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Sauptik: Blood and Flowers
Blood and Flowers is a revisionist retelling of some of our oldest tales which have inspired and guided generations of people. The sequel to Adi Parva, which was chosen as one of 2012's Best Graphic Novels by comic book historian Paul Gravett, this book combines breath-taking art with classic storytelling. Based on the Mahabharata, the Puranas and the tradition of oral storytellers, Sauptik is also very contemporary. The narrative, with its lush visuals, emphasizes, over and over, our forgotten connection with the soil, with rivers, with forests, with fire. In book one, Adi Churning of the Ocean, the celestial river Ganga narrates events from the beginning of time and in its sequel, Blood and Flowers, Ashwatthama carries the story forward after surviving the Kurukshetra battle.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 10, 2016
8 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Amruta Patil
18 books122 followersAmruta Patil, is an Indian graphic novel author and painter.
Patil spent her childhood in Goa. She has a BFA from Goa College of Art (1999), and Master of Fine Arts degree from Tufts University, School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston (2004).
She worked as a copywriter at Enterprise Nexus (Mumbai) in 1999-2000. She was the Co-founder, Editor of the quarterly magazine, 'Mindfields' (2007-2012). She was awarded TED Fellowship in 2009.
Her debut graphic novel, Kari, commissioned and published by VK Karthika at HarperCollins India, explored themes of sexuality, friendship and death; and heralded Patil as India's first female graphic novelist.
She was awarded the Ministry of Women and Child Development's Nari Shakti Puraskar in March 2017 at the hands of the 13th President of India, Pranab Mukherjee.
Patil spent her childhood in Goa. She has a BFA from Goa College of Art (1999), and Master of Fine Arts degree from Tufts University, School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston (2004).
She worked as a copywriter at Enterprise Nexus (Mumbai) in 1999-2000. She was the Co-founder, Editor of the quarterly magazine, 'Mindfields' (2007-2012). She was awarded TED Fellowship in 2009.
Her debut graphic novel, Kari, commissioned and published by VK Karthika at HarperCollins India, explored themes of sexuality, friendship and death; and heralded Patil as India's first female graphic novelist.
She was awarded the Ministry of Women and Child Development's Nari Shakti Puraskar in March 2017 at the hands of the 13th President of India, Pranab Mukherjee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 23, 2022
"You aren't held hostage by old narratives. Re-story the shabby stories."
The most profound and artistic narration of Mahabharata. Loved it immensely. The art in the form of abstract collages, is blending well with the author's commentary.
The art is unique - not just color on paper. It’s a collage of cloth, wool, embroidery, bird's nest, newspaper clippings.
This is a sequel to Adi Parva. While Adi Parva was narrated by river Ganga, this one is narrated by Ashwatthama.
A few subtle things I learnt while reading this:
1. Arjun was ambidextrous.
2. What happened to Eklavya after his infamous Gurudakshina of Thumb.
3. The descendants of Sapta Rishis and their interconnections. That one frame is a crash course on Indian mythology :)
Sample frames which I loved:
Highly recommended!
The most profound and artistic narration of Mahabharata. Loved it immensely. The art in the form of abstract collages, is blending well with the author's commentary.
The art is unique - not just color on paper. It’s a collage of cloth, wool, embroidery, bird's nest, newspaper clippings.
This is a sequel to Adi Parva. While Adi Parva was narrated by river Ganga, this one is narrated by Ashwatthama.
A few subtle things I learnt while reading this:
1. Arjun was ambidextrous.
2. What happened to Eklavya after his infamous Gurudakshina of Thumb.
3. The descendants of Sapta Rishis and their interconnections. That one frame is a crash course on Indian mythology :)
Sample frames which I loved:
Highly recommended!
December 16, 2022
Another excellent book from Amruta Patil... an interpretation of events of Mahabharata with a less known take on many events . Enjoyed the artwork as well as the thought process.
Mahabharata is one epic which gives food for thought however much I read it.
Mahabharata is one epic which gives food for thought however much I read it.
December 24, 2022
This review is for both Adi Parva and Sauptik. First, hats off to sutradhaar Amruta Patil, a multi-talented one - writer and illustrator. The illustrations are unusual, in a good sense, complementing the writings! Can a book be abstract? that's how I felt reading this rendition of Mahabharata. The writings were so engaging, my eyes strayed not so much on illustrations. However, the illustrations are equally captivating with transitioning between charcoal drawing, line drawing to multi medium art, both muted and brilliant, vivid colors!!
