One of my favorite Authors is Kavita Kane, an Indian writer known for her works in mythological fiction and primarily based on Indian Mythology. All her books focus on the stories and perspectives of the female characters in the epics who are marginalized and overlooked in the original narratives.
Her bestseller is Karna’s Wife: The Outcast Queen, which tells the story of the wife (Uruvi) of Karna, the tragic hero of Mahabharata.
I love reading her books cause of the reason that they are captivating, inspiring, and insightful. I love how while reading her books, I get transported to a different realm, that lets me explore the rich and diverse heritage of our Indian spirituality and culture. It helps me in a challenging way that it lets me think about issues and the dilemmas faced by characters in an empathetic and critical way on how they could relate to the contemporary world. Her books also bring out the importance and celebrate women’s courage, wisdom, and strength which can make a difference in their lives and of others.
Some of her books which I like are,
SITA’s SISTER: This is the story about Urmila who is the sister of Sita and the wife of Lakshmana who was left behind at Ayodhya when Ram, Sita, and Lakshmana went to the forest. Her sacrifices, resilience, and struggles as she faces the trials and tribulations in Ramayana are very well explained.
MENAKA’S CHOICE: This is the story about the celestial nymph, Menaka who was sent by Lord Indra to seduce Vishwamitra, the sage from his penance. Contrary to the purpose for which she was sent, she fell in love with the sage and gave birth to Shakuntala, the book portrays her choice, passion, and dilemma.
LANKA’S PRINCESS: This book narrates the story of Surpanakha, who was Ravana’s sister, and the catalyst of the war that blooms between Rama and Ravana. For the injustice and humiliation done by Rama and Lakshmana, the book explains her actions and motives as she seeks to take revenge on the brothers.
KARNA’S WIFE: It is the story of Urvi, a princess who falls in love and marries Karna, the son of a charioteer and the tragic hero of the Mahabharata. She stands by Karna in the war, the book explains the loyalty of Urvi, her struggles, and her sacrifices as the war proceeds. We also understand the conflicts and complex relationships between Karna and characters like Draupadi, Krishna, and Arjuna.
TARA’S TRUCE: It is the story of Tara, the wife of Vaali and the Queen of Sugriva. Her wisdom, courage As she tries to restore harmony and peace in her Kingdom Kishkinda, the book portrays her wisdom, courage, and diplomacy. The motives, and emotions of Tara are portrayed beautifully, and her relationships with characters like Rama, Hanuman and Lakshmana.
Learning more about the female characters, their point of view of the great epics was a different experience away from always reading the epics in the same old perspective. I do hope that some of these titles would make you pick them up and get drenched in the female characters courage, wisdom and diplomacy.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘BookishCafeBloghop2024’ hosted by Rakhi Jayashankar and Samata Dey Bose .
That Madras Mom 
I have heard a lot about mam’s writing but never got a chance to read her works. Adding to my list after this article. The themes seem pretty interesting. Looking at a story with a new lens is always refreshing.
LikeLike
Same pinch! I have written about Kavita Kane too! Her books are amazing and I enjoy them so much.
LikeLike
You are the second person in this blog hop to talk about Kavita Kane, so I guess that makes her a must-read author. It’s interesting how she has chosen her main characters as women, often forgotten in battles. I am intrigued by Tara’s Truce, and I like the cover design, so I guess it is on my TBR list now.
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing your insights and recommendations. Your passion for Kavita Kane’s work is contagious, and I’m sure many readers will be inspired to pick up her books and embark on their own journey into the world of Indian mythology through the lens of its unsung heroines.
LikeLike
I love mythological novels especially the ones with strong female characters. Your views on Kavita Kane is insightful. I’m reading about Kavita Kane for the second time in this bloghop. I’ve bought 2 of her books but haven’t had the opportunity to read them yet. Gonna jump into them right away!
Niveditha Preeth
LikeLike
Kavita kane has always been someone I have admired a lot since I started reading her books. And, from your piece on her where you have penned the fact that how she emphasizes female characters in the epics who are marginalized is truly something that we all should notice.
LikeLike
Retellings are interesting as we get to read the story from a different perspective. Kavita kane is one author who seems to have mastered this art. I agree with you , that these books transport us to a different world altogether. I still haven’t picked up Tara’s Truce, and from your description it seems to be interesting. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
Kavita is known for her mythological stories and most specific on female protagonist. Her writing still captures deeper insights plus a profound understandings. I too had a chance to read Karna’s Wife and could get a different aspects during my read. Your blog is a starter guide who are willing to try Kavita Kane books.
LikeLike
when on a look of for some interesting Indian mythology books, I has stumbled upon Kavita Kane books and the 1st book I read was Fisher Queens Dynasty and really liked the lucid writing and the interesting way in which the story was written. I am yet to read other of her books which are sitting on my TBR and hopefully finish some of them this year itself.
LikeLike
Kavita Kane seems to be a popular name in the book world! Shame on me that I had never heard about her before. My next buy is definitely going to be one of her title.
LikeLike
Lanka’s Princess is an interesting telling of the story from her perspective. Always we hear how she is the villian, but it is an interesting exploration of her side of the story, and how no person or story is ever really black and white.
Her writing is interesting and asks one to look deeper and beyond the surface of a character..
LikeLike
This name has been popping up quite often this week…. guess she is an amazing writer. Sigh, now i have fomo… I do have one of her books, but havent yet come around to reading it.
LikeLike