So, here we have mentioned the list of best books to read on Indian mythology. You will have fun reading them.
Also, Bonus: Below each book, we have said why we recommend this book to you. And, all have been arranged in alphabetical order. Because duh, they all are best.
So, let’s get started. Here is the list of best Indian mythology books.
#1 Ahalya’s Awakening by Kavita Kane
About the book
Title: Ahalya’s Awakening
Author: Kavita Kane
Genre: Indian Mythology
Publisher: Westland
Type: Standalone
Pages: 356
Goodreads Rating: 3.9 / 5
A well-known legend is that Ahalya was cursed to turn into stone by her husband Rishi Gautum for infidelity. But is it true? Why was she cursed truly? Or did she truly commit infidelity? And if so, why? In this gripping retelling, Kavita Kane tells us about Ahalya’s life from birth till after the curse and how it affected her.
Why do we recommend this book?
The author has presented this mythological story from the eye of a female lead wonderfully. Everything about this book was excellent. Everything is perfect, from its plot to its writing style to the world-building, to the covers and characters, everything is perfect.
If you want to buy/gift Ahalya’s Awakening, click on the link below: 👇
#2 Ganga: The Constant Godess by Anuja Chandramauli
About the Book
Title: Ganga: The Constant Godess
Author: Anuja Chandramauli
Genre: Mythology
Publisher: Rupa Publications India
Type: Standalone
Pages: 218
Goodreads Rating: 4 / 5
P.S.: This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, then you can read this book for free.
Ganga is often known as a devoted daughter, a caring mother, a passionate lover, and a merciful savior. It’s said that she is here to absorb and absolve us of all our sins. The author has collected myths about Ganga and interwoven them in this book. You will find many of her myths like the birth of her sons, her journey into heaven, her relationships with the trinity, Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu, and many more legends.
Why do we recommend this book?
This book is a short story collection of sorts. In places, the pace is a bit slow. But, apart from that, this book is quite fun to read. And it was fun knowing Ganga.
If you want to buy/gift Ganga: The Constant Goddess, click on the link below: 👇
#3 Kalki Trilogy by Kevin Missal
About the Book
Title: Kalki Trilogy
Author: Kevin Missal
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Publisher: Kalamos Literary Services LLP
Type: Series
No. of Books: 3
Books in it: #1 Dharmayoddha Kalki: Avatar of Vishnu, #2 Satyayoddha Kalki: Eye of Brahma, #3 Mahayoddha Kalki: Sword of Shiva
Goodreads rating: 4/5
Kalki Hari has no idea about the destiny that awaits him. Still, when he is inevitably brought to Keekatpur, he learns about the tyranny of the king and the heritage that he inherited. Kalyug is about to arrive, but the previous one needs to be cleansed for a new yug to start. As Lord Vishnu said, he will appear to protect humanity whenever evil starts to overpower the good. But could he have been late this time? Kalki Trilogy follows the journey of Kalki as he struggles to fulfill his mission and learn to protect the ones closest to him as well as himself.
Why do we recommend this book?
A great incarnation story, Kalki Hari’s story was indeed a treat to follow along. All the characters, central and supporting protagonists, and antagonists were written with so much depth. Also, the fantasy and mythological elements that we have already read about were included so subtly. The writing is super easy to understand, and it never strays from its simplicity, making reading this trilogy a breeze.
If you want to buy/gift Kalki Trilogy Book-1, click on the link below: 👇
#4 Karna’s Wife: The Outcast’s Queen by Kavita Kane
About the Book
Title: Karna’s Wife: The Outcast’s Queen
Author: Kavita Kane
Genre: Mythology
Publisher: Rupa Publications India
Type: Standalone
Pages: 310
Goodreads Rating: 3.8 / 5
Uruvi, the princess of the kingdom Pukeya, fell in love with Karna during the famous archery contest in Hastinapur. Despite the social norms and her parent’s restrictions, she still chose Karna over Arjuna in her Swayamvar. But then her marriage to the son of a charioteer made her an outcast queen in society. However, she didn’t let that affect her. And she tried to guide and council Karna to the best of her abilities. She tried to change his friendship with Duryodhana, as she thought it would be their ultimate downfall. But it was just beyond her power. Will she be able to save her husband’s life from the inevitable doom? Or become a mere witness of the upcoming great war of Mahabharata?
