Indian Mythology: The Ultimate Character Encyclopedia

Gr 7 Up—This title provides colorful, anime-style portraits of almost 200 figures from Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata; discusses their relations to other characters; and presents much-condensed descriptions of their roles. Pronunciation of characters' names and identification of their "powers" and race (e.g., "human," "asura") are helpful. Several pages offer visual background on mythical epochs, nonhuman races, divine weapons, warrior levels, and genealogies but no narrative outlines (familiarity with the epics is assumed). Sanjeev addresses gender fluidity (for instance, Arjuna's eunuch disguise, Shikandi's dual gender). Although skin tones vary, facing pages unfortunately contrast the evil Shurpanakha, depicted as dark-skinned, and the very white ideal woman, Sita (many other heroines are pale as well). Ravana's moral ambiguity earns him three pages; Rama, Arjuna, Indrajit, and others receive two. Interpretations of some characters lack complexity. The Rakshasas are portrayed as hideous monsters, and Hanuman (whom many consider the Ramayana's racist embodiment of indigenous south Indians) is represented as an ape. The subtitle "encyclopedia" is somewhat misleading: this is neither a scholarly work nor comprehensive (many mythological characters, such as Ganesh, Vishnu, and Agni, are omitted). Unclear writing sometimes impedes meaning.