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Sati Series #2
Kunti: The Sati Series II
Kunti, a rare matriarch in the Mahabharata and one of the revered Pancha Satis, holds an unforgettable position in the Indian literary imagination. Yet, little is known about the fateful events that shaped her early life.
Taking on the intricate task, Koral Dasgupta unravels the lesser-known strands of Kunti’s through a childhood of scholarly pursuits to unwanted motherhood at adolescence, a detached marriage and her ambitious love for the king of the devas.
After the remarkable success of Ahalya , the first book in the Sati series, Kunti presents a brilliant and tender retelling of a story at the heart of our culture and mythology.
*
In the Sati series, Koral Dasgupta explores the lives of the Pancha Kanyas from Indian mythology and reinvents them in the modern context with a feminist consciousness.
Taking on the intricate task, Koral Dasgupta unravels the lesser-known strands of Kunti’s through a childhood of scholarly pursuits to unwanted motherhood at adolescence, a detached marriage and her ambitious love for the king of the devas.
After the remarkable success of Ahalya , the first book in the Sati series, Kunti presents a brilliant and tender retelling of a story at the heart of our culture and mythology.
*
In the Sati series, Koral Dasgupta explores the lives of the Pancha Kanyas from Indian mythology and reinvents them in the modern context with a feminist consciousness.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2021
57 people are currently reading
1025 people want to read
About the author
Koral Dasgupta
13 books159 followers"Her stories give an insight into the unknown world of creativity and imaginations."
WION
"Her novel works beyond the obvious, characters not just individuals but a philosophy."
INDIA TODAY
Koral is an Indian author, now working on The Sati Series for Pan Macmillan. The Sati series is a five book project on the Pancha Kanyas of Indian mythology.
She is a compulsive storyteller. She writes academic non fictions and relationship dramas, exploring the inherent nature of complex minds that leads to a relatable conflict and unpredictable climax. As on May 2020, Koral has published five books with Westland, Niyogi, Rupa and Pan Macmillan Publishers.
She is the founder of www.TellMeYourStory.biz, a story laboratory led by crowd-sourced narratives.
She consults with educational and corporate bodies on content and communication projects and workshops.
Koral is known for a great sense of humour. But when she is tired or sad or angry, she paints.
Koral is recognised in the list of Innovator25 Asia Pacific 2019 prepared by The Holmes Report, a New York based PR news agency.
WION
"Her novel works beyond the obvious, characters not just individuals but a philosophy."
INDIA TODAY
Koral is an Indian author, now working on The Sati Series for Pan Macmillan. The Sati series is a five book project on the Pancha Kanyas of Indian mythology.
She is a compulsive storyteller. She writes academic non fictions and relationship dramas, exploring the inherent nature of complex minds that leads to a relatable conflict and unpredictable climax. As on May 2020, Koral has published five books with Westland, Niyogi, Rupa and Pan Macmillan Publishers.
She is the founder of www.TellMeYourStory.biz, a story laboratory led by crowd-sourced narratives.
She consults with educational and corporate bodies on content and communication projects and workshops.
Koral is known for a great sense of humour. But when she is tired or sad or angry, she paints.
Koral is recognised in the list of Innovator25 Asia Pacific 2019 prepared by The Holmes Report, a New York based PR news agency.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 125 reviews
July 12, 2021
Thank you @panmacmillanindia for the copy! :)
"With his parting advice during the last visit, Vasudev assured me, 'Never believe what you seek isn't worth seeking. Because it's your faith if not his will, that will bring him to you as a captive to your needs.'
'What do you know about this 'him'?' I had asked, and Vasudev laughed.
'Nothing, just a personification of your goals, maybe. The merit that you consider an equal.'"
It could have been easy for an author to have Vasudev answer Kunti with a line that fit the times. "Your future husband" or "The man who will make you Queen". But Koral Dasgupta is one who is always looking to veer away from the conventional.
In this second book in #TheSatiSeries, the author weaves the story of the Mahabharata's matriarch, Kunti, right from her arriving in her foster father, Kuntibhoja's family, to the moment where her acceptance of the reality of her marriage is made obvious, much to the awe of her own husband. Kunti comes across as self-assured, her thoughts and actions being of much higher caliber than any other character she meets, which is heavily thanks to Koral Dasgupta's feminist edge to the story. This sort of angle is much needed, for we all know women in Hindu mythology are seen as just women, people 'supposed' to remain on the sidelines, set in roles that men laid for them. And to watch the author smash those stereotypes and bring sides to first Ahalya, now Kunti, makes for a very satisfyingly enjoyable read.