Adi Parva is not for beginners of Mahabharata. Without knowing the epic tale before, it will be hard to follow. But in Sauptik, you can. In both the books, the abstract(?!?), philosophical writing with new imaginations is very refreshing! I love a book when I learn something from that book. These two books did not disappoint.
In author's words, "Mahabharata sprawls from fantastic creation myths to gritty battlefields; from bodily preoccupations to the material and spiritual; from grooming kings to encouraging renunciates." "The reservoirs of knowledge are now for our asking; all we need is our attention, and our question."
An avid reader of Indian mythology definitely read multiple renditions of Ramayana and Mahabharata and never hesitate to read one more rendition. I am no exception :)
A satisfying BR with Gorab and Smitha.
Adi Parva is not for beginners of Mahabharata. Without knowing the epic tale before, it will be hard to follow. But in Sauptik, you can. In both the books, the abstract(?!?), philosophical writing with new imaginations is very refreshing! I love a book when I learn something from that book. These two books did not disappoint.
In author's words, "Mahabharata sprawls from fantastic creation myths to gritty battlefields; from bodily preoccupations to the material and spiritual; from grooming kings to encouraging renunciates." "The reservoirs of knowledge are now for our asking; all we need is our attention, and our question."
An avid reader of Indian mythology definitely read multiple renditions of Ramayana and Mahabharata and never hesitate to read one more rendition. I am no exception :)
A satisfying BR with Gorab and Smitha.
March 5, 2022
I liked this volume better than its predecessor. However the narrative that's constantly skipping important threads, uninformed reader might find it boring and also confusing.
As established in Adi Parva, this is a story told by the thread weaver and every story teller has a way of telling stories, as the author notes. Ironically that's pretty much the exact critique I have doe the narration as well.
But there is no doubt that the author is a good story teller and a fabulous artist. Art work is gorgeous and thr mixed media works wonderfully well.
Its definitely one for thr collectors, am very glad I have picked this up.
As established in Adi Parva, this is a story told by the thread weaver and every story teller has a way of telling stories, as the author notes. Ironically that's pretty much the exact critique I have doe the narration as well.
But there is no doubt that the author is a good story teller and a fabulous artist. Art work is gorgeous and thr mixed media works wonderfully well.
Its definitely one for thr collectors, am very glad I have picked this up.
October 30, 2016
I love this retelling of the great epic, the pictures, and the font used by the author. Though physically smaller than its first part, Sauptik is a visual treat. I had preordered and it got delivered right in time before the book's official launch in Delhi on November 3rd. Hope to get it signed by the author, as my Adi Parva is autographed as well.
December 19, 2016
Just finished reading Amruta Patil's Sauptik. Well. The word, reading, may not be accurate. Consuming & being consumed by may be more truthful. It is fire in the throat. Hold your breath. This author is a witch of the very, very best kind.
April 26, 2017
With some books the plot stays with you, with this one the illustrations stay with you. The story telling and the illustrations creates the world of Mahabharata not told before
May 24, 2019
*The artwork is nice,slightly childish and sweet mostly but a real nice visceral image once or twice,sometimes a sounding line is thrown in to make it sound like deep wisdom but it isn't and doesn't match the graphic either in intensity or meaning.
*Its a good attempt,but is very contrived and a little too self-important which is a shame because this book is supposedly traversing the multiverse.
*Too much talking down from a throne,even when saying really unconnected-to-each-other, banal stuff.
*So much reads like a rather shameless ripoff of others' works I've read or like other people's words,because of which there is no coherence at times.Reads like raving,makes it a little odd.
*The colours however are beautiful,very pretty.Rare to see thise shades of rust,fuchsia etc.Look edible.
*Too many things are explained away with a "it is what it is" type of intellectual laziness,which is very hard to palate.A little disappointed.I expect more intellectual engagement from a graphic novel.
*Its a good attempt,but is very contrived and a little too self-important which is a shame because this book is supposedly traversing the multiverse.
*Too much talking down from a throne,even when saying really unconnected-to-each-other, banal stuff.
*So much reads like a rather shameless ripoff of others' works I've read or like other people's words,because of which there is no coherence at times.Reads like raving,makes it a little odd.
*The colours however are beautiful,very pretty.Rare to see thise shades of rust,fuchsia etc.Look edible.
*Too many things are explained away with a "it is what it is" type of intellectual laziness,which is very hard to palate.A little disappointed.I expect more intellectual engagement from a graphic novel.
