The Sanskrit Epics Representation of Vedic Myths Hardcover – 1 January 2004

Myths are like palimpsests. Thoughts and actions of one age are superimposed upon by those of another age, while the myths take new shapes. This process continues with time, with old meanings getting washed away and new significances getting attached. This process had happened with several Vedic myths, who have got appropriated into the great epics, but with changes that make the process of transformation pregnant with historical possibilities.After the 'Introduction' part, this book analyses several such myths. They are~1. When Agni Goes Hiding2. Indra, the Lover of Ahalya3. The Theft of Soma4. Upamanyu's Salvation by the Asvins5. Rana-yajna: The Mahabharata War as a SacrificeThen we have the 'Conclusions', followed by Bibliography and Index.Not only is this book an example of solid research. It's also a cracking read, with threads of stories afloat before the eyes of our mind compelling us to make other connections, with a hint of changes that must have taken place in Indian society during all these years.Highly recommended.