VMPL
New Delhi [India], June 26: What if the story of the Ramayana didn't end with Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya or Ravana's defeat in Lanka? What if there was more a story yet untold, buried in ancient lore and steeped in secrets? Author Prakash Mohandas dares to explore these questions with Lanka - The Prophecy of the Bloodline, the first installment in an epic new trilogy that reimagines the aftermath of one of India's greatest mythological epics.
This gripping work of speculative fiction doesn't just revisit the known, it dares to build upon it. Lanka is an ambitious extrapolation, a continuation of what might have unfolded after the dust of war had settled. It presents a fresh perspective on the fate of Lanka, the land once ravaged by the divine war between Lord Rama and Ravana. With a bold narrative arc, compelling characters, and a richly woven mythical backdrop, the novel introduces a prophecy, a fractured kingdom, and a dangerous power struggle that threatens to plunge the land back into chaos.
At the heart of the story lies a powerful prophecy - one that foretells the rise of a descendant of the Rakshasa bloodline who will unite the two warring Rakshasa clans and restore peace to Lanka. As the story begins, Lanka is no longer a land of balance and power. Vibhishana, once entrusted with the throne by Rama himself, is overthrown and imprisoned. The throne is seized by none other than Shurpanakha, Ravana's cunning and manipulative sister, whose desire for power and legacy drives her every move. She emerges as a formidable antagonist, with a devious plot that stretches back to the very events of the Ramayana itself. The kidnapping of Sita, the destruction of Ravana, and the great war that once decided the fate of Lanka are all pieces of a sinister puzzle carefully orchestrated by Shurpanakha in her rise to power.
Under her cruel reign, the kingdom of Lanka stands divided. On one side are the Mayas, Rakshasas enslaved under her command, corrupted by the dark power she wields. On the other side are the Lankans, the original Rakshasa clan led by the noble warrior Maveera, forced into exile in the forests. But when the wise sage Vishwamitra visits the exiled Lankans with the revelation of the ancient prophecy, hope begins to stir once again. The sage reveals that only one who carries the true royal bloodline of the Rakshasas can bring the two clans together and restore harmony. With the Lankans fractured and in hiding, and the Mayas controlled by fear and domination, the prophecy becomes the guiding force of resistance against tyranny.
However, Shurpanakha is aware of the prophecy as well. Her hunger for dominance leads her to make a chilling decision if a blood heir is what the prophecy demands, she will create one. She chooses the most powerful Rakshasa lord as the father and becomes obsessed with having a son who will inherit the throne and rule in her name. Her fixation on having a male heir, and her desire to twist the prophecy to suit her ambition, adds another complex layer to her character. In Prakash Mohandas's portrayal, Shurpanakha is not just a villain; she is an embodiment of greed, insecurity, and blind ambition, an echo of historical rulers whose obsession with lineage and legacy have brought ruin to empires.
Mohandas's storytelling is cinematic and immersive, offering vivid scenes that transport readers to a world both mythical and reimagined. He doesn't shy away from dramatizing battles, invoking ancient magic, and exploring the moral dilemmas of war and leadership. Yet, at its core, Lanka - The Prophecy of the Bloodline is more than a fantasy novel. It is a story of exile and return, of fractured identities, of ambition versus destiny, and of the eternal battle between light and darkness recast through the lens of post-Ramayana mythology.
Prakash Mohandas brings a unique voice to this genre, drawing from his deep connection to South Asian storytelling and performance art. As an author, dancer, actor, musician, filmmaker, and entrepreneur, he wears many creative hats. He is the founder of Agni Dance, Agni Entertainment, and Agni Foundation for the Arts, all of which work to promote South Asian art across various platforms. His multidisciplinary background adds layers of texture to the narrative, allowing him to blend visual imagery, lyrical dialogue, and mythological depth into his writing. Mohandas is also involved in several philanthropic projects, which further reflects his commitment to community, culture, and artistic growth.
With Lanka - The Prophecy of the Bloodline, Prakash Mohandas opens the door to an untapped dimension of Indian mythology. The novel, published by Astitva Prakashan, doesn't rewrite the Ramayana, it expands it. It respects the roots while daring to explore the branches that may have grown beyond what was once known. In doing so, Mohandas offers readers a thrilling new adventure, rich with emotion, intrigue, and meaning.
This book promises to resonate with fans of mythological fiction, epic fantasy, and readers seeking narratives that challenge conventional endings. As the trilogy unfolds, one can only anticipate more revelations, conflicts, and legendary twists in the saga that dares to ask: What really happened after the Ramayana ended?
Order Your Copy: https://www.amazon.in/dp/9358383356
(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
