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Bhumika: A Story of Sita
What Could Sita Have Been Without Rama? Spending Her Last Days In A Remote Ashram, A Tired And Greying Sita Can'T Help But Wonder, 'What If'...? What If She Hadn'T Married Rama? What If She Hadn'T Gone Into Exile With Him? What If She Hadn'T Been Kidnapped By Ravana, And Waited Patiently For Rama To Rescue Her, Ever The Dutiful Wife? What If She Hadn'T Returned With Him To Ayodhya, Only To Be Later Discarded To 'Preserve His Honour'? Until One Day Sage Vishwamitra Arrives And Shows Her Who She Might Have Been Had She Not Met Rama - Bhumika, A Queen Who Defies Convention. Aditya Iyengar'S Latest Novel Is An Original Tale Of Two Enigmatic Women, Sita And Bhumika, Secure In Their Choices But Not Defined By Them. Provocative, Layered And Moving, This Is A Narrative That Will Resonate With Generations To Come.
200 pages, Paperback
Published July 31, 2019
5 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Aditya Iyengar
7 books42 followersAditya Iyengar is a writer from India. He writes Indian mythological and historical fiction and enjoys constructing epic fantasies.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 23 reviews
September 17, 2019
An absolutely breathtaking and contemporary retelling of Sita's Ramayana. The story is well known to us that after being abnegated by Lord Rama, Sita finds her home in Valmiki's ashram and settles amidst forest faraway from the comfort of royalty with her sons Luv and Kush.
Bhumika by Aditya Iyengar commences with Sita feeling disconcerted by watching a staged play of her own life in Valmiki's ashram. She is unsettled by the fact the way she is being portrayed in the drama as merely Rama's wife. A story glorifying Rama, justifying his actions and screaming his righteousness out loud. What makes her flinch is the fact that there is no mention of what happens to her after the establishment of Ram Rajya and as she tries to question the minstrel of Sita's fate after her subsequent banishment, she is left unanswered.
Sita's unsettling thoughts do not leave her long after the play ends and she is constantly nicked by questions and decisions she made through her life, " What if she hadn't married Rama?", "What if she put herself first?", "What is she hadn't made the choices she is admired for?" She contemplates her life as a woman, as a human being and not as Rama's wife.
Iyengar's Bhumika is a feminist take on Sita's Ramayana , no not Rama's Ramayana, "Sita's". We have all known more or less known the story of how Sita ends up marrying the heir of Ayodhya and how the story proceeds after Kaiyeki's announcement for Rama's banishment and Ravana's abduction that follows. In Bhumika, Iyengar draws parallels between Sita as Rama's wife and Bhumika as the daughter/queen of Mithila. It swelled my heart with pride to see Bhumika's portrayal as an iron willed woman who ruled Mithila after claiming the throne from her father.
The book shines the light upon some major character's in a very contradictory and at times adverse point of view. Why was Sita's chastity put to question at all? Was it not cruel for the forever righteous Rama to banish Sita because he wanted to create his Ram Rajya and just because he thought that Sita's presence in his Utopian state will be a perversion? In addition to this we get to see Ravana,the villain who is unfaltered by the concept of gender and sees Bhumika as his own equal.
The book definitely manages to leave us awed and questions on some morales that were imbibed and preached since time immemorial.
If I am asked to describe Iyengar's Bhumika in a nutshell, I'd stick with the words IMAGINATIVE, UNPUTDOWNABLE and A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE
Bhumika by Aditya Iyengar commences with Sita feeling disconcerted by watching a staged play of her own life in Valmiki's ashram. She is unsettled by the fact the way she is being portrayed in the drama as merely Rama's wife. A story glorifying Rama, justifying his actions and screaming his righteousness out loud. What makes her flinch is the fact that there is no mention of what happens to her after the establishment of Ram Rajya and as she tries to question the minstrel of Sita's fate after her subsequent banishment, she is left unanswered.
Sita's unsettling thoughts do not leave her long after the play ends and she is constantly nicked by questions and decisions she made through her life, " What if she hadn't married Rama?", "What if she put herself first?", "What is she hadn't made the choices she is admired for?" She contemplates her life as a woman, as a human being and not as Rama's wife.
Iyengar's Bhumika is a feminist take on Sita's Ramayana , no not Rama's Ramayana, "Sita's". We have all known more or less known the story of how Sita ends up marrying the heir of Ayodhya and how the story proceeds after Kaiyeki's announcement for Rama's banishment and Ravana's abduction that follows. In Bhumika, Iyengar draws parallels between Sita as Rama's wife and Bhumika as the daughter/queen of Mithila. It swelled my heart with pride to see Bhumika's portrayal as an iron willed woman who ruled Mithila after claiming the throne from her father.