'Kunti' starts off with the author arm-twisting language to her will as she weaves Kunti's past, present, and future. One thought that continued to caress my mind was this: Koral Dasgupta's writing is like a massive wave looming over you. While the initial impact of the intricate sentences leaves you breathless and gasping for air, once you settle into the rhythms, you begin to enjoy it while learning of Kunti's early story told from her perspective. It is beautiful most times, but at others, it can become tedious to follow. But then again, that's the beauty of language, isn't it? Language exists to serve us. Not the other way round. And the author has harnessed it with absolute beauty and conviction.
Final thoughts: Must read! Especially for lovers of mythological fiction!
"With his parting advice during the last visit, Vasudev assured me, 'Never believe what you seek isn't worth seeking. Because it's your faith if not his will, that will bring him to you as a captive to your needs.'
'What do you know about this 'him'?' I had asked, and Vasudev laughed.
'Nothing, just a personification of your goals, maybe. The merit that you consider an equal.'"
It could have been easy for an author to have Vasudev answer Kunti with a line that fit the times. "Your future husband" or "The man who will make you Queen". But Koral Dasgupta is one who is always looking to veer away from the conventional.
In this second book in #TheSatiSeries, the author weaves the story of the Mahabharata's matriarch, Kunti, right from her arriving in her foster father, Kuntibhoja's family, to the moment where her acceptance of the reality of her marriage is made obvious, much to the awe of her own husband. Kunti comes across as self-assured, her thoughts and actions being of much higher caliber than any other character she meets, which is heavily thanks to Koral Dasgupta's feminist edge to the story. This sort of angle is much needed, for we all know women in Hindu mythology are seen as just women, people 'supposed' to remain on the sidelines, set in roles that men laid for them. And to watch the author smash those stereotypes and bring sides to first Ahalya, now Kunti, makes for a very satisfyingly enjoyable read.
'Kunti' starts off with the author arm-twisting language to her will as she weaves Kunti's past, present, and future. One thought that continued to caress my mind was this: Koral Dasgupta's writing is like a massive wave looming over you. While the initial impact of the intricate sentences leaves you breathless and gasping for air, once you settle into the rhythms, you begin to enjoy it while learning of Kunti's early story told from her perspective. It is beautiful most times, but at others, it can become tedious to follow. But then again, that's the beauty of language, isn't it? Language exists to serve us. Not the other way round. And the author has harnessed it with absolute beauty and conviction.
Final thoughts: Must read! Especially for lovers of mythological fiction!
July 13, 2021
“eyes of compassion; the touch of desire; the scent of seduction. Who knew better than I that those magical sensations were as nonexistent as Indra himself? The the truth of each moment lost its significance in the next! That the desire wouldn’t find possessive lovers to hold on to each other with pledges of inseparability! Haven’t I witnessed in the past, the deceit of both human and nature?”
The book starts with a love making scene between our heroine Kunti and the God of Heaven, Indra and from the very get go you get this intuition that you are going to witness something great; in this case a wonderful story, a story as epic as any we have known and told just like one should be told. Kunti which is the second book in a standalone series by Koral Dasgupta, tells the story of a matriarch from Mahabharata- a queen and a mother to the five Pandavas. Surprisingly, it doesn’t depict her as either of those things but as a woman with her box curiosities and desires and thank goodness, doesn’t iterate her as something pure and holy!
The most astounding thing about this book is the tone; which, if read aloud feels like a chant, a continuous humming of words and one might, while reading forget to pause for a breathe. The sentences which are short and sharp, are weaved like a rosary that refuses to end. Imagine an epic poem, how the praises are sung and the bravery and follies of our hero told and retold; that’s exactly the tone of this book. Not preachy but grand. It never feels patronizing or overwhelming and that’s partially due to the author’s command over the language which feels dated as it should be and also because of the shortness of the book. It was refreshing to read as it always is, to read a retelling of an Indian mythology!
The book starts with a love making scene between our heroine Kunti and the God of Heaven, Indra and from the very get go you get this intuition that you are going to witness something great; in this case a wonderful story, a story as epic as any we have known and told just like one should be told. Kunti which is the second book in a standalone series by Koral Dasgupta, tells the story of a matriarch from Mahabharata- a queen and a mother to the five Pandavas. Surprisingly, it doesn’t depict her as either of those things but as a woman with her box curiosities and desires and thank goodness, doesn’t iterate her as something pure and holy!
The most astounding thing about this book is the tone; which, if read aloud feels like a chant, a continuous humming of words and one might, while reading forget to pause for a breathe. The sentences which are short and sharp, are weaved like a rosary that refuses to end. Imagine an epic poem, how the praises are sung and the bravery and follies of our hero told and retold; that’s exactly the tone of this book. Not preachy but grand. It never feels patronizing or overwhelming and that’s partially due to the author’s command over the language which feels dated as it should be and also because of the shortness of the book. It was refreshing to read as it always is, to read a retelling of an Indian mythology!
March 26, 2022
Kunti is one of the most famous women characters of the great Indian Epic Mahabharata. But all we majorly know about her is indirectly her part in the Kurukshetra war through her sons. Being an important character she has been revered always, but had never been considered as the main character.