December 12, 2016
As all of Amruta's books her play with colour, characters and crisp storytelling is brilliant. The concept of re-telling the epic through Sutradhars and putting them in a spot which goes with their character and yet is unexpected is beautiful.
A must read for someone looking for various perspectives on the Mahabharata.
A must read for someone looking for various perspectives on the Mahabharata.
October 20, 2017
A Mahabharat akhbaar as art catalogue across IST (with ST as spirit time here) this is a gut perfect sweep of headline characters/moments. Written with Ashwatthama as self reflexive op-ed sutra (with the dhaar).
Amruta Patil's SAUPTIK (for those who have read Adi Parva) continues to reveal masterni collager, bringer of delicious rang as swa-bhaav. Of characters you think you know but then wonder kaisi hai zindagani evam self-deception. This is a go slow or should I go fast, lush flipbook of smack in your face foolproofing nuggets. Soye huey hai toh jaagiye lines are the clincher on page after page. Am not a fan of her uneven sketching but her writing really knows how to gather a herd of thoughts with one swish of a whip.
She's also clearly a potent visualizer. Wide, rich work. The stirring art took me on a mini world tour of sudden Roerich or Gauguin and the story hits home turf in a paradrop ending. Having read it, now I will watch it again. For this has the fertile density of an Indian forest. Stunning and keeps one's senses and spirit alert.
I'd wager we have a post-globalization desi classic of a graphic art novel, which shuns the often customary dankness of other Indian graphic novels and does not let you rest. Outside and inside. But then I'm biased as a once-wildlife-guide-once-enviro-journo-traveller-Buddhist-practicing-India-lover. Perhaps why I loved the forest dweller and the shamshaan ghat guest appearance for all reasons of currents of rajlessniti.
Do not miss reading Sauptik. Or watching it. Whatever be your preferred entry point, this is nearly no nonsense Mahabharati pinging Mahabharat at us fiercely in many contemporary flavours as essence. Not plain vanilla essence @ all.
Ek hota hai timely aur ek hota hai TIME.
Amruta Patil's SAUPTIK (for those who have read Adi Parva) continues to reveal masterni collager, bringer of delicious rang as swa-bhaav. Of characters you think you know but then wonder kaisi hai zindagani evam self-deception. This is a go slow or should I go fast, lush flipbook of smack in your face foolproofing nuggets. Soye huey hai toh jaagiye lines are the clincher on page after page. Am not a fan of her uneven sketching but her writing really knows how to gather a herd of thoughts with one swish of a whip.
She's also clearly a potent visualizer. Wide, rich work. The stirring art took me on a mini world tour of sudden Roerich or Gauguin and the story hits home turf in a paradrop ending. Having read it, now I will watch it again. For this has the fertile density of an Indian forest. Stunning and keeps one's senses and spirit alert.
I'd wager we have a post-globalization desi classic of a graphic art novel, which shuns the often customary dankness of other Indian graphic novels and does not let you rest. Outside and inside. But then I'm biased as a once-wildlife-guide-once-enviro-journo-traveller-Buddhist-practicing-India-lover. Perhaps why I loved the forest dweller and the shamshaan ghat guest appearance for all reasons of currents of rajlessniti.
Do not miss reading Sauptik. Or watching it. Whatever be your preferred entry point, this is nearly no nonsense Mahabharati pinging Mahabharat at us fiercely in many contemporary flavours as essence. Not plain vanilla essence @ all.
Ek hota hai timely aur ek hota hai TIME.
July 17, 2024
The illustrations are doubtlessly absolutely stunning, the narrative breaking away from the more popular version of the events just complicates the whole discourse around mythological retellings. Patil really succeeds in capturing not only the grandeur of 'Mahabharata' but also the agonising frailty of human life revealed in these tales.
The episodic nature of the narration took some time getting used to, seeming almost abrupt at times. Modern lingo crept into the voices sometimes, which I'm sure was deliberate (and part of the point of the whole book I think) but it sure felt a tad out of place.
However, the overall read was as mesmerising as it gets.
The episodic nature of the narration took some time getting used to, seeming almost abrupt at times. Modern lingo crept into the voices sometimes, which I'm sure was deliberate (and part of the point of the whole book I think) but it sure felt a tad out of place.
However, the overall read was as mesmerising as it gets.
July 24, 2023
Another beautifully illustrated retelling. So much appreciation for the author's creativity in building such an interesting narrative and voice. A penchant for plucking unusual dimensions to tell the story through; adds so much more to the usual storylines and lessons we get to hear.
