This is an epic book. Only one book that can expose the casteism with such intricate and delicate manner. I am absolutely spellbound by the way SLB sir has narrated various caste system and its origins in such a delicate and detailed manner. For sure, without a doubt, this is a must read book for everyone.
So, which is the first caste that originated in the world. SLB has also gone into the roots of vedic times describing, why there was no reference to gods like Shiva, vishnu, Bramha, Ganesha, etc.. in the scriptures like Rigveda, Atharava Veda and so on. One would get questions like, when does this castes like Brahman (Smartha, Madhwa, Sri Vaishanava), Gowda, Khsatriya, Shoodra, Dalits, various intercastes and inner sub divisions have come into picture? Who started these practices? Why there is a difference between Upper Caste and Lower Caste?. For sure, you wont get an answer from this book. Rather, it allows you to think deep into these caste systems that was deep rooted since time immemorial.
The protagonists from the novel are just a mirror reflection of each one of us, who are behaving as if their caste is upper and others are lower one. The tumultous feelings of each and every characters like Satya, Venkataramanappa, Melagiri Gowda, Venkatesha, Mohanadasa, Bettayya, Meera, Srinivasa, Tirumale Gowda, etc, etc.. is an awesome expirience.
Truly a great read. I am quite amazed at the time SLB sir took to complete this novel. Yes, within one and half month he has completed this epic. Now I have a sense of satisfaction of acheiving something. Also, made me to realize all these caste systems are just a man made adjustments and there is a never a concluding answer for its which one is upper and which one is lower.
I recommened everyone to read this novel. Better late than never!! :)