I had never known about the girl Kunti, only the Queen. Her life before marriage was only shown in the fact of her mothering Karna, shadowing all her other traits.
Thus in the second book of the Sati series by Koral Dasgupta, I come across the life of Kunti – her academic excellence, her resilience, her personal struggles. The book covers the span from her maiden age to the time till she gives birth to her warrior sons. I loved the fact that the book completely focussed on her alone and her love for Indra.
Her raw feelings on marrying Pandu, her dilemma on meeting Surya, her angst for Bhishma were some stances I had never perceived. It made me think how important it is for us to look through these great epics through the eyes of women too. Not just focus on the dharma and brutalities of war, but feel the emotions and sacrifices. Revere the strength and wisdom
I had never known about the girl Kunti, only the Queen. Her life before marriage was only shown in the fact of her mothering Karna, shadowing all her other traits.
Thus in the second book of the Sati series by Koral Dasgupta, I come across the life of Kunti – her academic excellence, her resilience, her personal struggles. The book covers the span from her maiden age to the time till she gives birth to her warrior sons. I loved the fact that the book completely focussed on her alone and her love for Indra.
Her raw feelings on marrying Pandu, her dilemma on meeting Surya, her angst for Bhishma were some stances I had never perceived. It made me think how important it is for us to look through these great epics through the eyes of women too. Not just focus on the dharma and brutalities of war, but feel the emotions and sacrifices. Revere the strength and wisdom
January 4, 2022
Kunti by Koral Dasgupta- 2🌟
When I'd first read about Draupadi, Kunti was one character who had always intrigued me and I'd always wanted to know more about Kunti and who she was and how she became such a strong character. Women in mythology have always fascinated me and that is why I love reading these books.
That being said, I'll tell you I had very high expectations from this book, I wanted to love this book because I'd seen the buzz around this book. To put it simply I did not enjoy this book, it was a disappointment for me.
This book narrates the story of Kunti and the only reason why I gave it 2 stars is because I learnt a lot of new things about Kunti. However, I honestly failed to connect with the story, I failed to connect with Kunti, it was like a dry book for me because it was just a bland story, I couldn't feel any emotions, I couldn't sympathize with her or feel her joy and I honestly did not understand the concept of the "mathematical equation" that will bear her the children of Devas because apparently she's amazing and too smart and so a Sage gives her this equation because maybe he knows her future, still a little too much to shove this equation on her when she doesn't even know what's gonna happen(haha).
When I'd first read about Draupadi, Kunti was one character who had always intrigued me and I'd always wanted to know more about Kunti and who she was and how she became such a strong character. Women in mythology have always fascinated me and that is why I love reading these books.
That being said, I'll tell you I had very high expectations from this book, I wanted to love this book because I'd seen the buzz around this book. To put it simply I did not enjoy this book, it was a disappointment for me.
This book narrates the story of Kunti and the only reason why I gave it 2 stars is because I learnt a lot of new things about Kunti. However, I honestly failed to connect with the story, I failed to connect with Kunti, it was like a dry book for me because it was just a bland story, I couldn't feel any emotions, I couldn't sympathize with her or feel her joy and I honestly did not understand the concept of the "mathematical equation" that will bear her the children of Devas because apparently she's amazing and too smart and so a Sage gives her this equation because maybe he knows her future, still a little too much to shove this equation on her when she doesn't even know what's gonna happen(haha).
Read
January 23, 2025It’s a book which can be read in one sitting but I dragged it for longer. The story is fictional so I will not comment on that but I like author’s writing and hence I will bear with the way they interpret our history.
March 18, 2025
Kunti by Koral Dasgupta, the second book in The Sati Series, offers an insightful reimagining of one of the Mahabharata’s often-overlooked characters. While Kunti is traditionally viewed as the matriarch of the Pandavas, primarily defined by her motherhood, Dasgupta skillfully redefines her as a woman of complexity, intellect, and inner turmoil. This portrayal elevates Kunti beyond her role as a background figure in the epic, giving her the prominence she deserves.
The book delves into Kunti’s early life as Pritha, prior to her marriage, illuminating her upbringing under her adoptive father Kuntibhoja and the influence of her biological father, Surasena. Kunti’s emotional journey, her unspoken love for Indra, and the painful decisions she is forced to make, such as her abandonment of Karna, are explored with great sensitivity. These pivotal moments define her as a person who constantly battles between personal desires and the demands of duty.
A standout feature of Dasgupta's narrative is her interpretation of Kunti's relationship with the sage Durvasa. Their discussions, infused with the philosophical language of mathematics, add a unique layer to the story. It’s not just a dialogue of events but of profound inquiry into the universe and human existence, making Kunti’s character not just a passive figure but a deep thinker. This interplay of ancient myth with modern themes like feminism and identity strengthens the novel's relevance to contemporary readers.