The book shines the light upon some major character's in a very contradictory and at times adverse point of view. Why was Sita's chastity put to question at all? Was it not cruel for the forever righteous Rama to banish Sita because he wanted to create his Ram Rajya and just because he thought that Sita's presence in his Utopian state will be a perversion? In addition to this we get to see Ravana,the villain who is unfaltered by the concept of gender and sees Bhumika as his own equal.
The book definitely manages to leave us awed and questions on some morales that were imbibed and preached since time immemorial.
If I am asked to describe Iyengar's Bhumika in a nutshell, I'd stick with the words IMAGINATIVE, UNPUTDOWNABLE and A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE
August 20, 2019
Bhumika, the queen who stood up for her people, removed gender biases in a male-dominated society and stood proud by her choices is a fiction rendition of the popular character 'Sita' from the epic 'Ramayana'.
Sita, in Valmiki's ashram, is asked to watch a play performed on the eternal love story of Ram-Sita, a tale of love and sacrifices. But Sita's mind keeps drifting towards one singular thought- What if she didn't marry Ram? Would her life be different? if so, how different would it be? She is soon given an opportunity to seek the answers she craves, for herself.
Iyengar's 'Bhumika' is a feminist who believes in standing up for herself, taking responsibility for her actions and daring to make choices that are different from the social norms.
Bhumika's choices are very different from Sita. She refuses to believe that she needs a man to complete her, or that her skill sets should involve only the tasks meant for a princess. Her governance is as shrewd as any King and her decision making radiates confidence and determination. However, she has her fair share of self-doubt and is seen in a dilemma time and again bout her reign and how she is perceived by the world.
"If a man was weighed down by honor, a woman was weighed down by practicality."
Bhumika is flawed and asks all the questions we ask in our day to life about women empowerment and rights. Thorugh multiple questions, Iyengar turns this retelling into a thought proving situation where the readers are forced to question the patriarchy.
"All women ever want is to make their own choices. I was simply enabling them to find it by removing the harness of patriarchy and the rules that worked against them."
Another striking feature in the portrayal of Ram as someone who sees the world in Black and White. His idea of a perfect society is imposing and unfair on many levels and he would stoop down to violence just to prove that his way should be the only way of life. Ram is depicted as a self-centered king whose kingdom stands for 'obedience and uniformity', but the blink faith that people have in him has disastrous consequences.
Iyengar's voice is singular and powerful, shining through a story that could have existed, a Sita who would inspire generations of women, tackling patriarchy the only way it should be. Sita, the Goddess who has been cast aside time and again, is the narrator and bearer of a story that will resonate with minds, old and young alike.
The brilliance of the story lies in the fact that the author doesn't discard Sita's(the original) ideologies as unjust or inappropriate, but merely as a set of choices that she was given and the path she took.
Sita, in Valmiki's ashram, is asked to watch a play performed on the eternal love story of Ram-Sita, a tale of love and sacrifices. But Sita's mind keeps drifting towards one singular thought- What if she didn't marry Ram? Would her life be different? if so, how different would it be? She is soon given an opportunity to seek the answers she craves, for herself.
Iyengar's 'Bhumika' is a feminist who believes in standing up for herself, taking responsibility for her actions and daring to make choices that are different from the social norms.
Bhumika's choices are very different from Sita. She refuses to believe that she needs a man to complete her, or that her skill sets should involve only the tasks meant for a princess. Her governance is as shrewd as any King and her decision making radiates confidence and determination. However, she has her fair share of self-doubt and is seen in a dilemma time and again bout her reign and how she is perceived by the world.
"If a man was weighed down by honor, a woman was weighed down by practicality."
Bhumika is flawed and asks all the questions we ask in our day to life about women empowerment and rights. Thorugh multiple questions, Iyengar turns this retelling into a thought proving situation where the readers are forced to question the patriarchy.
"All women ever want is to make their own choices. I was simply enabling them to find it by removing the harness of patriarchy and the rules that worked against them."
Another striking feature in the portrayal of Ram as someone who sees the world in Black and White. His idea of a perfect society is imposing and unfair on many levels and he would stoop down to violence just to prove that his way should be the only way of life. Ram is depicted as a self-centered king whose kingdom stands for 'obedience and uniformity', but the blink faith that people have in him has disastrous consequences.
