The Mahabharata, also known as Jaya, stands as one of the world’s greatest epics, its timeless tales echoing across generations. In this series of short stories and retellings, Suranya invites readers to journey into the lesser-explored corners of this ancient narrative, breathing new life into the legends and voices that shaped the fate of dynasties.
From the meteoric rise of Karna and the complex relationships between Draupadi, Arjun, and Subhadra, to the poignant stories of Chitrangada, the ill fated Ullupi, and the mother of Yuyutsu, these tales delve into the hearts and minds of characters often overshadowed by the epic’s central conflict. Explore the motivations behind Shakuni’s vengeance, the exploration of queer world through Shikhandi and witness the aftermath of Kurukshetra and the dawn of Kali Yuga, and experience the enduring love and trials of Uttara and Abhimanyu in Suranya's first ever series written in 2013.
These mythology retellings offer fresh perspectives and emotional depth, inviting readers to rediscover the Mahabharata not just as an epic of war, but as a tapestry of human experience—of ambition, sacrifice, love, and destiny.
Uttara:
Step into the untold world of Uttara: the princess of Matsya, wife of the legendary Prince Abhimanyu, and mother to the future king Parikshit. Though her presence in the Mahabharata is brief, her story is profound. From being a student of Arjuna disguised as Brihannala to facing the harsh realities of widowhood at just sixteen, Uttara’s journey is one of resilience, courage, and silent strength.
This collection reimagines Uttara’s life from her perspective, exploring the emotional and social battles she endured after her husband’s heroic death ... battles that history and epic poetry have often overlooked. Blending canonical events with legends from various Puranas, reincarnation tales, and a captivating Rajasthani folklore from Jhunjhunu, this retelling breathes life into a character who stood at the crossroads of legacy and loss when she lost both her husband and her twin brother in a matter of days and the child in her womb was attacked.
Originally published as fan fiction inspired by the Star Plus adaptation of the Mahabharata, Uttara is a heartfelt tribute to one of the epic’s most understated yet vital figures. A must-read for lovers of mythology, history, and stories of unsung heroines.