The dynamics between Kunti and her sons, particularly her strained relationship with Karna, are rendered with poignancy and depth. Dasgupta avoids simplistic characterizations, instead exploring the emotional and moral complexities that define Kunti’s life. Her relationships are not static but evolve through the narrative, giving readers an intricate view of her internal struggles.
In terms of prose, Dasgupta’s writing is rich and lyrical, blending mythology with a contemplative exploration of themes like power, agency, and personal responsibility. The seamless weaving of past and present in the story keeps the reader engaged, and while the novel is concise, it leaves you wishing for more exploration of Kunti’s life.
Overall, Kunti is a compelling read for fans of mythological fiction, offering a fresh perspective on a figure who is often overshadowed by the male heroes of the Mahabharata. Dasgupta’s portrayal of Kunti as a strong, intelligent woman grappling with love, duty, and sacrifice is both captivating and thought-provoking, providing a deeper understanding of her character that resonates across time.
The book delves into Kunti’s early life as Pritha, prior to her marriage, illuminating her upbringing under her adoptive father Kuntibhoja and the influence of her biological father, Surasena. Kunti’s emotional journey, her unspoken love for Indra, and the painful decisions she is forced to make, such as her abandonment of Karna, are explored with great sensitivity. These pivotal moments define her as a person who constantly battles between personal desires and the demands of duty.
A standout feature of Dasgupta's narrative is her interpretation of Kunti's relationship with the sage Durvasa. Their discussions, infused with the philosophical language of mathematics, add a unique layer to the story. It’s not just a dialogue of events but of profound inquiry into the universe and human existence, making Kunti’s character not just a passive figure but a deep thinker. This interplay of ancient myth with modern themes like feminism and identity strengthens the novel's relevance to contemporary readers.
The dynamics between Kunti and her sons, particularly her strained relationship with Karna, are rendered with poignancy and depth. Dasgupta avoids simplistic characterizations, instead exploring the emotional and moral complexities that define Kunti’s life. Her relationships are not static but evolve through the narrative, giving readers an intricate view of her internal struggles.
In terms of prose, Dasgupta’s writing is rich and lyrical, blending mythology with a contemplative exploration of themes like power, agency, and personal responsibility. The seamless weaving of past and present in the story keeps the reader engaged, and while the novel is concise, it leaves you wishing for more exploration of Kunti’s life.
Overall, Kunti is a compelling read for fans of mythological fiction, offering a fresh perspective on a figure who is often overshadowed by the male heroes of the Mahabharata. Dasgupta’s portrayal of Kunti as a strong, intelligent woman grappling with love, duty, and sacrifice is both captivating and thought-provoking, providing a deeper understanding of her character that resonates across time.
August 22, 2021
Reading "Kunti" by Koral Dasgupta was like enjoying a piece of cake. You take a piece, have a close look, savor it, feeling it's sweetness,softness, gooey, moist texture enjoying it to bits.. but before you could relish it completely, it melts in your mouth making you wanting more..
Kunti is a familiar figure to us as the mother of Pandavas and wife of Pandu. I hated her for abandoning Karna even when Pandu was fine with raising him. But Dasgupta explores a different side of Kunti .She explores her character through a modern lens with a feminist consciousness and was successful in depicting it.
'Kunti' is the second book in the sati series. Written in a first person point of view, we get to know in depth about Kunti 's character closer. Koral 's Kunti is a revered scholar, an intelligent woman who has a larger appetite for knowledge, an ambitious lover who falls for devas, a diplomat , a kind and bold woman, resurrecting her position from being a matriarch.
While the conventions of the patriarchal society considers her a cruel mother, Koral talks about the need to look from the perspective of an adolescent girl who was unprepared for motherhood. Did the society judge her too harshly? Dasgupta 's Kunti gives plenty of room for thought.
Dasgupta traces Kunti 's lesser known life as a daughter, sister, lover, scholar and wife and not as a mother thereby bursting the myth bubble that a woman need to a 'perfect' woman by becoming a mother. Through her exceptional , lyrical prose, she enchants the readers.
My only problem was with the abrupt ending. I wished to put a comma after the full stop in the last line. I was craving more.. but on second thoughts, isn't it the beauty of literature? being wide open for our own interpretations and imagination.
Recommended for the fans of mythological fiction ❤
Kunti is a familiar figure to us as the mother of Pandavas and wife of Pandu. I hated her for abandoning Karna even when Pandu was fine with raising him. But Dasgupta explores a different side of Kunti .She explores her character through a modern lens with a feminist consciousness and was successful in depicting it.
'Kunti' is the second book in the sati series. Written in a first person point of view, we get to know in depth about Kunti 's character closer. Koral 's Kunti is a revered scholar, an intelligent woman who has a larger appetite for knowledge, an ambitious lover who falls for devas, a diplomat , a kind and bold woman, resurrecting her position from being a matriarch.
