Ahalya: Rediscovering the Tale of a Forgotten Woman

Koral Dasgupta’s Ahalya is a compelling reimagining of one of Indian mythology’s most enigmatic figures. Known as a creation of Lord Brahma, Ahalya was said to be one of the most beautiful women of her time, yet her story has often been reduced to a cautionary tale of infidelity. In this novel, Koral Dasgupta breathes new life into Ahalya’s narrative, offering a nuanced and deeply human portrayal of a woman who has long been misunderstood.

Ms. Dasgupta crafts a rich narrative around Ahalya, born from Lord Brahma’s creativity. The book delves deeply into her formative years when Brahma sent her to live on Earth with the great Sage Gautam. Through Ms. Dasgupta’s skillful storytelling, we witness Ahalya’s growth as she learns about life through observation, living under the sage’s care in his ashram. The author’s depiction of this period is thoughtful and insightful, painting a vivid picture of Ahalya’s early experiences.

Ahalya’s marriage to Sage Gautam and their subsequent life together is one of the most engaging aspects of the story. Ms. Dasgupta’s humane and relatable interpretation of how Ahalya—who had no mother and no frame of reference for marriage—struggled initially with a hermit and chaste husband who did not know how to love a woman or grow a relationship with her. Despite being seemingly perfect beings—Ahalya as a divine creation and Gautam as a renowned sage—they face the very human challenge of navigating the complexities of marriage. Ahalya’s yearning to be loved and serenaded, contrasted with Gautam’s lack of understanding in matters of the heart, creates a poignant and engaging dynamic that makes for an interesting read as they slowly grow closer.

One of the most commendable aspects of the novel is its departure from the traditional, often unidimensional, patriarchial and judgmental narrative surrounding Ahalya. She is typically portrayed as stepping out on her marriage for a brief dalliance with Lord Indra or as being too naive to recognise Indra when he appears as Gautam. Ms. Dasgupta offers a fresh perspective, portraying Indra as a deity who controls human senses and desires, and examining how this aspect of his divine nature plays a part in Ahalya’s story. This interpretation adds layers to the tale, making it more complex and less black-and-white.

The story flows well throughout the book, maintaining a strong and engaging narrative. However, the slightly flowery writing style sometimes stretched the narrative, hindering the reading experience. While the prose is often beautiful, there are moments where it felt overly elaborate, detracting from the story’s momentum.

This beautifully crafted story offers a fresh and engaging perspective on a character often relegated to the background of Indian mythology. It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the untold stories of mythology with a modern, nuanced lens. Through Ahalya’s journey, readers are invited to reflect on the timeless struggles of love, identity, and the human condition.