Surpanakha, Ravan’s infamous sister—ugly and untamed, brutal and brazen. This is how she is commonly perceived. One whose nose was sliced off by an angry Lakshman and the one who started a war but was she really just perpetrator of war? Or was she a victim? Was she Lanka’s princess? Or was she the reason for its destruction?Surpanakha, meaning the woman as hard as nails was born as Meenakshi—the one with beautiful, fish-shaped eyes. Growing up in the shadows of her brothers, who were destined to win wars, fame and prestige, she, instead, charts up a path filled with misery and revenge.

Accused of manipulating events between Ram and Ravan, which culminated in a bloody war and annihilation of her family, Surpanakha is often the most misunderstood character in the Ramayana. Kavita Kané ‘s Lanka’s Princess tells the story from the vantage of this woman more hated than hateful…

A senior journalist with a career of over two decades, which includes working for Magna publication and DNA, she quit her job as Assistant Editor of Times of India to devote herself as a full time author. A self-styled aficionado of cinema and theatre and sufficiently armed with a post-graduate degree in English Literature and Mass Communication from the University of Pune, the only skill she knows, she candidly confesses, is writing.

Karna’s Wife her debut novel, (2013)was a bestseller. Her second novel – Sita’s Sister (2014) also deals with another enigmatic personality – Urmila, probably the most overlooked character in the Ramayan. Menaka’s Choice(2015) ,another best-seller, is about the famous apsara and her infamous liaison with Vishwamitra the man she was sent to destroy. Lanka’s Princess (2016) is her fourth book based on Ravan’s sister, Surpanakha, the Princess of Lanka who was also its destroyer…

Born in Mumbai, a childhood spent largely in Patna and Delhi , Kavita currently lives in Pune with her mariner husband Prakash and two daughters Kimaya and Amiya with Chic the black cocker spaniel and Cotton the white, curious cat.

I remember reading a very detailed article on how we have started exploring mythology in different aspects by retelling famous stories from new angles and bringing forth perspectives which is very different from what we have grown up listening to in childhood. The author comes across as someone who has mastered the art of retelling the mythological folklore.Having grown up despising Surpanakha to an extent due to her antics this story was a refreshing read in terms of the descriptions. The layers of her character brought out so beautifully by the author make her more relatable now than she ever was. It is like trying to see her a new light altogether and in a way try to understand why she behaved the way she behaved.

I like the narrative which is fluid and very breezy. It is an enjoyable read with the characters nicely fleshed out and each adding value to the plot rather than being just mere cardboard cutouts or extensions of author’s imagination. Though I despised the usage of words like dark and ugly more than once as it was not only redundant and repetitive but also something which according to me is not the right way to describe a character. The words could have been chosen wisely to show her transformation from beautiful to not so beautiful anymore.

Apart from that a perfectly enjoyable read which brightened up one weekend for me as I soaked myself in a very well told story and tried answering some of the questions I had in mind since childhood. Strongly recommended for all mythology lovers, Kavita Kane is one author that you should not miss I have started loving her characterization and her writing style of creating strong female characters to retell a folklore.

“Lanka’s Princess” by Kavita Kané is a retelling of the Ramayana from the perspective of Shurpanakha, the sister of Ravana, one of the central characters in the epic. The novel is part of Kané’s mythological fiction series, which reimagines and explores the untold stories of women in Indian mythology.

About the Author:

Kavita Kané is an Indian author known for her retellings of popular myths and legends. She has written several books that offer new perspectives on ancient stories, particularly focusing on the female characters whose voices are often less heard in the traditional narratives. Some of her other works include “Karna’s Wife”, which narrates the story of Subhadra, and “Menaka’s Choice”, which reimagines the story of the apsara Menaka and her interactions with the great sage Vishwamitra.

Kavita Kané’s writing blends fiction with mythology, offering readers a fresh take on familiar characters and events. Her works are particularly celebrated for giving voice to mythological women, many of whom have been marginalized in classical retellings.

Overview of the Book:

“Lanka’s Princess” brings to life the untold story of Shurpanakha, who is often depicted in the Ramayana as a vengeful and monstrous figure. Through Kané’s reimagining, Shurpanakha is portrayed as a more nuanced character, whose actions are driven by deep emotions such as love, jealousy, and betrayal.

