Mythologies have always been a rich source of inspiration for artists and writers. In recent times, myth has emerged as one of the popular genres in both literary and non-fiction writings. There has been an observable resurgence of cultural interest in India, which has led to the exponential growth of this genre. Stories existed before language did. In fact, it was created out of early humans' inherent instinct to tell stories. Stories are how we began making sense of the world. Gathered around a fire, our earliest ancestors passed down wisdom and preserved memory. Long before we sought truth in data, we searched for answers in stories. This very human instinct gave birth to mythologies all around the globe.

Rewriting mythology in a new contemporary way is one of the popular trends in contemporary writings in India. The old stories take a new shape when blended with the modern landscape. Modern writers have reinterpreted those traditional mythological stories from completely new perspectives, subverting the rigidity of the original stories, and have anthropomorphised our beloved gods into human figures with flesh and bones. Women writers have utilised this space to deal with these mythic tales through an empowering feminist perspective.

The Ramayana and Mahabharata are ancient epics that tell us stories beyond just mythological storytelling and also include the texts of the Veda and Puranas. These form some very pithy texts, which contain profound philosophies, moral lessons, and cultural wisdom that have existed over centuries, and guided norms and values of the society of India at large. These texts do more than provide entertainment and education; they effectively deliver the values and beliefs that Indian society in ancient times was embarking on, some of which still resonate to this day, and affect the world to this day. Rather than mere historical records, these mythological texts, like this, comprising Hindu, Jain Tirthankara, and Buddhist lore, are living traditions reinvented and reimagined from generation to generation. For example, the complement of deities in the Hindu pantheon is built around vast mythic cycles and can be associated with a particular virtue, challenge, or ethical nuance. From these stories, we learn what duty is, what happens when you are ambitious, and how being humble and compassionate has value. But Jain and Buddhist mythologies have other things to say about renunciation, self-constraint, and the pursuit of enlightenment. These myths together represent various facts of the Indian spiritual and moral landscape, each tradition contributing to a rich, multi-faceted cultural heritage that Indians continue to draw on for moral and spiritual guidance. In this context, Indian English fiction has used mythology to do the same, but in a different way, connecting historical knowledge with contemporary themes.

Hindu mythology continues to remain a favoured genre; contemporary interests in Hindu mythology adopt a different approach and are consumed in different ways, unique to the time. Contemporary writing of Hindu mythology does not treat it as a sacrosanct text; there are creative interpretations and the stories are analysed, dissected, delve into ambiguous areas, and derived meanings are corroborated by discussions and dialogues of readers, thinkers, and academicians. The epics are reinterpreted in a way that makes them Godly and more human. The protagonists possess all human emotions, including the weaker ones. Their struggles and battles may not always be seen as driven by higher purposes. The narrative of the myths has changed as universal journeys of characters are retold from an individual’s point of view.

Ashok K Bhanker

An Indian author and screenwriter, an Indian contemporary novelist. Whose works are known for the Ramayana series, a freely imaginative retelling of the ancient Sanskrit poem. It has spawned the burgeoning mythology genre. Vintage book of modern Indian literature and the picador book of modern Indian literature.

Kavitha kane

Kavitha Kane is also known for writing mythology fiction. All of her books are based on Indian mythology. Her bestselling novel is Karna’s Wife: The Outcast Queen. Some of her other books are Sita’s sister, Menaka’s Choice, and Lanka’s Princess, Tara’s Truce. She is an author of the new era of retelling. While reading her books, which get transported to a different realm, it lets us explore the rich and diverse heritage of our Indian spirituality and culture. It helps in a challenging way, as it lets us think about issues and dilemmas faced by the characters in an empathetic and critical way, on how they could relate to the contemporary world.

Author Anand Neelakandan on how mythology shapes critical thinking among children

Introducing young children to a variety of Indian mythology can help create a robust mental foundation that helps develop creativity and cultural awareness. Fosters critical thinking and allows for high levels of inclusivity and tolerance. A popular mythology-based author, Anand Neelakandan, aims to understand how kids can grow through this blend of education and entertainment.

The Geography we are rooted in the languages we speak, and the timeless tales that go into building the cultural tapestry of a region are all inextricably linked. For thousands of years, generations of children in India have grown up listening to tales of various gods and goddesses or other heroic or villainous figures. During a child’s formative years, these tales shape the way they think. They frame our earliest belief systems around which our personalities develop in adulthood. In a world where diverse cultures and beliefs intersect, the tales from Indian mythology offer a unique avenue for children to grow into tolerant, open-minded, and critical-thinking individuals.

The final dialogue between mythology and modernity nonetheless reflects the complexity of Indian society as well as the timelessness of these stories in the context, and of continuing conversations that they engender in the contemporary text.

.    .    .

References:

• researchgate.net
• zenodo.org
• academic.in