Re-visionism - Exposition of the Untold: A Study of Anand Neelakantan’s Asura, The Tale of the Vanquished

Abstract

Mythology has  an eternal influence on the individual, the society and its culture. It has been an element of nation-building. Its reciprocal relationship with history, literature and culture is remarkably significant. There were times when mythologies were subjected to inquiry, but their essence were accepted without any apprehensions. But in the postmodern context, the inquiry extends further, wherein the mythologies are subjected to test of compatibility to the present-day advanced system of thoughts. No doubt that the mythologies do provide an inclusive space for such an inquiry, which in recent days is being done through revisioning. Revisioning is looking into the past through the lens of the present-day context. Revisioning, either represents or re-presents characters and events of the original myth. The purpose of revisioning is to provide an inclusive space for the muted and the lesser known, to acknowledge, approve, and appreciate the contribution of the unsung heroes. In the light of this idea, the article deals with Anand Neelakantan ‘s ‘Asura, The Tale of the Vanquished, the Story of Ravana and His People’ as revisionist mythology. Drawing attention to the narratology of focalization, the paper specifically deals with the visibility of Bhadra, a character almost unknown to many. His contribution towards the preservation of the Asura race and the emancipation of Ravana as Emperor finds prominence which has erstwhile remained unnoticed in the annals of mythology.