Shikhandi.. and other tales they don't tell you - Devdutt Pattanaik

My rating: 8/10

Devdutt Pattanaik is today the most popular of the scholars working on Indian mythology. Shikhandi was the book I chose that introduced me to his writings. I have heard that his works portray the well-known (or not so well-known) chapters of Indian myths in a new light - that is relevant to our modern times. I found this statement apt. His analyses are definitely fresh, whether one agrees with them or not is purely a personal choice.

Shikhandi deals with the growing issue of "queerness" that our 'modern' society faces. Maybe I should say the society is forced to face this issue because of its global impact. This issue deals with the people in our society who are 'in-between', who do not classify as either men or women - a very sensitive issue indeed! In the face of the Indian law sometimes refusing to recognize these in-betweeners, Devdutt delves into ancient Hindu texts that portray queerness in all its different forms. It is seen in these stories that such queerness, as we call it, was recognized as a natural instinct in our ancient societies. Gods and humans are equally portrayed as having these tendencies. With such stories as Vishnu taking the form of a beautiful woman, Mohini, to seduce demons - to Arjuna being castrated for a year and having to live the life of a transgendered in the female quarters - such stories show that the ancient society took into account all sorts of sexual orientations. There was nothing 'queer' in them. 

The book consists of 30 stories that depict queerness in all its different forms. The stories themselves are a very interesting read - ranging from downright humorous to very serious. Devdutt puts in his analyses at the end of each story, thus expanding the readers' knowledge and views, drawing out similar myths and fables. It is an easy and engrossing read - although the stories are standalone, you simply cannot put down the book till you have read it through. Well, I guess that is what makes an author popular in the first place.

I believe this book published by Devdutt, for which a lot of research has been put into effect, is a very important step in widening the awareness of its intended audience. I will not say it is a must-read, but all mythology enthusiasts will find this book a short and nice read. It opens a window into an ancient society and shows how that society has deteriorated into the orthodox patriarchal society we find today.