July 21, 2023
This spectacular book delves into the lesser-known events which took place during the course of Mahabharata. While exploring, each story is juxtaposed with life, nature, philosophy, and human follies.
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December 29, 2021The art is beautiful. But this duology encapsulates everything wrong with revisionist narratives of mythology that claim to be feminist — they end up leaving the casteism intact. In Sauptik, many casteist elements of the myth are not only left intact but reshaped to make them sound justified. Just overall infuriating to read, but gorgeous to look at.
February 4, 2017
It's not a book. It's a stunning piece of art. Patil brings alive the story, every page is a masterpiece in itself. It's the kind of book that imprints on your mind. It was worth the wait for this one to come out.
December 15, 2019
I had been waiting to indulge in this glorious and colourful rendition of that epic full of reds: The Mahabharata. When I purchased Aranyaka, which is Amruta Patil's latest Graphic novel, I received this as well- a gift by the universe!
Amruta Patil renders her revisionist work of Sauptik- the Book 10 Mahabharata and works on extended metaphors of sleep and wakefulness in her visually stunning paintings.
The words accompanying the graphics are equally humorous, thought provoking and poetic- of contemporary relevance intermingling with a timeless narrative.
She chooses Ashwatthama as her Sutradhaar (storyteller): the disgraced, marginalised man- who expatiates his rendition of the epic tale and its contributors- Krishna, Arjun, Bheem, Draupadi, Hidimba, Drona, Duryodhan, Karna and the rest.
Amruta raises her voice for environmentalism and indigenous tribes with the pictures complementing the elements of fire, air, water and earth, bewitchingly; painted mostly with the chiaroscuro of fire commenting on the cosmic and corporeal fire which contains it all- from birth, to awakening, to passion, to the crematory fire of death.
Read it if- •You love symbolic art •You wish to keep this artwork as a keepsake •You want to have a visually stunning rendition of the Mahabharata •You wish to acquaint yourself with Amruta's poetic creations •You wish to get a fresh perspective on Mahabharata
Amruta Patil renders her revisionist work of Sauptik- the Book 10 Mahabharata and works on extended metaphors of sleep and wakefulness in her visually stunning paintings.
The words accompanying the graphics are equally humorous, thought provoking and poetic- of contemporary relevance intermingling with a timeless narrative.
She chooses Ashwatthama as her Sutradhaar (storyteller): the disgraced, marginalised man- who expatiates his rendition of the epic tale and its contributors- Krishna, Arjun, Bheem, Draupadi, Hidimba, Drona, Duryodhan, Karna and the rest.
Amruta raises her voice for environmentalism and indigenous tribes with the pictures complementing the elements of fire, air, water and earth, bewitchingly; painted mostly with the chiaroscuro of fire commenting on the cosmic and corporeal fire which contains it all- from birth, to awakening, to passion, to the crematory fire of death.
Read it if- •You love symbolic art •You wish to keep this artwork as a keepsake •You want to have a visually stunning rendition of the Mahabharata •You wish to acquaint yourself with Amruta's poetic creations •You wish to get a fresh perspective on Mahabharata
August 7, 2019
The graphic novel reads less like a comic book and more like an art book with commentary. It is the story of the events leading to the war at Kurukshetra and the battle itself from the perspective of the immortal Ashwatthamma. The dense colours create a vibrant atmosphere heavy with emotions, actions and motivations. The artwork is brilliant and includes not just a post impressionist blend of styles but also more contemporary collage building, texture designing and refining of early masters to narrate the story with the balanced fusion of realism and abstraction - just the way facts are diluted and fictitious elements highlighted.
It is a difficult read frankly speaking, but a pleasure to hold and marvel at.
It is a difficult read frankly speaking, but a pleasure to hold and marvel at.
August 25, 2017
An absolutely enthralling masterpiece by Amruta Patil. Looking at the various circumstances that led to the Battle of Kurukshetra from the eyes of an unlikely yet important beholder - Ashwathama, son of Guru Dronacharya.
The graphics involved are top notch.
But what stands out is the various tenets of righteousness and wrongdoing told in simple, on your face way, with no beating around the bush.
Absolutely loved it. Totally recommended.
The graphics involved are top notch.
But what stands out is the various tenets of righteousness and wrongdoing told in simple, on your face way, with no beating around the bush.
Absolutely loved it. Totally recommended.
