Mythology is cultural truth; New project on Bakasura: Devdutt Pattanaik speaks

Devdutt Pattanaik is a celebrated Indian writer known for unravelling the complex concepts of epics and mythology with remarkable simplicity. His works, spanning mythology, culture, religion, and modern society, have been translated into several languages. Devdutt's unique style lies in seamlessly integrating the epics with contemporary issues.

Over the years, he has authored more than 30 books, including notable titles such as Myth = Mithya: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology, Shiva to Shankara, Jaya, and The Book of Ram. In addition to being a prolific writer, Devdutt is also a sought-after orator. He frequently speaks on topics related to epics, leadership, and management at corporate events, educational institutions, and business forums.

In this interview with Onmanorama, Devdutt Pattanaik opens up about his books, his approach to writing, and his thoughts on the relevance of Indian epics in the modern age.

What are your hopes for the future of works based on Indian epics and their relevance in the coming age?
First, it’s essential to understand the difference between mythology and mythological fiction. For instance, M.T. Vasudevan Nair’s Randamoozham is a mythological fiction. In this genre, a writer takes a story from an epic and gives it a unique dimension. What you hear in such a work is the writer's voice -- in this case, M.T.’s voice. The voice of Vedavyasa, the original author of the Mahabharata, should not resonate there.

Mythological fiction prioritises the writer’s interpretation, allowing them to craft a story inspired by an epic. On the other hand, mythology books aim to convey the voice of Vedavyasa -- or the original author -- back to the readers. In these works, the writer refrains from altering the original story or infusing it with personal dimensions. Mythology differs based on culture.

In mythological fiction, one can create entirely new narratives, but this approach cannot be applied to mythology books. Personally, I have written only one mythological fiction so far -- The Pregnant King, published over a decade ago. In that book, I incorporated my own ideas and perspectives. However, all my other works simply retell epics in their original form. This includes not only Indian epics but also those from Arabic, Chinese, and European traditions. People remain deeply interested in exploring these and such books will undoubtedly continue to find readers in the future.

In the books you write, you have also included beautiful illustrations that you draw yourself. Can you share your thoughts on this?
I’ve always believed that illustrations enhance understanding. Drawing is part of my exploration into better communication, and I genuinely enjoy the process. My style is simple—black-and-white sketches that can be created easily. Beyond aiding communication, drawing allows me to conceptualise ideas differently.

How have the epics contributed to your personal growth?
Mythology represents cultural truths. Every individual imagines the world uniquely, with their understanding shaped by personal experiences. If we make an effort to recognise and respect the understanding and imagination of people standing in front, many conflicts can be avoided. The greatest lesson from epics is to observe people and their stories. Understanding how someone envisions the world fosters stronger relationships.

This understanding extends beyond individuals to several other things in this world. For instance, listening to epic stories can help you grasp why China is different from India or things like why they use chopsticks. Similarly, it explains how people are different or how family members, though sharing the same upbringing, can differ profoundly.

Since I can’t step into your imagination and you can’t step into mine, communication becomes vital. When you share your thoughts and imaginings, I can understand you better. This mutual understanding nurtures good relationships, resolves conflicts, and reduces quarrels. These lessons have significantly helped me in my personal life, work and in business. This has also helped me in handling difficult people.

Do you think there’s a gap between traditional - conventional wisdom and contemporary readers?
This gap exists because many people perceive myths as relics of the past. What we don’t realise is that the core issues we face today. Everybody is facing the same set of issues. An emotion like jealousy, for instance, is no different from those faced a hundred or even a thousand years ago. No amount of technological advancement can erase these human experiences.

The disconnect happens because we believe we’re fundamentally different from our ancestors. However, while technology has evolved, human emotions and mental struggles remain unchanged. What we see today is merely another expression of the same emotions people experienced in the past. When we acknowledge this continuity, the gap dissolves. We’ll then turn to epics, seeking answers to our questions.

Some of your books focus on Rama and Shiva, while others delve into subjects like weddings or money. What explains such stark differences in your topics?
These are simply the stories I’ve always wanted to tell. Indian mythology stands out because of its emphasis on the concept of rebirth, a perspective absent in texts like the Bible, Quran, or Chinese and Greek epics. To truly grasp Indian mythology, understanding rebirth is essential, and this understanding comes through the epics centred on it.

What we explore in the concept of rebirth are the various facets of the same truth. Different individuals and eras offer unique perspectives on even a single subject. For instance, the system of Hindu marriages follows thousands of customs and rituals across India, often leading to confusion. My effort is to present these ideas simply, helping people understand these.

How do you deal with criticisms against you?
Most opinions on social media these days amount to baseless allegations. In an era where everyone has a phone and access to the internet to explore countless subjects, it’s disheartening to see people posing foolish questions. Often, it’s not a lack of access but a lack of effort ; a desire to remain lazy. Then there are those who seek attention, using social media as a platform to boost their egos by troubling others.

When someone tells me, “Oh, we don’t read your work at all,” I respond with a statement that often leaves them more irate. I simply say, “Good. Please don’t read me. I’m perfectly fine with that.”

Can you tell us about your upcoming projects?
I am currently writing about Bakasura. The more greedy you are, the more you embody the traits of Bakasura. His insatiable greed not only consumes him but also causes trouble for those around him. If we look closely, we’ll notice people around us with characteristics strikingly similar to Bakasura.