Iyengar's voice is singular and powerful, shining through a story that could have existed, a Sita who would inspire generations of women, tackling patriarchy the only way it should be. Sita, the Goddess who has been cast aside time and again, is the narrator and bearer of a story that will resonate with minds, old and young alike.
The brilliance of the story lies in the fact that the author doesn't discard Sita's(the original) ideologies as unjust or inappropriate, but merely as a set of choices that she was given and the path she took.
December 31, 2021
"All women ever want is to make their own choices. I was simply enabling them to find it by removing the harness of patriarchy and the rules that worked against them."
This feminist story of Sita - had she not met Ram - is an intelligent and refreshing take on Sita's choices . The book makes a lot of relevant and important statments on what equality means and how the approach differs from patriarchy. She is not perfect but she is quite definitely herself.
Sita, in Valmiki's ashram, encounters the minstrels who are telling the story of Sita-Ram. Seeing herself become a side character in her own story, Sita is distressed. Vishwamitra, who visits the ashram around the time offers her a choice to see her story had she not met Ram.
We meet Bhumika - a warrior queen, a just ruler and one who accepts differences as against a Black and white society. Aditya Iyengar's story could have inspired had it remained the folklore. However, the book could not avoid some pitfalls of an acceptable narrative whereby heroes and villians cannot be polar opposites with popular narrative.
The central theme deserves credit and choosing Sita, the Goddess is a good smart move. A short powerful book.
This feminist story of Sita - had she not met Ram - is an intelligent and refreshing take on Sita's choices . The book makes a lot of relevant and important statments on what equality means and how the approach differs from patriarchy. She is not perfect but she is quite definitely herself.
Sita, in Valmiki's ashram, encounters the minstrels who are telling the story of Sita-Ram. Seeing herself become a side character in her own story, Sita is distressed. Vishwamitra, who visits the ashram around the time offers her a choice to see her story had she not met Ram.
We meet Bhumika - a warrior queen, a just ruler and one who accepts differences as against a Black and white society. Aditya Iyengar's story could have inspired had it remained the folklore. However, the book could not avoid some pitfalls of an acceptable narrative whereby heroes and villians cannot be polar opposites with popular narrative.
The central theme deserves credit and choosing Sita, the Goddess is a good smart move. A short powerful book.
March 10, 2020
We all experience moments in life when we wonder how our lives would have panned out had we not made the choices that we made. Do you ever crave to get a glimpse of that alternate life? Given a chance, would you like to witness it?
In Ramayana, Sita’s story pretty much stems from her association with Lord Rama. It’s not wrong to say that her identity is one of Rama’s consort. Unless you take an effort to delve into her story, you won’t be served with one the way Rama’s is done. Here’s a significant female character of Indian mythology, but we rarely get to hear her voice. Even Ravana has been given a better voice than her. However, things are changing now, times are changing now, and people are shifting their focus to Sita too. And just for her silent resilience to stand with her husband and uphold his wishes throughout her life, she is deserving of it all.
Retelling stories closely bound with the faith of the masses is always a double-edged sword. These stories are close to the heart of people, often forming the foundation of their values and ideals. Bhumika is Adita Iyengar’s retelling of Sita’s story, and I am just floored by the way he has balanced the original with his. Iyengar’s Sita is Bhumika, and Bhumika, even though is Sita, but she is not.
It has been a long time since Sita left Ayodhya. She has reached the final stage of her life and is quietly spending her days in Rishi Valmiki’s ashrama. A visit from a wandering troupe of performers makes her wonder about how her life had been had she not married Rama, had she not accompanied him into exile, had she not been kidnapped by Ravana. These questions gnaw her but she has no answers, until one day Rishi Vishwamitra arrives and introduces her to Bhumika.
While Ramayana talks about Rama Rajya, Iyengar’s Bhumika talks about Bhumika-Rajya. Bhumika is the queen of Mithila and the bearer of the divine bow, Pinaka. She’s fierce, independent, and one with her own mind. She’s flawed too. She dreams of a land that treats everyone ¬¬– women and men – equally, but is well aware of the hurdles that lie in the path of establishing one. And in Iyengar’s Bhumika, it is Rama who goes through Agnipariksha – trial by fire.
Iyengar took Sita, who always stood behind Rama, and brought her to the fore as Bhumika. He tells a story that could have been without maligning the one that exists. And that is the beauty of this book. Sita is still the bearer of the story – Iyengar does not discard her values and choices but leaves us with a profound message about freedom of choices and respecting what each chooses for themselves.