Why do we recommend this book?
I was very excited to read this book and learn more about Karna and his life. And, this book didn’t at all disappoint. It was everything I thought it would be and more. If you’re looking for a mythological book with a strong female lead, this book is definitely for you.
P.S.: This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, then you can read this book for free.
If you want to buy/gift Karna’s Wife: The Outcast’s Queen, click on the link below:👇
#5 Mandodari: Queen of Lanka by Manini J. Anandani
About the Book
Title: Mandodari: Queen of Lanka
Author: Manini J. Anandani
Genre: Fantasy, Mythology
Publisher: Penguin Books
Type: Standalone
Pages: 212
Goodreads rating: 3.9/5
Who was Mandodari exactly? What role did she play during the epic battle of Lanka? What was her relationship with her husband like? Manini J. Anandani aims to answer these questions with this book. We find out the actual story behind her and Ravana’s marriage, Madodari’s feelings when her husband brought Sita to Lanka, and everything that happened during the battle that ultimately led to her country and her family’s destruction. The untold story of queen Mandodari and her husband is a must-read for mythology lovers.
Why do we recommend this book?
Ok, Mandodari might be an underrated character in Ramayana, but she has always been revered as one of the most virtuous women in history/mythology. And we see exactly why that is in this book. I loved her character, as well as her relationship with Ravana. This book didn’t just make me look at Mandodari in a new light but also obtain a new viewpoint about the king of Lanka.
If you want to buy/gift Mandodari: Queen of Lanka, click on the link below: 👇
#6 Menaka’s Choice by Kavita Kane
About the Book
Title: Menaka’s Choice
Author: Kavita Kane
Genre: Mythology
Publisher: Rupa Publications India
Type: Standalone
Pages: 304
Goodreads Rating: 3.8 / 5
On Earth, there is a rishi called Vishwamitra. He is growing in his powers immensely. He even managed to create another heaven. And this threatens Lord Indra. So, he sends Menaka, the most beautiful apsara with quick wit, to seduce him and disrupt his meditation. Just so he won’t be able to grow his powers and might even lose them too. But what will happen when Menaka meets Vishwamitra? Will Menaka finally get the family she longs for? Or not?
Why do we recommend this book?
I was looking for more reads from Kavita Kane. And that is when I came across this one. I got to know a lot about Menaka and Vishwamitra. And only them but also about Indra and other apsaras. It’s a must-read if you’re looking for something in Indian mythology.
P.S.: This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, then you can read this book for free.
If you want to buy/gift Menaka’s Choice, click on the link below: 👇
#7 Pandava Series by Roshani Chokshi
About the Book
Title: Pandava
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Adventure
Publisher: Scholastic Corporation
Type: Series
No. of Books: 5
Books in it: #1 Aru Shah and the End of Time, #2 Aru Shah and the Song of Death, #3 Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes, #4 Aru Shah and the City of Gold, #5 Aru Shah and the Nectar of Immortality
Goodreads rating: 4/5
Aru Shah is a twelve-year-old schoolgoer who exaggerates facts and make up lies to fit in school. But when one of her lies gets her in a problematic situation, she pledges never to lie again. But first, Aru needs to prove that the Lamp of Bharata is indeed cursed. Unfortunately for her, lighting it up opened a bag of worms that she was now unable to control. So if she wants to save her family and classmates, she needs to find the reincarnation of the five Pandavas, travel through the Kingdom of Death, and fight off a demonic army. Easy right?
Why do we recommend this book?
This series has been tagged as a children’s book. However, it can be read by any age group. It gives off a very Percy Jackson vibes, and the whole adventure part brings out the writer’s creativity. The series also incorporates elements from Ramayana and associated mythology, and it stood up to all the potential I thought it could have.
