By Author Mitadru Banerjee
Step beyond the versions you thought you knew. Untold Mahabharata: Part 1 – Genesis by Author Mitadru Banerjee is a bold re-examination of India’s greatest epic, peeling back the layers of myth, misconception, and dramatized retellings to reveal the untold truths that shaped the destiny of ancient Bharat.
This first installment in a powerful trilogy uncovers forgotten tales, explores real historical geography, and redefines characters you thought you understood. Written with deep research and emotional clarity, it offers an immersive journey into the roots of the epic—before the war, before the division—where the seeds of destiny were first sown.
Whether you’re a mythology enthusiast, a student of Indian history, or a spiritual seeker looking for timeless wisdom in an authentic voice, this book is your gateway to the Mahabharata as you’ve never seen it.
1. What sparked your interest in writing Untold Mahabharata, Part I: Genesis, and how did the concept originate?
The inspiration for Untold Mahabharata, Part I: Genesis came from a lifelong fascination with the Mahabharata—not just as a grand epic, but as a living history that continues to resonate in our culture and individual lives. Growing up, I noticed that while many are familiar with the general storyline, few truly grasp the intricate details, hidden truths, and subtle motivations behind the events.
The idea for the book was sparked by a simple yet profound question: What if the real Mahabharata is far richer and more complex than the versions most people know?
I wanted to peel back the layers, challenge common misconceptions, and uncover the lesser-known facets of the epic that are often overlooked. This book is my effort to bring those forgotten elements to light, allowing readers to connect more deeply and authentically with the Mahabharata. It’s a journey of discovery—not just of history, but of timeless human emotions and choices.
2. Can you walk us through your writing process? Do you have any habits or routines that help you stay creatively focused?
The research for this epic has been ongoing for quite some time. Since I also have a full-time job, finding free time is often a challenge. However, I tend to mentally plot the narrative beforehand, and then write it down when I return home from work or during holidays. This flexible but consistent routine helps me maintain momentum while balancing other responsibilities.
3. Your characters are vivid and memorable. Are they drawn from historical figures, or shaped more by imagination?
To me, the Mahabharata is Itihasa—our true history. These characters were real people, not creations of imagination. The epic is a living memory, preserved through generations long before it was ever written.
What makes the Mahabharata so timeless is that even today, we encounter individuals whose traits and behaviors echo those of its characters. That universality and realism are what bring these figures to life on the page.
4. Your book explores lesser-known aspects of the Mahabharata. What motivated you to highlight these themes, and what do you hope readers take away?
I’ve realized that while many people are familiar with the broad strokes of the Mahabharata, much of their understanding is shaped by television adaptations that often dramatize or oversimplify the story.
My goal was to dig deeper—to shed light on the overlooked, misrepresented, or forgotten truths within the epic. The Mahabharata is an intricate tapestry of stories, and only by exploring its deeper layers can we truly appreciate its richness. I hope readers walk away with a more nuanced, respectful, and thought-provoking understanding of this timeless saga.
5. The world-building in your book feels very real and immersive. How did you approach recreating these settings, and did real-world locations inspire you?
I’ve always been intrigued by the real-world geography behind the Mahabharata. Many of the places mentioned in the epic still exist today, though some have changed names or identities over time.
In Untold Mahabharata, Part I: Genesis, I’ve dedicated an entire chapter to mapping ancient sites to their modern counterparts. One particularly eye-opening moment is the chapter detailing Krishna’s plea for five villages on behalf of the Pandavas. At face value, it appears to be a humble request—but once you understand the actual strategic locations of these villages, Duryodhan’s refusal gains a deeper and more calculated meaning.
By weaving together historical context and geographical evidence, the setting becomes a character in itself—deepening our understanding of the narrative.
6. How did you balance staying true to the original Mahabharata while also offering a fresh perspective?
I strongly believe that readers today are eager to know the true story of the Mahabharata. However, due to its sheer depth and complexity, many turn to television adaptations for a quicker, more accessible version—even if that means losing some of the essence.
My goal was to bridge this gap—to present the authentic narrative in a way that’s both engaging and faithful to its roots. That meant digging into the subtleties, preserving the soul of the story, and presenting it in a voice that speaks to today’s audience.
7. Your book maintains a gripping pace throughout. What techniques did you use to keep the reader engaged?
My primary focus was to retain the soul of the original epic while making it emotionally immersive for modern readers.
The Mahabharata is filled with drama, ethical conflicts, and pivotal decisions—but these are often lost in either academic renditions or overly dramatized adaptations. I concentrated on the why behind each event—the characters’ internal struggles, moral dilemmas, and complex relationships.
I also structured chapters to end with revelations or questions that naturally propel readers forward. By treating every event—big or small—as a crucial piece of a larger puzzle, the narrative stays engaging while also deeply meaningful.
8. In today’s fast-paced digital world, how do you see traditional storytelling evolving, and how do you keep your writing relevant?
That’s a powerful question. We’re living in an age where content is consumed rapidly, and attention spans are shorter than ever. But I believe authentic storytelling will never lose its place.
Yes, formats are evolving—books, audiobooks, reels, series—but our craving for deep, meaningful stories is as strong as ever.
The Mahabharata addresses eternal themes—family, power, duty, dharma—and my job wasn’t to modernize it, but to translate its spirit into a form that resonates with today’s readers. That meant using a clear, relatable voice and unpacking complex themes without diluting their depth.
In a world overflowing with surface-level content, I see traditional storytelling as more essential than ever—especially when told with fresh passion and purpose.
Buy your copy today on Amazon and discover the hidden stories, real motivations, and ancient truths that history forgot—but you won’t.