“There are many different ways for a woman to live her life. None is superior or inferior.”
I am glad that I got to conclude this powerful book so close to International Women’s Day. The universe is resounding with the thought of empowering choices made by women, and it's a blessing to have got the opportunity to widen my horizon with this brilliant tale.
In Ramayana, Sita’s story pretty much stems from her association with Lord Rama. It’s not wrong to say that her identity is one of Rama’s consort. Unless you take an effort to delve into her story, you won’t be served with one the way Rama’s is done. Here’s a significant female character of Indian mythology, but we rarely get to hear her voice. Even Ravana has been given a better voice than her. However, things are changing now, times are changing now, and people are shifting their focus to Sita too. And just for her silent resilience to stand with her husband and uphold his wishes throughout her life, she is deserving of it all.
Retelling stories closely bound with the faith of the masses is always a double-edged sword. These stories are close to the heart of people, often forming the foundation of their values and ideals. Bhumika is Adita Iyengar’s retelling of Sita’s story, and I am just floored by the way he has balanced the original with his. Iyengar’s Sita is Bhumika, and Bhumika, even though is Sita, but she is not.
It has been a long time since Sita left Ayodhya. She has reached the final stage of her life and is quietly spending her days in Rishi Valmiki’s ashrama. A visit from a wandering troupe of performers makes her wonder about how her life had been had she not married Rama, had she not accompanied him into exile, had she not been kidnapped by Ravana. These questions gnaw her but she has no answers, until one day Rishi Vishwamitra arrives and introduces her to Bhumika.
While Ramayana talks about Rama Rajya, Iyengar’s Bhumika talks about Bhumika-Rajya. Bhumika is the queen of Mithila and the bearer of the divine bow, Pinaka. She’s fierce, independent, and one with her own mind. She’s flawed too. She dreams of a land that treats everyone ¬¬– women and men – equally, but is well aware of the hurdles that lie in the path of establishing one. And in Iyengar’s Bhumika, it is Rama who goes through Agnipariksha – trial by fire.
Iyengar took Sita, who always stood behind Rama, and brought her to the fore as Bhumika. He tells a story that could have been without maligning the one that exists. And that is the beauty of this book. Sita is still the bearer of the story – Iyengar does not discard her values and choices but leaves us with a profound message about freedom of choices and respecting what each chooses for themselves.
“There are many different ways for a woman to live her life. None is superior or inferior.”
I am glad that I got to conclude this powerful book so close to International Women’s Day. The universe is resounding with the thought of empowering choices made by women, and it's a blessing to have got the opportunity to widen my horizon with this brilliant tale.
September 30, 2019
Rating: 4.5
Every wondered what Sita could have been if she had never met Rama?
Bhumika is a feminist re-telling of Sita's story in her words. I usually stay away from retellings, but when I saw @_shreyareads gushing about this book, I knew that I had to read it. And, the nicest person that she is, she sent me the book! Thanks a bunch, Shreya 😭!
📖
I mostly do not comment on the prose because editing books is my bread and butter and that's the last thing I want to do on Instagram. But I feel compelled to do so right now as this is a beautifully written book where, it seems, each word has been carefully crafted. I am in awe of how perfectly balanced and poetic the prose is. Never, for one moment, a single word felt out of place. I'm a fan of Iyenger's writing!
📖
The plot is simple, but invigorating. The story may have been set during the days of Ram Rajya, but the issues the protagonist, Bhumika, goes through are relatable in the modern world: Why do people take men more seriously than a woman at the same position? Why does a woman need to aspire to marriage in order to be 'complete'? Apart from these questions, it also brings to light the inner conflicts a woman has. The plot, too, is balanced in a way that it provides all the viewpoints regarding equality and women in power.
📖
All in all, Bhumika is an evocative and momentous book which provides a wide vision to all the circumstances a modern-day woman has to deal with. I highly recommend reading this book.
Every wondered what Sita could have been if she had never met Rama?
Bhumika is a feminist re-telling of Sita's story in her words. I usually stay away from retellings, but when I saw @_shreyareads gushing about this book, I knew that I had to read it. And, the nicest person that she is, she sent me the book! Thanks a bunch, Shreya 😭!
📖
I mostly do not comment on the prose because editing books is my bread and butter and that's the last thing I want to do on Instagram. But I feel compelled to do so right now as this is a beautifully written book where, it seems, each word has been carefully crafted. I am in awe of how perfectly balanced and poetic the prose is. Never, for one moment, a single word felt out of place. I'm a fan of Iyenger's writing!