While the conventions of the patriarchal society considers her a cruel mother, Koral talks about the need to look from the perspective of an adolescent girl who was unprepared for motherhood. Did the society judge her too harshly? Dasgupta 's Kunti gives plenty of room for thought.
Dasgupta traces Kunti 's lesser known life as a daughter, sister, lover, scholar and wife and not as a mother thereby bursting the myth bubble that a woman need to a 'perfect' woman by becoming a mother. Through her exceptional , lyrical prose, she enchants the readers.
My only problem was with the abrupt ending. I wished to put a comma after the full stop in the last line. I was craving more.. but on second thoughts, isn't it the beauty of literature? being wide open for our own interpretations and imagination.
Recommended for the fans of mythological fiction ❤
July 8, 2021
When I completed Ahalya, I was so determined about reading forthcoming books of Sati Series. Koral Dasgupta & @panmacmillanindia was generous enough to provide me this copy to read and review.
🔸Ahalya; as bold, seductive, empowering it was, this second book by the author yet again mesmerized me to the extreme level. Kunti, one of the Pancha Satis is fierce, brave, honest princess & an astrologer, her role in epic Mahabharata is confined to her matriarchal position only, but this book talks about her eventful early life, about her love for devas, her intellect, unwanted motherhood and then abandonment of her child, her failed marriage and her determination to assemble her kingdom as a queen.
❓ How Kunti is entwined between her desires, dutied, love and longing….
🔸Koral’s writing is passionate, bold & forthright. While reading this book, words flowed in my mind as someone is acting in a theatre and delivering their dialogues with utmost passion. Her art of presenting a straight up fact with metaphorical speech is something to admire for, as an aspiring writer myself.
✨ Kunti’s known role in Indian literary imagination has got a huge leap through this book. Author’s approach towards feminist writing is so defined & concrete. I would blindly recommend these books to a mythological fiction fan and someone who simply admire the art of words. Yet again I am looking forward to read rest 3 books in the series desperately, reading these types of books begins with huge excitement and ends on longing for more.
🔸Ahalya; as bold, seductive, empowering it was, this second book by the author yet again mesmerized me to the extreme level. Kunti, one of the Pancha Satis is fierce, brave, honest princess & an astrologer, her role in epic Mahabharata is confined to her matriarchal position only, but this book talks about her eventful early life, about her love for devas, her intellect, unwanted motherhood and then abandonment of her child, her failed marriage and her determination to assemble her kingdom as a queen.
❓ How Kunti is entwined between her desires, dutied, love and longing….
🔸Koral’s writing is passionate, bold & forthright. While reading this book, words flowed in my mind as someone is acting in a theatre and delivering their dialogues with utmost passion. Her art of presenting a straight up fact with metaphorical speech is something to admire for, as an aspiring writer myself.
✨ Kunti’s known role in Indian literary imagination has got a huge leap through this book. Author’s approach towards feminist writing is so defined & concrete. I would blindly recommend these books to a mythological fiction fan and someone who simply admire the art of words. Yet again I am looking forward to read rest 3 books in the series desperately, reading these types of books begins with huge excitement and ends on longing for more.
September 21, 2021
this was far more enjoyable than Ahalya.
my expectations from feminist retelling needs to have some fantastic take away which Kunti does in a very subtle way. unless there is a way where the woman the author is writing about overcomes the hurdles and bends the norm, the retelling falls flat. In Kunti, Koral Dasgupta changes certain things from the lore which in itself is interesting, and its not just an extrapolation, which makes this retelling a better one.
the prose is a little heavy for my taste but once we get used to this style, it goes by quicker.
my expectations from feminist retelling needs to have some fantastic take away which Kunti does in a very subtle way. unless there is a way where the woman the author is writing about overcomes the hurdles and bends the norm, the retelling falls flat. In Kunti, Koral Dasgupta changes certain things from the lore which in itself is interesting, and its not just an extrapolation, which makes this retelling a better one.
the prose is a little heavy for my taste but once we get used to this style, it goes by quicker.
May 29, 2024
Heard good things about the Sati series from a biblio friend, which had me confused on whether to pick it. With an enormous number of Mahabharata retellings already published, its tricky to write another one which would be different and loved!
This one worked for me for two simple reasons:
1. Mystifying Kunti's boon of progeny from Durvasa, by linking it with the language of the universe - Mathematics!
2. The powerful narration from Kunti's point of view.
I applaud the editing team for keeping it short and simple, and still delivering that punch.
This one worked for me for two simple reasons:
1. Mystifying Kunti's boon of progeny from Durvasa, by linking it with the language of the universe - Mathematics!
2. The powerful narration from Kunti's point of view.
I applaud the editing team for keeping it short and simple, and still delivering that punch.