If you want to buy/gift Pandava Series Book-1, click on the link below: 👇
#8 Shiva Trilogy by Amish Tripathi
About the Book
Title: Shiva Trilogy
Author: Amish Tripathi
Genre: Fantasy, Mythology, Cultural
Publisher: Westland Books
Type: Series
No. of Books: 3
Books in it: #1 The Immortals of Meluha, #2 The Secret of the Nagas, #3 The Oath of the Vayuputras
Goodreads rating: 4/5
Thousands of years ago, an empire called Meluha was created even more centuries ago by Lord Rama. Once a proud land, the realm now faces several crises – from drought problems as the river Saraswati slowly dries to the terrorism from the eastern land people who have allied themselves with Nagas. But people are still hopeful, as it’s a known rule of the universe – when evil crosses all limits, and the world is on the verge of destruction, a hero appears. Now it’s upon Shiva, a Tibetian immigrant, to find and fulfill his destiny and bring peace to his country.
Why do we recommend this book?
Though the plot suffers at times, the writing and character development are consistent and are a must-read for mythology lovers.
If you want to buy/gift Shiva Trilogy Book-1, click on the link below: 👇
#9 The Forest of Enchantments by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
About the Book
Title: The Forest of Enchantments
Author: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Genre: Mythology
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Type: Standalone
Pages: 372
Goodreads Rating: 4.1 / 5
Many of you might know Ramayana. Well, this book is a retelling of Ramayana from the point of view of Sita. In this book, the life of Sita is narrated from when she was a child to even past where Ramayana stopped. And this book is about Sita, her life, and her struggles.
Why do we recommend this book?
I always thought that Ramayana ended a bit abruptly. But this book provides a fuller perspective. In The Forest of Enchantments, the author has told about how Sita single-handedly raised her children and how they were reunited with their father, Ram. Also, some things in this book are not mentioned in Ramayana, which I enjoyed knowing about a lot.
If you want to buy/gift The Forest of Enchantments, click on the link below: 👇
#10 The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
About the Book
Title: The Palace of Illusions
Author: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Publisher: Doubleday Books
Type: Standalone
Pages: 360
Goodreads rating: 4.2/5
A retelling of the epic story, Mahabharata told from the point of view of the woman standing in the middle of Kurukshetra, Princess Panchali. She was an essential character who played as a trigger for the inevitable war. From her birth in the fire to her swayamvar and to her complex relationships with her husbands, her closest friend Krishna, and the enemy of her husbands, Karna, we get a new perspective on Draupadi’s life story.
Why do we recommend this book?
Without a doubt, one of the best retellings of Mahabharata. Draupadi has always been one of the most loved and powerful Queen/Empress, most revered for her strength and purity. So it was interesting to see her working hard to get recognition and play politics in this book. A true masterpiece!
If you want to buy/gift The Palace of Illusions, click on the link below: 👇
P.S: Some books recommended here are available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, then you can read these books for free. Check out this article: Is Kindle Unlimited Worth It?
SO, to conclude here is the list of Best Indian Mythology books.
| 1. | Ahalya’s Awakening by Kavita Kane | Buy Now |
| 2. | Ganga The Constant Godess by Anuja Chandramouli | Buy Now |
| 3. | Kalki Trilogy by Kevin Missal | Buy Now |
| 4. | Karna’s Wife: The Outcast’s Queen by Kavita Kane | Buy Now |
| 5. | Mandodari: Queen of Lanka by Manini J. Anandani | Buy Now |
| 6. | Menaka’s Choice by Kavita Kane | Buy Now |
| 7. | Pandava series by Roshani Chokshi | Buy Box-set |
| 8. | Shiva Trilogy by Amish Tripathi | Buy Now |
| 9. | The Forest of Enchantments by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni | Buy Now |
| 10. | The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni | Buy Now |
Do read every book on this list. I am sure they are not at all going to disappoint you.
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