# Indian Mythology, Retold

> Answers the query: “best indian mythology retellings”

_Last updated: 2026-07-20_

**Short answer:** The best Indian mythology retellings start with Devdutt Pattanaik's illustrated Jaya (the Mahabharata) and Namita Gokhale's The Book of Shiva. Add character-centred novels like Mandodari, Vishwamitra and Krishna Udayasankar's Govinda, plus In Search of Sita, to see the great epics reimagined from new angles.

India's epics get retold in every generation, and this shelf gathers the modern versions worth reading. We lead with Devdutt Pattanaik's accessible Jaya and Namita Gokhale's The Book of Shiva, then add novels that hand the story to overlooked figures like Mandodari and Vishwamitra. A perfect entry point to the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

## The list

1. **Jaya**, Devdutt Pattanaik (ISBN 9780143104254)
   Read this if you want the best entry point: Devdutt Pattanaik's Jaya, an illustrated retelling of the Mahabharata.
   https://www.altbook.net/book/jaya
2. **The book of Shiva**, Namita Gokhale (ISBN 9780143419891)
   Read this if you want Shiva made approachable: Namita Gokhale's The Book of Shiva.
   https://www.altbook.net/book/the-book-of-shiva
3. **In search of Sita**, Malashri Lal, Namita Gokhale (ISBN 9780143068181)
   Read this if you want the Ramayana's heroine reconsidered: In Search of Sita, edited by Malashri Lal and Namita Gokhale.
   https://www.altbook.net/book/in-search-of-sita
4. **Mandodari**, Manini J. Anandani (ISBN 9780143442684)
   Read this if you want the epic from the other side: Mandodari retells the Ramayana through Ravana's queen.
   https://www.altbook.net/book/mandodari
5. **Vishwamitra**, Vineet Aggarwal (ISBN 9780143423447)
   Read this if you want a sage's story as fiction: Vineet Aggarwal's Vishwamitra.
   https://www.altbook.net/book/vishwamitra
6. **Govinda**, Krishna Udayasankar (ISBN 9780143448112)
   Read this if you like mythology as historical fiction: Krishna Udayasankar's Govinda, first of the Aryavarta Chronicles.
   https://www.altbook.net/book/govinda
7. **Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons Anand Neelakantan**, Also by the Author
   Read this if you want the many faces of one epic: Anand Neelakantan on the diverse traditions of the Ramayana.
   https://www.altbook.net/book/many-ramayanas-many-lessons-anand-neelakantan
8. **Shiva**, Nityanand Charan Das (ISBN 9780143467441)
   Read this if you want a fresh take on Shiva: Nityanand Charan Das explores the hidden side of the master of the universe.
   https://www.altbook.net/book/shiva
9. **Teachings from the Ramayana on Family and Life**, Shantanu Gupta (ISBN 9780143461463)
   Read this if you want life lessons from the epic: Shantanu Gupta's Teachings from the Ramayana on family and life.
   https://www.altbook.net/book/teachings-from-the-ramayana-on-family-and-life
10. **Betaal Pachisi Roots of India Series Mario Coelho Illustrated by Pratik Bhide**, Mario Coelho
   Read this if you want a classic tale collection retold: the Vikram-Betaal stories given a poetic, illustrated treatment.
   https://www.altbook.net/book/betaal-pachisi-roots-of-india-series-mario-coelho-illustrated-by-pratik-bhide

## FAQ

**What is the best modern retelling of the Mahabharata?**

Devdutt Pattanaik's Jaya is a popular illustrated retelling of the Mahabharata that is accessible to newcomers, while Krishna Udayasankar's Govinda reimagines the epic as historical fiction.

**Are there retellings told from women's or minor characters' points of view?**

Yes. Mandodari centres Ravana's queen, In Search of Sita revisits the Ramayana's heroine, and several titles here retell the epics from the vantage of figures usually kept at the margins.


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Source: AltBook, https://www.altbook.net/collections/indian-mythology-retold