May 14, 2023
Finishing listening to the audio format on Mother's Day is coincidentally beautiful. I liked how Kunti, her prowess and gentle side, is portrayed. People who consider Vyasa Bharatham the ultimate version may despise this book, but everyone's opinions and interpretations of each character in the epic might differ. Hence, the storytelling from everyone's point of view will vary.
Listen to this book to see the novel side of Kunti's story.
Listen to this book to see the novel side of Kunti's story.
September 7, 2021
Kunti, a prominent face from the great Indian epic Mahabharata was the wife of King Pandu and mother of Pandavas.
We all know how her one decision created havoc in the life of Draupadi but it was only she and her teachings that kept the Pandava brothers united till the end.
However, not much is talked about Kunti's early life, her childhood and the events which shaped her life.
Koral Dasgupta takes this intricate chore upon her shoulders and marvellously unfolds the lesser-known story of Kunti.
'Kunti' is the second book in the Sati series where the author explores the lives of the Panch Kanyas from Indian mythology.
And in this book, Koral beautifully illustrates the life of a brilliant girl who was given by her father to her uncle Kuntibhoj ( a childless king). At Kuntibhoj's Kingdom, Kunti learned almost everything and was given a mathematical equation to solve by Maharishi Durvasa, it was such an equation that if solved then Kunti can summon any God and bear his child. This equation leads Kunti to unwanted motherhood where she gave away her firstborn.
Later Kunti enters a marriage only for the benefits of an Empire. But even after everything her love for King of Devas was intact.
Books like this always excite me, especially when they end abruptly leaving my imagination to wander.
Koral knows very well how to hold her reader till the last page. After reading Ahalya I instantly became a fan of her writing. She has brilliantly described not only Kunti's life but also gives a new perspective to other characters.
We all know how her one decision created havoc in the life of Draupadi but it was only she and her teachings that kept the Pandava brothers united till the end.
However, not much is talked about Kunti's early life, her childhood and the events which shaped her life.
Koral Dasgupta takes this intricate chore upon her shoulders and marvellously unfolds the lesser-known story of Kunti.
'Kunti' is the second book in the Sati series where the author explores the lives of the Panch Kanyas from Indian mythology.
And in this book, Koral beautifully illustrates the life of a brilliant girl who was given by her father to her uncle Kuntibhoj ( a childless king). At Kuntibhoj's Kingdom, Kunti learned almost everything and was given a mathematical equation to solve by Maharishi Durvasa, it was such an equation that if solved then Kunti can summon any God and bear his child. This equation leads Kunti to unwanted motherhood where she gave away her firstborn.
Later Kunti enters a marriage only for the benefits of an Empire. But even after everything her love for King of Devas was intact.
Books like this always excite me, especially when they end abruptly leaving my imagination to wander.
Koral knows very well how to hold her reader till the last page. After reading Ahalya I instantly became a fan of her writing. She has brilliantly described not only Kunti's life but also gives a new perspective to other characters.
March 23, 2023
Started this on a whim but got fully sucked into it. Simply loved this characterization of kunti, but more than that loved how poetically it all read. Can't wait to delve into the other books in the series.
July 18, 2023
The second book of the series and it’s an interesting take on Kunti. A new perspective on her life and thoughts from her view, some revealing truths and make a insightful read.
I wish author had gone further ahead on the timeline of the story and expanded the story further.
I am going to definitely read other books in the sahi series.
Enjoyed.
I wish author had gone further ahead on the timeline of the story and expanded the story further.
I am going to definitely read other books in the sahi series.
Enjoyed.
September 12, 2024
I'm getting the feeling these 5 books could have been essays, not full books. This one dragged, and well, went on hyperbolae I didn't really care for.
Kunti spent most of the book thirsting for Indra?
Geez.
Kunti spent most of the book thirsting for Indra?
Geez.
July 16, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
In this second instalment of the Sati Series, Dasgupta beautifully reimagines the life of Kunti, offering us a portrait that is as layered as it is lyrical. Through a narrative that is both intimate and restrained, this book unravels the lesser-known strands of Kunti’s journey – from her studious childhood to the struggles and burdens of adulthood.
What struck me most was the way the author portrayed Kunti’s early years, her hunger for knowledge and how she was never afraid to own her intellect. She’s proud of her wisdom and that pride is not arrogance, but a quiet defiance against the world that often reduces women to roles rather than recognising their potential.
Another aspect I admired was the portrayal of the character’s vulnerability. Her emotional fragility wasn’t hidden but embraced. It is shown not as weakness, but as a quiet, dignified strength.
If I’m to be a little critical, I felt the pacing faltered at times, particularly in the middle. A few chapters felt slower and somewhat underwhelming – perhaps because I found the first book in the series more tightly woven. I also found myself wishing for a deeper glimpse into Kunti’s life as a mother, her relationships with her children, her inner world raising them. That aspect, so central to her identity, felt a little out of reach.
