Shashi Tharoor’s The Great Indian Novel is a creative and daring attempt to mix the famous Indian epic Mahabharata with the story of India’s fight for independence and the years after freedom. Tharoor reimagines the characters from the Mahabharata to fit into the events of India’s history. The story is narrated by Ved Vyas, an experienced member of the fictional Kaurava Party, who connects the two tales by exploring themes like power, jealousy, love, betrayal, and war. With insightful wit and a narrative style that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking, Tharoor creates a story where myth meets reality.
The Great Indian Novel strength lies in its unique concept. Tharoor cleverly compares historical figures to characters from the Mahabharata. For example, Gandhi is portrayed as Bhishma Pitamah because of their shared belief in celibacy, Nehru becomes the blind Dhritarashtra, Subhash Chandra Bose is Pandu, and Jinnah takes on the role of Karna. These connections are sometimes funny and interesting, making readers think about history in a new way.
At times, the comparisons feel unnatural, as if the characters are being forced into roles that do not fit them well. Gandhi as Bhishma Pitama or Bose as Pandu can seem strange and hard to accept. The humor in the book is sharp and clever in some parts but can feel uncomfortable in others. For instance, the story of Pandu (Bose) dying after being intimate with his wife or the depiction of the Maharaja of Kashmir signing the Instrument of Accession after a round of sexual favors feels inappropriate and off-putting. The detailed descriptions of such scenes often feel unnecessary and distracting.
The book, The Great Indian Novel written in 1989, was published before Tharoor entered politics. Despite this, it reflects his biases. His portrayal of Indira Gandhi as Priya Duryodhani seems to justify the Emergency, while he explains Gandhi’s celibacy experiments and Nehru’s ambitions in ways that may not sit well with everyone. These perspectives may amuse some readers but could irritate others who prefer a more neutral view of history.
For those familiar with the Mahabharata and India’s history, the book might feel like it does not offer much new insight. For others who are not aware of these events, the story might create confusion and could be misunderstood as an actual historical account. While the book The Great Indian Novel has been praised by critics for its humor and style may not appeal to modern readers who prefer a more refined approach to satire.
Publishing Details: The Great Indian Novel
The Great Indian Novel by Shashi Tharoor was first published in 1989 as a paperback edition by Penguin Books. A revised edition was later released in 2009, 2011, 2014, 2022 and is available in multiple formats Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audio by Penguin Books India, making it more accessible to contemporary readers. The novel is also available in a Kindle edition, published in the same year, allowing readers to enjoy it digitally. This thought-provoking book is written in a satirical style, blending historical events with imaginative storytelling. It spans approximately 423 pages and can be purchased from various platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, and local bookstores. Whether you prefer a physical copy or a digital version, the book offers an engaging, albeit polarizing, reading experience for those interested in Indian history and literature.
About the Author: Shashi Tharoor
Shashi Tharoor is an accomplished writer, diplomat, and politician, renowned for his insightful perspectives and eloquent writing and has a penchant for blending humor, intellect, and cultural commentary. He is the author of twenty celebrated books spanning both fiction and non-fiction, making him one of India’s most prolific literary figures. His works reflect a deep understanding of history, culture, and global affairs, often infused with wit and intellectual rigor. Known for his eloquence and sharp wit, Tharoor has penned numerous books that delve into Indian history, politics, and society. His literary repertoire includes critically acclaimed works like An Era of Darkness and Why I Am a Hindu.
Tharoor has served as a Member of Parliament, representing Thiruvananthapuram in the Indian Parliament, and held prominent positions as the Minister of State for External Affairs and Human Resource Development. Before entering Indian politics, he had an illustrious 29-year career with the United Nations, where he worked in various capacities, including refugee relief, peacekeeping, and global communications. He notably served as Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and was a strong contender for the position of UN Secretary-General in 2006.
