BOOK DETAILS :
- Publisher : HarperCollins India (30 September 2024)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 272 pages
- ISBN-10 : 9365699371
- ISBN-13 : 978-9365699371
ABOUT THE AUTHOR :
Devdutt Pattanaik was trained in medicine, and worked in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry for fifteen years, before turning his part-time passion for mythology into his full-time profession. He has authored over 1000 articles and over 50 books on the relevance of sacred stories, symbols and rituals in modern times. These have been translated in Hindi, Marathi, Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati and many international languages including Russian, Polish and Japanese. He is a much sought after corporate speaker and acts as a consultant to organisations on matters related to leadership and culture.
REVIEW COPY COURTESY: HarperCollins India
BOOK REVIEW :
The Harappan civilization, one of the world’s oldest, remains a mystery in many ways. Unlike Mesopotamia or Egypt, where kings and wars dominate historical records, Harappa leaves behind intriguing clues—well-planned cities, a script we still can’t decipher, and a culture that seems to have thrived in peace. Why did they have images of rivalry but none of war or romance? Why did their cities vanish, yet villages continued to flourish?
The author approaches these questions not just through archaeology but through the lens of mythology and philosophy, making the book a deeply engaging read. What truly sets this book apart is its format. Instead of dense historical analysis, it presents 100 short reflections, each accompanied by an illustration or diagram. This visual approach makes complex ideas easy to grasp, almost like flipping through a beautifully designed museum exhibit.
Let’s be honest—history books can often feel dry. But Pattanaik’s writing keeps you hooked by drawing connections between the Harappans and concepts that still influence Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism today. He even suggests that their script might have functioned like modern-day emojis, conveying meaning through symbols rather than full sentences.
This book is a must-read for anyone curious about India’s ancient past, mythology, or cultural evolution. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or someone who usually finds the subject dull, Ahimsa presents a refreshing, insightful, and visually engaging way to explore the Harappan world.
Lastly, A big thank you to HarperCollins India for sending me this review copy!
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Overall Ratings: 4.8/5⭐
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