The novel begins with Shurpanakha’s childhood in Lanka, where she is raised alongside her brothers, including Ravana. Shurpanakha is depicted as an intelligent, bold, and assertive woman who faces numerous challenges because of her physical appearance and her gender. Over time, she grows up to become an important figure in Ravana’s court, but her life takes a dramatic turn when she falls in love with Ram, leading to the infamous episode in the Ramayana where Lakshman cuts off her nose.

The novel provides Shurpanakha’s perspective on the events that unfold, presenting her side of the story and her emotional journey. Through her eyes, readers are introduced to Ravana’s ambitions, the rise of Sita as the ideal woman, and the dynamics of the royal family in Lanka. Kané’s retelling shifts the narrative to focus on the emotional depths of Shurpanakha’s character and portrays her as a tragic figure who is misunderstood and vilified in the original myth.

Key Themes:

1. The Power of Perspective:

   • One of the key themes of “Lanka’s Princess” is how different perspectives shape the way we understand events and characters. Shurpanakha, in this retelling, is not the villain but a complex woman whose actions stem from deep emotions like love, desire, and betrayal. By presenting her side of the story, the novel challenges traditional views and encourages readers to look at mythological figures from a new and sympathetic light.

2. Love and Betrayal:

   • The novel explores Shurpanakha’s unrequited love for Ram, which sets the stage for much of the conflict. Her love for Ram and the betrayal she feels when he rejects her and chooses Sita instead are central to her transformation. The novel portrays her as a woman who is not just motivated by vengeance but is driven by emotional turmoil and a desire to be loved.

3. Gender and Power:

   • Through Shurpanakha’s character, the novel touches on the theme of gender and the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society. Shurpanakha struggles with her appearance, her relationships with men, and her position within the royal family. Her sense of self-worth is often undermined by the expectations placed upon her as a woman in the royal family.

4. Family Dynamics:

   • The book delves into the complex relationships within the family, particularly the sibling bond between Shurpanakha and Ravana. While Ravana is depicted as a powerful and ambitious figure, Shurpanakha’s loyalty to her family and her protective feelings toward her brothers form a significant part of her identity.

5. Revenge and Redemption:

   • Revenge plays a key role in Shurpanakha’s story, especially after she is humiliated by Lakshman and her nose is cut off. However, the novel also presents the possibility of redemption and personal growth, suggesting that Shurpanakha’s desire for revenge is rooted in her emotional pain rather than inherent malice.

Writing Style:

Kavita Kané’s writing is rich in imagery, detailed, and immersive. She brings the ancient world of Lanka to life with vivid descriptions, transporting the reader to a mythical time and place. Her characterizations are well-rounded, and she successfully gives depth to figures that are often seen as one-dimensional in traditional versions of the Ramayana.

The novel’s pacing is steady, allowing readers to become invested in Shurpanakha’s journey of self-realization and empowerment. The dialogue and internal monologue are used effectively to convey the emotional complexity of the characters and the societal constraints they face.

Reception:

“Lanka’s Princess” has been well-received by readers who appreciate the mythological fiction genre. Fans of stories that give voice to overlooked or misunderstood female characters in mythology have praised the book for its feminist perspective and empathetic portrayal of Shurpanakha. The novel has been noted for its nuanced storytelling and its ability to offer a fresh perspective on a classic Indian epic.

Critics have also lauded Kavita Kané’s ability to reimagine traditional mythological narratives and offer readers a new take on well-known characters. Shurpanakha’s story, in particular, has struck a chord with readers who enjoy complex female protagonists who are given the space to express their emotions and motivations.

Conclusion:

“Lanka’s Princess” by Kavita Kané is an engaging and thought-provoking retelling of the Ramayana from the perspective of Shurpanakha. Through her powerful and empathetic narrative, Kané transforms a vilified character into a figure of depth, emotion, and complexity. The novel is a compelling read for anyone interested in mythological fiction, especially those who enjoy stories that reexamine and reframe traditional narratives, giving voice to the silenced women of mythology.

LANKA’S PRINCESS BY KAVITA KANÉ