A widely respected columnist and commentator, Tharoor’s sharp observations on politics, society, and international relations have earned him a global readership. His literary achievements include winning prestigious honors such as the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, and the Crossword Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also been recognized with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, India’s highest accolade for overseas Indians, and was named New Age Politician of the Year (2010) by NDTV.
In both his political and literary journeys, Shashi Tharoor continues to inspire with his commitment to intellectual excellence and public service.
The Premise of The Great Indian Novel
The Great Indian Novel reimagines the Mahabharata by superimposing it on the canvas of Indian political history. Tharoor masterfully parallels the struggles between the Pandavas and Kauravas with India’s post-independence political dynamics. The result is a story that feels both familiar and refreshingly original.
The Characters and Their Political Parallels
Tharoor’s characters are inspired by both the Mahabharata and real-life political figures:
- Pandavas and Kauravas: Represent rival political factions.
- Bhishma, Dhritarashtra, and others: Reflect Indian leaders whose actions shaped the nation.
Key Themes Explored in The Great Indian Novel
Satire and Political Critique: The novel The Great Indian Novel critique of Indian politics, highlighting its complexities and contradictions. Tharoor uses sharp wit and humor, the book critiques India’s absurdities of political ideologies, touching on issues like corruption, nepotism, and the complexities of democracy. Tharoor’s satire is biting yet thought-provoking, holding a mirror to society and its leaders.
Mythology as a Lens for Modern Issues: The novel brilliantly combines the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata with the political history of modern India. The Great Indian Novel uses the structure and characters of the epic to draw parallels with India’s colonial struggle and post-independence challenges, showcasing how history repeats itself in various forms. Tharoor bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary challenges, offering insights into the state of democracy, governance, and societal values.
Power and Leadership: Tharoor explores the dynamics of power, leadership, and governance through his satirical lens. The novel critiques the motives and actions of political leaders, drawing attention to their ethical dilemmas and human flaws.
Identity and Cultural Heritage: The story digs into questions of national identity and cultural legacy, emphasizing the importance of understanding and preserving India’s rich traditions while trying to find problems of modernity.
Human Nature and Morality: Through its characters and their actions, the The Great Indian Novel reflects on human nature, morality, and the often-grey areas of right and wrong. It suggests that the flaws of individuals often mirror the flaws of society as a whole.
Draupadi Mokrasi (D. Mokrasi): A Symbolic Character: Draupadi Mokrasi, or D. Mokrasi, is the embodiment of Indian democracy, caught in a web of power struggles and conflicting interests. Her ambiguous relationships with various characters reflect the fragile and often contentious state of democracy in India.
Narrative Style and Structure
The novel’s unique narrative style combines the grandeur of mythological storytelling with the immediacy of political commentary. Tharoor’s use of humor, allegory, and a conversational tone keeps readers engaged in The Great Indian Novel. Tharoor’s sharp wit is evident throughout the novel, whether in his playful use of language or his incisive critiques of political hypocrisy. The satire ensures the novel remains relevant and entertaining.
Tharoor employs symbolism, metaphors, and allusions to enhance the novel’s complexity. His narrative voice, both authoritative and playful, adds layers of meaning to the text.
Impact of the Novel on Indian Literature
The Great Indian Novel has left a mark on Indian literature by offering a unique blend of mythology and modernity. It challenges traditional narratives and inspires contemporary writers to experiment with form and content.
- India is not an underdeveloped country but a highly developed one in an advanced state of decay.
This quote in The Great Indian Novel, is from Shashi Tharoor’s satirical masterpiece. This statement reflects the paradox of India’s rich cultural, historical, and intellectual heritage compared with the challenges it faces in modern times, such as corruption, inequality, and poor governance.
Through the novel, Tharoor portrays how the grandeur of India’s past, symbolized by the reimagined characters and events of the Mahabharata, collides with the messy reality of its post-independence political and social conditions. The phrase critiques how a nation with immense potential and deep-rooted traditions can suffer from systemic decay due to flawed leadership, opportunism, and societal issues. It underscores the irony of India’s “advanced decay,” suggesting that the challenges it faces are not due to a lack of resources or capability but rather due to mismanagement and neglect.