February 11, 2018
Absolutely brilliant. Yet another "derivative work" of the Mahabharata. The story is already known, so the author focusses on some of the philosophical bits, etc.
And the language is absolutely fabulous. Highlight for me is the scene where Hidimbi accosts Bhima ("You big, sexy man. Be mine").
Oh, and the illustrations are insanely awesome. Each page is a work of art.
And the language is absolutely fabulous. Highlight for me is the scene where Hidimbi accosts Bhima ("You big, sexy man. Be mine").
Oh, and the illustrations are insanely awesome. Each page is a work of art.
January 12, 2022
Art is lovely, quality is lovely, the story is long drawn and incoherent. For someone being introduced to the Mahabaratha for the first time, this book misses out on so much subtext. I had to continuously look up characters and plot lines just so I could understand what's going on in the book. Would have rated this much higher if only the writing didn't try to be so obscure.
May 6, 2017
Another beautiful book by Amruta Patil. I love the way in which she unfolds a story, a well-known story told anew. The artwork is stunning.
However, the book would be confusing for someone to follow if they are not familiar with the story of the Mahabharata.
However, the book would be confusing for someone to follow if they are not familiar with the story of the Mahabharata.
January 23, 2023
Absolutely adored it. The greater focus on both causes and consequences, above and beyond merely the events themselves is both unique and magnificent. The artwork is stunning evoking a visceral quality I do not believe I have seen before in a graphic novel. Loved it.
October 6, 2020
lyrical prose and evocative visuals...
October 23, 2020
Yet another riveting version of Mahabharata.
May 30, 2023
I'm dead Amruta Patil she has killed me dead I died I'm deceased
December 1, 2023
The illustrations are vivid and beautiful. But I couldn't find connect in the thought process in between the main story.
February 27, 2025
When the tale becomes a meditation. Gorgeous artful retelling of the epic.
April 25, 2018
'Had he not walked off with my father's heart so easily, had we been one generation apart or in different gurukuls, I could have admired Arjun openly, loved him even. I would have been spared the burn of being the rival he barely noticed. Unrequited resentment is far worse than unreturned love.'
The book beings with warning, it asks not to force one's own perception and then look for objectivity. Narration picks up from the same place or maybe not, where we ended Adi Parva. Beautiful Ganga, the abstract studradhar is gone and has given the tale to leper Ashwatthama, who is mistaken for a madman.
Constant image of the upturned tree of knowledge recurs in the art as we whoosh past the story of Shiv and Parvati. The banishment of five Indras who were filled with hubris. Krshn's lifetime with its brutal lack of attachment. The seeds of Mahabharata was planted in Adi Parva, the story was replayed here. With Ashwatthama the narrator claiming he is one of the seven Chiranjeevis, but he didn't ask for immortality, he was punished, hence the Sauptik who has been narrating same story for thousands of years.
He explains his, Karna's and others follies, he assess where and what made them all fail and the Pandavs victorious.
The art needs no words, its a self sufficient universe in itself, where again the black and white pages win! But an enraged Draupadi drawn like Kali was where myth and common perception mingled best! The setting of story in 'Shamshan' makes it more rustic and scary. Meanwhile the knowledge tree rots thoroughly and withers as gods and human grow corrupt!
The book beings with warning, it asks not to force one's own perception and then look for objectivity. Narration picks up from the same place or maybe not, where we ended Adi Parva. Beautiful Ganga, the abstract studradhar is gone and has given the tale to leper Ashwatthama, who is mistaken for a madman.
Constant image of the upturned tree of knowledge recurs in the art as we whoosh past the story of Shiv and Parvati. The banishment of five Indras who were filled with hubris. Krshn's lifetime with its brutal lack of attachment. The seeds of Mahabharata was planted in Adi Parva, the story was replayed here. With Ashwatthama the narrator claiming he is one of the seven Chiranjeevis, but he didn't ask for immortality, he was punished, hence the Sauptik who has been narrating same story for thousands of years.
He explains his, Karna's and others follies, he assess where and what made them all fail and the Pandavs victorious.
The art needs no words, its a self sufficient universe in itself, where again the black and white pages win! But an enraged Draupadi drawn like Kali was where myth and common perception mingled best! The setting of story in 'Shamshan' makes it more rustic and scary. Meanwhile the knowledge tree rots thoroughly and withers as gods and human grow corrupt!
March 17, 2018
this book is a beauty, an amazing artwork - the words, the writings, the flowy illustrations, the choice of colours and styles of art. brilliant!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews