The Great Indian Novel By Shashi Tharoor

The Great Indian Novel by Shashi Tharoor is a satirical retelling of the Indian epic Mahabharata, reimagined as an allegory for modern Indian history and politics, especially the events surrounding the country’s independence and its aftermath. The novel is structured into 18 “books,” mirroring the 18 books of the Mahabharata and the 18 days of the Kurukshetra war. The story is narrated by Ved Vyas to his scribe, Ganapathi, blending mythological figures with real-life political leaders-Mahatma Gandhi appears as Gangaji (Bhishma’s counterpart), Jawaharlal Nehru as Dhritarashtra, and Indira Gandhi as Priya Duryodhani. Tharoor uses this framework to parody and critique the personalities and events that shaped modern India, including colonial rule, the freedom struggle, partition, and the Nehruvian era. The novel is notable for its irreverent tone, dense intertextuality, and humor, exposing the contradictions and absurdities of Indian democracy and leadership. By merging myth with political critique, Tharoor challenges traditional nationalist narratives and highlights the persistence of colonial legacies in Indian governance. Overall, The Great Indian Novel is celebrated for its inventive storytelling, sharp satire, and insightful commentary on Indian society, politics, and identity.