Tharoor’s witty and thought-provoking narrative invites readers to reflect on how India, despite its legacy, struggles to fulfil its promise in the modern world.
- The Ramayana is cited generally when ethical ideals are expected; the Mahabharata is referred to when compromises are made, shady deals struck, promises dishonoured, battles fought, disasters lamented.
In The Great Indian Novel, Shashi Tharoor brilliantly contrasts the moral frameworks of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata to shed light on human behavior and societal values. This line suggests that the Ramayana is often seen as a symbol of idealism, virtue, and moral clarity, invoked in situations that demand ethical behavior and firm principles. In contrast, the Mahabharata reflects the complexity and ambiguity of human nature, where compromises, broken promises, political manipulation, and conflicts dominate. By highlighting this duality, Tharoor emphasizes how India’s cultural ethos oscillates between these two epics—aspiring for idealism but frequently engaging in morally grey areas. This observation becomes a metaphor for India’s own socio-political journey, as depicted humorously and critically in the novel.
- While he was alive, he was impossible to ignore; once he had gone, he was impossible to imitate.
In The Great Indian Novel, Shashi Tharoor uses this line to summarize the extraordinary impact and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, reimagined as Bhishma Pitamah in the story. Gandhi’s presence during India’s freedom struggle was so commanding and influential that he became a central figure, shaping the nation’s identity and values in a way that could not be overlooked. His leadership, vision, and philosophy of non-violence were unique and unparalleled. However, after his death, his methods, ideals, and personality proved impossible to replicate, leaving a void in India’s socio-political scene. Through this statement, Tharoor underscores the uniqueness of Gandhi’s role in history and the challenges of living up to his ideals, weaving it seamlessly into the satirical narrative of the novel.
Cultural and Historical Context
The Mahabharata, one of India’s most revered epics, provides the perfect framework for exploring the nation’s history. Tharoor’s integration of historical events, from the freedom movement to the Emergency, enriches the story’s depth. Even decades after its publication, The Great Indian Novel remains a masterpiece that continues to captivate readers. Its innovative approach and insightful commentary make it a timeless work.
Editorial Reviews The Great Indian Novel
- “A hilariously sharp satire that spares no one, not even Mahatma Gandhi. Just thinking about it makes me want to read it again.” — Fareed Zakaria, New York Times Book Review
- “A brilliant blend of historical depth and imaginative storytelling. The Great Indian Novel is a masterpiece of fact and marvel.” — Louise Erdrich
- “A bold and fast-paced tale of modern Indian chaos. It reads like an unstoppable, captivating miniseries that will entertain all.” — Washington Post Book World
- “An extraordinary feast of myths, ancient wisdom, modern folly, and heroism. Wildly creative and original.” — Chicago Tribune
- “An exhilarating and remarkable Indian novel.” — Village Voice
- “A masterpiece of sheer brilliance.” — Times Literary Supplement
- “A tremendously successful work. This truly is a great Indian novel.” — Newsday
- “A delightful and entertaining triumph.” — Sunday Times (London)
- “Tharoor takes us right down through all the trysts with destiny…” – India Today
- “Tharoor skillfully blends mythology and fiction, weaving elements of traditional Eastern and Western literature.” – Publishers Weekly
Why You Should Read The Great Indian Novel
If you are looking for a book that is as intellectually stimulating as it is entertaining, The Great Indian Novel is a must-read. It is a masterclass in storytelling that sheds light on India’s political and cultural ethos.
Final Thought
Shashi Tharoor’s The Great Indian Novel is a tour de force that reimagines the Mahabharata in a modern context. With its clever use of satire and profound insights, the novel invites readers to reflect on the intricate dance of democracy, history, and culture in India.