📖
The plot is simple, but invigorating. The story may have been set during the days of Ram Rajya, but the issues the protagonist, Bhumika, goes through are relatable in the modern world: Why do people take men more seriously than a woman at the same position? Why does a woman need to aspire to marriage in order to be 'complete'? Apart from these questions, it also brings to light the inner conflicts a woman has. The plot, too, is balanced in a way that it provides all the viewpoints regarding equality and women in power.
📖
All in all, Bhumika is an evocative and momentous book which provides a wide vision to all the circumstances a modern-day woman has to deal with. I highly recommend reading this book.
August 12, 2019
Sita, a homemaker queen and Bhumika, a ruling queen are in a real sense the metaphors of modern age women, the one who runs a household and the one who go out and work respectively. Bhumika is the alternate life which the author has imagined for Sita.
Bhumika and Sita both are being judged for their choices in life. Sita was judged for her decision to follow her husband to the forest who in the end abandons her. Bhumika was judged for her choice to remain single and not fulfilling her karma set by the society.
You will easily relate to the characters of Sita and Bhumika. Through them the author conveys a stimulating message that women should not feel pity or ashamed of their choices in life based on others comments.
The book is a kind of peace giver, soul soothing and thought provoking.
Would I recommend this book?
Yes. Definitely yes. It may not be a literary charm, but like Liberation of Sita, raises a valid point and also comes to the conclusion which will arouse an abundance of emotions and thoughts. The book illuminates and encourages the positive aspects of feminism.
February 28, 2023
I have way too many conflicting thoughts about this book.
"Bhumika: A Story of Sita" deals with the question of what Sita's life would have been like if she had not married Rama. The premise is interesting and I was intrigued to read the "what ifs" and to see how the thrilling hypothetical scenarios would unfold.
However, the language used in the book as well as some of the more feminist dialogues/narratives felt a bit out of place to me. While I love feminist retellings (which is why I even read this book), it felt a tad bit forced, especially given the period that the book is set in, even if it were hypothetical. The last few pages with the dialogue between Sita and Bhumika particularly didn't quite work for me.
An interesting book worth a one-time read nevertheless.
"Bhumika: A Story of Sita" deals with the question of what Sita's life would have been like if she had not married Rama. The premise is interesting and I was intrigued to read the "what ifs" and to see how the thrilling hypothetical scenarios would unfold.
However, the language used in the book as well as some of the more feminist dialogues/narratives felt a bit out of place to me. While I love feminist retellings (which is why I even read this book), it felt a tad bit forced, especially given the period that the book is set in, even if it were hypothetical. The last few pages with the dialogue between Sita and Bhumika particularly didn't quite work for me.
An interesting book worth a one-time read nevertheless.
August 17, 2021
Fantastic
A story of who Seeta could have been as an independent person. I can see myself both in Seeta and Bhumika.
A story of who Seeta could have been as an independent person. I can see myself both in Seeta and Bhumika.
June 14, 2021
***The review has spoilers***
.
.
This is a beautiful retelling of Ramayana from Sita's perspective. I always thought Ram Rajya, Ram's deeds, why was it all about him? Why Sita had to give agnipariksha and agree to the banishment? Didn't Ramayana belong to both Ram and Sita? They were called Sita Ram for a reason, right? I couldn't ask these questions out loud then, but today, thank god for the author that this was brought to light.
.
.
This novel raised a lot of what-ifs. It put forth how Sita felt the way she did; any woman in her situation would have. Questioning the love of her husband, his promises, his duties, everything. Also, the fact that he chose the goodwill of his land over her. So much for being a Maryada Purushottam.
.
.
The complaining would have come naturally. Only what didn't come naturally was, she chose to follow the instinct; she chose to follow Ram into exile. She chose to be the wife she wanted to be. Just as being Bhumika she would have chosen to rule over Mithila; she would have chosen to fight against Ram and his flawed idea of Ram Rajya; winning hearts through war.
.
.
The choices of the past shouldn't define the future as right or wrong. The future is a palace of thousand doors. The past is a temple. It may look humble to a bystander, but you know every brick of it. You have put it there. It is not necessary that every brick is strong. Some are jagged, some are crumble. But if you remember that you, and you alone, have put it out there, it will give you comfort.
.
.