Still, Kunti remains an enriching and refreshing read. I’m genuinely looking forward to what the rest of the series has in store for me. Dasgupta is clearly building something profound, one woman at a time.
In this second instalment of the Sati Series, Dasgupta beautifully reimagines the life of Kunti, offering us a portrait that is as layered as it is lyrical. Through a narrative that is both intimate and restrained, this book unravels the lesser-known strands of Kunti’s journey – from her studious childhood to the struggles and burdens of adulthood.
What struck me most was the way the author portrayed Kunti’s early years, her hunger for knowledge and how she was never afraid to own her intellect. She’s proud of her wisdom and that pride is not arrogance, but a quiet defiance against the world that often reduces women to roles rather than recognising their potential.
Another aspect I admired was the portrayal of the character’s vulnerability. Her emotional fragility wasn’t hidden but embraced. It is shown not as weakness, but as a quiet, dignified strength.
If I’m to be a little critical, I felt the pacing faltered at times, particularly in the middle. A few chapters felt slower and somewhat underwhelming – perhaps because I found the first book in the series more tightly woven. I also found myself wishing for a deeper glimpse into Kunti’s life as a mother, her relationships with her children, her inner world raising them. That aspect, so central to her identity, felt a little out of reach.
Still, Kunti remains an enriching and refreshing read. I’m genuinely looking forward to what the rest of the series has in store for me. Dasgupta is clearly building something profound, one woman at a time.
February 24, 2025
This book is unlike any other. When I started reading, I expected a journey through Kunti’s life—from birth to her renunciation after the Mahabharata. But instead, it explores a part of her story often overlooked: Kunti before she was a mother, before she was entangled in Hastinapur’s politics. It paints her not just as a queen or a mother but as a woman with dreams, desires, and ambitions—including her fascination with Indra. And in the end, the story comes full circle, closing beautifully with the moment that changed her life forever—her becoming a mother.
March 12, 2022
Koral Dasgupta's second offering in the Sati Series introduces us to Kunti - the one we only know as the matriarch of the Pandava family, one that is sometimes a distressed, injustly treated mother of five young sons and on that is on other occasions a clever shrewd politician who knew how to sacrifice an innocent woman and her sons to prove a point in the Lakshagriha fire, one who expertly ensured that the powerful beautiful princess that one of her sons' "won" would never be able to break the brothers apart.
Of course, Ms Dasgupta pfftss all the melodrama and patriarchy away and shows us what is a very predictable even if slightly far fetched tale. An exceptionally intelligent but detached young girl who knew what she needed to do to ensure her "duties" towards eternal progress are justified. (the equivalence of the "Child-bearing via Devas" mantra being a mathematical, space-time continuum conundrum that Dwaparyuga Einstein "solved" to bear half god, half human super heroes who were the Pandavas - is a little too much to take)
The prose is a little purple at times but one still cannot help wonder if the stream of water and whisper of the wind she is hearing as she reads, are real
The book understandably doesn't complete Kunti's tale. We will meet her again, we are told, now alongside her daughter in law who will feature in the next installment
Until then!
Of course, Ms Dasgupta pfftss all the melodrama and patriarchy away and shows us what is a very predictable even if slightly far fetched tale. An exceptionally intelligent but detached young girl who knew what she needed to do to ensure her "duties" towards eternal progress are justified. (the equivalence of the "Child-bearing via Devas" mantra being a mathematical, space-time continuum conundrum that Dwaparyuga Einstein "solved" to bear half god, half human super heroes who were the Pandavas - is a little too much to take)
The prose is a little purple at times but one still cannot help wonder if the stream of water and whisper of the wind she is hearing as she reads, are real
The book understandably doesn't complete Kunti's tale. We will meet her again, we are told, now alongside her daughter in law who will feature in the next installment
Until then!
October 9, 2021
Kunti is the second book in the Sati Series written by Koral Dasgupta Ji. Kunti, a rare matriarch in the Mahabharata and one of the revered Panch Satis, holds an unforgettable position in the Indian literary Imagination. Yet, little known about the fateful events that shaped her early life. Taking on the intricate task, Koral Dasgupta unravels the lesser known strands of Kunti’s story: through a childhood of scholarly pursuits to unwanted motherhood at adolescence, a detached marriage and her ambitious love for the king of devas. After the remarkable success of Ahalya, the first book in the Sati series, Kunti presents a brilliant tender retelling a story at the heart of our culture.
Author has fabricated the words and story very beautifully and you feel the scene happening infront of your eyes. The Purpose of this series is to draw the attention towards a part of the journey of these legendary women, which has been grossly overlooked. Especially, for Kunti and Draupadi, about whom a lot is known already. Here, Kunti’s relationship with Durvasa, Pandu, Bhishma and Surya have been explored vividly, along with contextualizing her longing for Indra and eventually mothering his child.
At last I would like to say, It is a must read book. Highly recommended .
