is a science fiction novel that blends Hindu mythology with contemporary settings, offering an intriguing narrative where the protagonist, Prithvi, discovers he has mysterious connections to ancient Hindu figures, leading him on a journey to uncover the truth about his past and the hidden history of the Hindu faith; while the concept is captivating, the execution is often criticized for its info-dumping style, flat characters, and a somewhat mediocre plot, leaving readers with a mixed experience, with some appreciating the unique premise and others finding the storytelling lacking depth. This book immerses you in a world teeming with ancient prophecies, cosmic battles, and unexplored realms. The story’s connection to the four yugas (ages) adds a layer of excitement. From its captivating beginning at Ross Island to the nail-biting conclusion, the book raises countless questions leaving you hungry for more. And as one of the prominent characters ominously states, “It’s not over yet!” I can’t wait to read what’s in store!
In terms of writing style, while some critics might label it as mediocre, I found it to be refreshingly accessible. The focus for me lies more in the story plot, which is brilliantly executed. So, If you’re a beginner craving a mysterious adventure, this book will captivate your imagination. Prithvi begins the present-day story by telling Mrs. Batra a series of events that will ultimately lead to the revelation of her husband’s death and Prithvi’s search for a man named Om Shastri. An Aghori is kidnapped and held in a secret, high-tech facility. When questioned further, he admits to being a witness to every major event since the Sat Yuga, including the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. This sets in motion a series of revelations concerning his background, as well as information about the four Yugas, the Ten Avatars of Vishnu, Milarepa (the only person in the world according to Buddhism to have climbed Mount Kailash), the seven immortals, Shukracharya, and many other figures from Hindu mythology. The series’ greatest strength is in the author’s ability to give reasonable justifications for every plot point and event, and to keep the narrative from becoming monotonous at any time. Every few pages, a new discovery will cause your heart to rush. I couldn’t put the book down because I had to know what happened to the Aghori and how Prithvi learned so much about him. Looking forward for Akshat Gupta’s next book.
Key points about the book:
Concept:
The book explores the idea of individuals with memories from past lives, particularly from Hindu mythology, living in the modern world, creating a fascinating blend of ancient lore and contemporary technology.
Characters:
The main character, Prithvi, is a young man with recurring visions and strange memories, leading him to seek guidance from an enigmatic Aghori named Om Shastri, who claims to have witnessed all four Yugas.
Strengths:
Unique premise: The merging of Hindu mythology with science fiction offers a novel perspective on ancient beliefs.Intriguing questions: The book raises thought-provoking questions about reincarnation, the nature of time, and the hidden truths within Hindu scriptures.
Weaknesses:
Info-dumping: Some readers find the narrative to be overly expository, with large chunks of information about Hindu mythology that can feel like a lecture rather than a story. Character development: Critics often point out that the characters are not deeply developed, lacking emotional complexity and leaving readers with a shallow connection to them.
Plot pacing: The story can feel uneven at times, with some sections dragging while others rush through important plot points.
Favorite Character: My favorite character from this trilogy is Vrishkapi (you’ll encounter him in Book 2 of this trilogy). His Innocence and Cuteness captivated my heart, I would love to read a book on his adventures.
Overall: “The Hidden Hindu: Part 1” may appeal to readers interested in Hindu mythology and speculative fiction, but those seeking a well-rounded story with strong character development might find it disappointing due to its reliance on exposition and somewhat lackluster plot execution.