Alliance of myth, modernity in Ashwin Sanghi’s The Ayodhya Alliance

Ashwin Sanghi’s ‘The Ayodhya Alliance’ is a gripping addition to the genre of mythic fiction, blending ancient mythology, contemporary science and geopolitical intrigue in a fast-paced narrative.

At the heart of the journey is Aditya, a modern-day protagonist caught in a quest that alludes to the search for the Holy Grail — a symbolic pursuit of truth, legacy, and power. The author crafts a plot that hinges around Aditya’s character, an archetype of the Jungian hero, who surmounts obstacles to achieve the most desired Dvaitalingam.

Sanghi’s flair lies in blurring the boundaries between myth and reality. The narrative is structured in plentiful but short, crisp chapters — perfectly tuned to the attention span of today’s scroll-down generation readers. Each chapter offers a tweet-like thrill, offering quick satiation and pushing the readers towards twists and unexpected revelations.

One of the most fascinating elements of the book is the use of the fish symbol, an archetype that reoccurs in the myths of Syria, South Korea and India. The fish, a symbol of divine guidance, acts as a thematic thread binding disparate cultures across time. The book time travels fluidly, jumping from 5,000 years to 2,000 to 900 years ago, to finally merging with the present day. So, the time motif becomes a timeless bridge between myth and reality.

The strength of the book lies in its attempt to reinterpret mythology and history using the language of modern science. Sanghi does not rely solely on poetic storytelling; instead, he substantiates myths with scientific concepts like carbon nanotubes, cementite strands and LiDAR mapping, which appeal to rational minds, while preserving the mysticism of the old world. A detailed list of references at the end is a testament to the author’s rigorous research and lends credibility to his imaginative retellings.

However, ‘The Ayodhya Alliance’ exhibits some gaps as well. The sheer breadth of the canvas, spanning continents, civilisations and timelines, can be overwhelming, especially in the initial 10 chapters. Readers unfamiliar with historical and mythological references may find themselves disoriented amid the whirlwind of information. Furthermore, the romantic subplot between Aditya and Somi lacks emotional depth and fails to evoke heartfelt investment in their relationship, especially in comparison to Soju-Suriratna’s love story.

A notable undercurrent throughout the novel is the subdued propagation of Hindutva ideology. While never overtly political, the glorification of India’s ancient past and the portrayal of Hindu cultural supremacy seem to align with dominant nationalist narratives.

Sanghi’s dating of the ‘Mahabharata’ to 5,000 years ago and his suggestion of the Iron Pillar as the Vishnu Stambh are controversial and lack academic consensus. These choices may raise eyebrows among the more historically progressive readers.

The book is a compelling read for fans of mythic fiction, offering a mix of mythology and scientific inquiry. Though at some points it overloads the readers with its ambitious landscape, Sanghi’s ability to merge myth with modernity makes it a notable and thought-provoking work in contemporary Indian fiction.

— The reviewer teaches at Govt Degree College, Panarsa (Mandi)