This is a beautiful retelling of Ramayana from Sita's perspective. I always thought Ram Rajya, Ram's deeds, why was it all about him? Why Sita had to give agnipariksha and agree to the banishment? Didn't Ramayana belong to both Ram and Sita? They were called Sita Ram for a reason, right? I couldn't ask these questions out loud then, but today, thank god for the author that this was brought to light.
.
.
This novel raised a lot of what-ifs. It put forth how Sita felt the way she did; any woman in her situation would have. Questioning the love of her husband, his promises, his duties, everything. Also, the fact that he chose the goodwill of his land over her. So much for being a Maryada Purushottam.
.
.
The complaining would have come naturally. Only what didn't come naturally was, she chose to follow the instinct; she chose to follow Ram into exile. She chose to be the wife she wanted to be. Just as being Bhumika she would have chosen to rule over Mithila; she would have chosen to fight against Ram and his flawed idea of Ram Rajya; winning hearts through war.
.
.
The choices of the past shouldn't define the future as right or wrong. The future is a palace of thousand doors. The past is a temple. It may look humble to a bystander, but you know every brick of it. You have put it there. It is not necessary that every brick is strong. Some are jagged, some are crumble. But if you remember that you, and you alone, have put it out there, it will give you comfort.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2021
This book is truly enlightening and that is coming from a person who rarely feels so.
It was refreshing to see such a good indian mythological retelling. I loved the book so much and even though at the start I had a lot of questions (why Sita was called Bhumika in the alternate universe being one) and the satisfaction I got as I read on and all of the answers kept flowing into my lap, without even having to try was blissful.
The thing that surprised me the most was how *feministic* this book was. You rarely see these things in mythology but let me tell you, Queen Bhumika was _a total badass_ and we love that for her!
It did get a little slow and monogamous in the middle and I did feel that the middle parts where Bhumika is narrating her story could've had more depth to them.
But regardless, this book also features a thrilling climax, a heartfelt conversation between two women, a lot of diplomacy and strategizing, and finely flawed characters.
It was refreshing to see such a good indian mythological retelling. I loved the book so much and even though at the start I had a lot of questions (why Sita was called Bhumika in the alternate universe being one) and the satisfaction I got as I read on and all of the answers kept flowing into my lap, without even having to try was blissful.
The thing that surprised me the most was how *feministic* this book was. You rarely see these things in mythology but let me tell you, Queen Bhumika was _a total badass_ and we love that for her!
It did get a little slow and monogamous in the middle and I did feel that the middle parts where Bhumika is narrating her story could've had more depth to them.
But regardless, this book also features a thrilling climax, a heartfelt conversation between two women, a lot of diplomacy and strategizing, and finely flawed characters.
January 5, 2022
The concept of the book is interesting and intriguing. It talks about an alter ego of Sita, if she could have led her life differently where could she have reached and what she could have achieved.
The concept is illustrated well but the language is a mismatch for the kind of the subject it takes on and the atmosphere is tries to build in the mind of the readers.
After a few pages, it becomes monotonous and sometimes takes a stand which is unnecessarily feminist. E.g, it takes Rama to do the agnipariksha at the end with turn and twist of events, which is taking it too far. While mutual respect is a basic need of the society it never is achieved by demeaning one over the other. Both Sita and Bhumika have the same childhood but their adulthood while could have been shaped differently in two parellel universes it can only be different to some extent.
Overall an average read. The points to this book is only for the perspective and openness of thoughts.
The concept is illustrated well but the language is a mismatch for the kind of the subject it takes on and the atmosphere is tries to build in the mind of the readers.
After a few pages, it becomes monotonous and sometimes takes a stand which is unnecessarily feminist. E.g, it takes Rama to do the agnipariksha at the end with turn and twist of events, which is taking it too far. While mutual respect is a basic need of the society it never is achieved by demeaning one over the other. Both Sita and Bhumika have the same childhood but their adulthood while could have been shaped differently in two parellel universes it can only be different to some extent.
Overall an average read. The points to this book is only for the perspective and openness of thoughts.
June 25, 2020
I'd finish it in a day and that's one more book closer to my target for this year. Or at least, that's what I had thought.
It took me more than two days to read it because I kept pausing and reflecting on what I just read. It is that kind of a book that makes one question, ponder, introspect, retrospect, and every kind of inspect one's life and society.
'What if' - I have often wondered about my own life. As an extension of that and post my renewed interest in mythology about Sita's life too.
I may not get the answer to 'What if' for my life but Aditya Iyengar answers this about Sita's life, and does it fantastically.
This book is a must read for every woman and man who believes in the concept of gender equality.
