The Immortals of Meluha

Rating: 4/5






















Title: The Immortals of Meluha
Author: Amish Tripathi
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Historical
Pages: 412
Publisher: Westland
ISBN-13: 9789380658742                                                                         

                                                                                                                                   

Hadn’t it been for the second intuitive glance at the summary behind the book, I wouldn’t have picked this one. But the summary had done its job. It had heightened my expectations and I was waiting to pore into the book and get lost in an adventurous and romantic tale.

The Immortals of Meluha is the story of Shiva, a leader of the Guna tribe in Kailash Mansarovar in the Himalayas. When they are all invited to the land of Meluha, the centre of civilization, Shiva and his people are surprised at the lavish but precept livelihood led by the Meluhans. The Meluhans (also called the Suryavanshis) have been waiting for their “Neelkanth” since ages who, they believe, will lead and help them win the war against the Chandravanshis. The Chandravanshis have been executing terror attacks in Meluha from time to time. Although Shiva is unsure if he is the “Neelkanth”, he realizes how much trust and devotion rides upon him. The story takes a romantic turn when he falls for Sati, the Kings daughter. During the course of his stay he not only tries to abolish an old untouchability custom but also saves the people of Meluha from attacks from the Chandravanshis. Shiva soon becomes an integral part of Meluha, marries Sati and helps the Meluhans fight and win the war against the Chandravanshis. But has he done the right thing?

A beautiful story with exciting twists and turns, there is never a dull moment in this book. Shiva has been portrayed as the ultimate man, but not God, as he has his own doubts and weaknesses like all humans. Sati, on the other hand, is Shiva’s equal, both intellectually and in combat. The plot set right in the middle of the Indus valley is fascinating partially due to its historical significance and also because the readers get a glimpse of the sophisticated lifestyle back then.  The story ends in suspense (sadly!), but since the next book in the series is already out, no worries!!

I recommend this book to anyone who has even a tiny bit of interest in Indian history. This is the kind of book that leaves you in a daze after you’ve finished it. I have already ordered the next book – The Secret of the Nagas- and am waiting to find out what happens next.