It took me more than two days to read it because I kept pausing and reflecting on what I just read. It is that kind of a book that makes one question, ponder, introspect, retrospect, and every kind of inspect one's life and society.
'What if' - I have often wondered about my own life. As an extension of that and post my renewed interest in mythology about Sita's life too.
I may not get the answer to 'What if' for my life but Aditya Iyengar answers this about Sita's life, and does it fantastically.
This book is a must read for every woman and man who believes in the concept of gender equality.
September 14, 2025
To start with, it’s hard to believe this book was written by a man. Iyengar takes an interesting approach in reimagining an alternative life for Sita, one that steps away from the traditional telling of the Ramayana. The premise is engaging and thought-provoking.
That said, I found myself wishing for a more balanced portrayal of Sita’s choices. Why is it that women can’t “have it all” in these narratives the way men do? The reimagination, though bold, still felt somewhat limited in scope. I couldn’t help but feel that if a woman had written this story, it may have carried a different depth and nuance.
An intriguing take, but not entirely satisfying in execution.
That said, I found myself wishing for a more balanced portrayal of Sita’s choices. Why is it that women can’t “have it all” in these narratives the way men do? The reimagination, though bold, still felt somewhat limited in scope. I couldn’t help but feel that if a woman had written this story, it may have carried a different depth and nuance.
An intriguing take, but not entirely satisfying in execution.
February 27, 2021
Being a lover of Ramayana, I felt this book was very different from the other books on Ramayana that I had read so far.. Bhumika - yes it is the retelling of the story of Sita, but not as the wife of Ram. It is an interpretation on how different her life would have been, had she not been married to Ram. A different way to narrate the story of Sita...! Interesting read...!
November 26, 2023
It is a unique reimagining of Ramayan, where Sita is wondering what would have been her life if she never met Ram. This book had a unique concept and it intrigued me to give it a try. Though it's short but definitely very impactful. The book is based on the choices we make and the aftermath. It gives a new perspective of Ramayan and the hardships faced by Sita ji throughout her life. I highly recommend it especially if you enjoy reimaginings and retellings.
Fantastic book
Fantastic book
July 2, 2020
Fiercely feminist! The story provides a very interesting outlook.
May 25, 2021
Beautifully written book which urges the reader to live in the present, rather than living a life anticipating what might have happened if different choices have been made in the past.
December 26, 2021
Awesome writing
Thank you Aditya sir for giving a beautiful story.a must read book for everyone.
Thank you Aditya sir for giving a beautiful story.a must read book for everyone.
August 21, 2019
I was skeptical when I first read the synopsis of Bhumika ; Sita and Ram are two names synonymous with one another, imagining them apart is hard enough and to think of a scenario where Sita doesn’t marry Ram seemed far-fetched. But once I completed the book I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it.
Bhumika, Sita’s alter ego, is a bold, fearless woman known for her valour and revolutionary ideas. As Queen of Mithila she introduces unconventional, yet plausible reforms to her society, she fights for the equal and fair treatment of women at a period when such a concept would sound foreign and bizarre.
What I liked the most about this book is that you get to see a different side of few characters from the Ramayana. Qualities that were always present, but masked by other dominant traits are unveiled here. Ram isn’t shown as the ideal man who makes no mistakes, but as a person with flaws, whose decisions have at times ended up causing sorrow and unhappiness to those dear to him. Ravana isn’t described as the epitome of evil, but as a burly and dominant leader who leaves no stone unturned to keep his kingdom.
Aditya Iyengar’s Bhumika stands out for me as not many books I read have portrayed Sita’s counterpart as a fierce, progressive, and audacious monarch; he puts a new and powerful feminist spin on one of Indian lore’s most storied figures. It’s a light read that’s well-written, and thoroughly imaginative. If you’re tired of reading versions of this tale where Sita is portrayed merely as a supporting character or a damsel in distress and want to read more about her as the iron-willed lady who gracefully endured the hardships of life then this book is for you.
Bhumika, Sita’s alter ego, is a bold, fearless woman known for her valour and revolutionary ideas. As Queen of Mithila she introduces unconventional, yet plausible reforms to her society, she fights for the equal and fair treatment of women at a period when such a concept would sound foreign and bizarre.
What I liked the most about this book is that you get to see a different side of few characters from the Ramayana. Qualities that were always present, but masked by other dominant traits are unveiled here. Ram isn’t shown as the ideal man who makes no mistakes, but as a person with flaws, whose decisions have at times ended up causing sorrow and unhappiness to those dear to him. Ravana isn’t described as the epitome of evil, but as a burly and dominant leader who leaves no stone unturned to keep his kingdom.
Aditya Iyengar’s Bhumika stands out for me as not many books I read have portrayed Sita’s counterpart as a fierce, progressive, and audacious monarch; he puts a new and powerful feminist spin on one of Indian lore’s most storied figures. It’s a light read that’s well-written, and thoroughly imaginative. If you’re tired of reading versions of this tale where Sita is portrayed merely as a supporting character or a damsel in distress and want to read more about her as the iron-willed lady who gracefully endured the hardships of life then this book is for you.
August 15, 2021
"But what about my story? Why was it only told with Rama's? Had I been reduced to a story that was as much mine as his? Was this what the world thought of me?"
Sita, now alone and old in the forest, often thinks about her past choices. What if she hadn't met Ram? What if she hadn't married him? What if she hadn't been kidnapped by Ravana? How different would have been her life then? With the support of Guru Vishwamitra, she's able to find those answers by peeking into the alternate world of Bhumika.
Bhumika, the queen of Mithila, speaks her mind, takes risks and is not afraid of setbacks. She believes in equals rights for men and women and realises she does not need a man to complete her. And even though she is judged by the society for her choices, she abides by them nonetheless.
I have often read King Janaka as a lenient ruler, but Iyengar has portrayed him as a strong, efficient leader which I absolutely loved.
Even though Sita and Bhumika are very different, their life choices lead them towards difficult paths and they both have their own share of self-doubts and setbacks.
The author has brought forth the ideologies of Bhumika without disrespecting Sita's.
Bhumika is a brilliant feminist retelling of Sita's life. It's a story about every woman out there. About women trying to get equal opportunities, accepting one's choices and not indulging in self-pity.
A simple, short, beautifully written book and a must read.
Sita, now alone and old in the forest, often thinks about her past choices. What if she hadn't met Ram? What if she hadn't married him? What if she hadn't been kidnapped by Ravana? How different would have been her life then? With the support of Guru Vishwamitra, she's able to find those answers by peeking into the alternate world of Bhumika.
Bhumika, the queen of Mithila, speaks her mind, takes risks and is not afraid of setbacks. She believes in equals rights for men and women and realises she does not need a man to complete her. And even though she is judged by the society for her choices, she abides by them nonetheless.
I have often read King Janaka as a lenient ruler, but Iyengar has portrayed him as a strong, efficient leader which I absolutely loved.
Even though Sita and Bhumika are very different, their life choices lead them towards difficult paths and they both have their own share of self-doubts and setbacks.
The author has brought forth the ideologies of Bhumika without disrespecting Sita's.
Bhumika is a brilliant feminist retelling of Sita's life. It's a story about every woman out there. About women trying to get equal opportunities, accepting one's choices and not indulging in self-pity.
A simple, short, beautifully written book and a must read.
September 1, 2019
I have read plenty of books from the same genre – retelling of Ramayana and Mahabharata, retelling of stories about Gods and Goddesses, but this one stood out in its own unique ways. The book is a retelling of the story of Sita, not just as a supporting character but as the protagonist.
The story is narrated through Bhumika, a character who portrays Sita in an alternate reality, a life where Sita doesn’t meet Ram.
The major highlight of the book are its characters. The strong, vivacious and level-headed character of Bhumika just won my heart. The way the relationship between the father and his daughter has been depicted is overwhelming. Though the underlying storyline is not very innovative, the narration and plot compensate for it. The storyline is very similar to Brave, an animated movie by Pixar. Wouldn’t be correct to drawn such an analogy, but reading stories about strong female leads breaking free through the shackles of patriarchy isn’t something very new these days.
Overall, the book is a breeze and can be completed in a single flow. The author has not gone into the intricacies of the mythology part, but I guess that is to give more depth to the character of Bhumika/Sita. The narration is as simple as it gets and I’m sure even those who don’t fancy reading the retelling of mythologies will enjoy this one since it isolates mythology from storytelling.
August 29, 2019
I have always wondered how Sita would lead her life if Ram wasn't there at all. Well, all hail Aditya Iyengar. An awesome read no doubt. You will be transported to a parallel universe and it is a splendid trip indeed. Nevertheless everyone should read this book (though it is supposed to be a controversial literature). Both men and women will get an overwhelming lesson from this piece I can assure it. There are places which will definitely make you think a lot about the so called "maryada purshottam" concept that Ram is supposed to have. It is strictly for readers who has an open mindedness.
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