Author has fabricated the words and story very beautifully and you feel the scene happening infront of your eyes. The Purpose of this series is to draw the attention towards a part of the journey of these legendary women, which has been grossly overlooked. Especially, for Kunti and Draupadi, about whom a lot is known already. Here, Kunti’s relationship with Durvasa, Pandu, Bhishma and Surya have been explored vividly, along with contextualizing her longing for Indra and eventually mothering his child.
At last I would like to say, It is a must read book. Highly recommended .
September 25, 2022
It’s hard to see why Koral Dasgupta wouldn’t employ her literary grace yet again, to convey Kunti’s story. As she continues with the Sati series, she is gaining ground in the magnificence of her diction, in the use of artistic liberty to chisel out uncanny strands of beauty derived from the feminine foundation. Over the top, remains her able use of metaphorical splendour, how she effortlessly makes the natural elements dance to the tunes of the story, and how she rhythmizes illusion, desire and longing.
Under the aegis Koral builds with each of her Satis, I found myself more vividly as I read ‘Kunti’. I can now get a glimpse of what might have been her motivation to write of such women pioneers, and how she chooses to speak of them, deploying their agencies to suit her metaphorical weavings. With ‘Kunti’, she adds momentum to the flare she had initiated with ‘Ahalya’. But ‘Ahalya’, remains to be my favourite of the two. That book is pure wonder, everything about it. I hadn’t discovered nature and the feminine intermingle so articulately and beautifully as I’d experienced there, and so it remains to be unparallel.
With ‘Kunti’ however, Koral had a mountain to displace. She had to carve out aspects of Kunti from the Mahabharat and beyond, that will stay true to what she, as an author wanted to convey. Maybe that is why we primarily encounter the Panch Kanyas in their early years of bloom and maturity, where their governing attributes would be unhindered to the core. In Koral’s Kunti, the massive matriarch of the epic greets us in her tender years, and how she sails through her adolescence, her unforeseen marriage and queenship and then childbirth. The book culminates with the birth of the Pandavas, and I wish there was more.
Koral Dasgupta, as always, crafts a sensuality between mortals and the divine devas, and how they interact and mingle. Through her words, the heaven comes to the earth. From the tiny swaying bees to the grand downpours of the monsoon and the jasmine-laden wet soil of the forest, she instills this sense of quiver and ecstasy, only to be equated with something far more divine. She places Kunti atop this divinity, and crafts her to be a woman whose empathy and intellectual detachment surpasses all. When the Panch Kanyas are made alive through this Sati series, Koral derives their persona from the various layers of the feminine foundation. She wants to convey all and every aspect of womanhood and femininity, and with each character she writes about, she advances into this feat more and more.
The interplay of desire, lust and actual unconditional love plays through ‘Kunti’ almost as a conflict as we glimpse through Kunti’s masculine interests. Her enormous love and longing for the king of the devas, Indra is not only ambitious, but also very infiltrative to her other fancies. Indra, in the way much signature to Koral’s style, ceases to be a god or anything of the metaphysical stature. He is the perfect embodiment of illusory sentiments, of limitless indulgences and boundless desire—he is the governor of the indriyas, he is duly an amalgamation of masculinity in all sorts, squinted upon or applauded. Indra’s philosophy is as fresh as the newly bloomed, dew-soaked first flower of the Spring…he is here, there and everywhere around. Indra, in this sort of a vivid entity of colour and sheen, is philosophically new.
Surya and Indra—two devas of antonym implications, who stand on the opposite ends in almost every strand of philosophical, physical or imaginative line of thought, have a way into Kunti. She, with her expertise of the arts, with her dazzling academic brilliance and the hunger for knowing the truth, submits to Surya. But yet, with her desirous indulgences and her chase of illusory fractals, she wishes be one and all with Indra. Surya and Indra in a cyclic conflict, through the overcast skies bearing rainfall and the clear rays of sunshine dissipating it…come again and again, through Sugreeva and Bali; and now through Karna and Arjun.
⠀
‘Kunti’ presents to us glimpses of the Mahabharat from a window of understanding and weighing of character. Kunti’s encounters with the inhabitants of Hastinapur is laden with metaphors and technical analysis. Buoyed by acts of political correctness, diplomacy and preservation of lineage—Kunti’s interaction with her marital home is fragmented and unfinished. Koral Dasgupta sometimes becomes playful in the way she juggles the timelines in Kunti’s life. She cradles the story from side to side, equipping the pages with rich flashbacks and dreamy visions, heralding the revelation of the past or the commencement of a menacing future. Although Koral chooses a narrow timeframe to structure her Kunti, she makes us bear witness to the presence of other looming figures who will dominate the storyline very soon. Like a frisky deer jumping here and there, often venturing into restricted territories, Kunti’s mind echoes around to shake free of present bondages.
⠀
Kunti’s womanhood is portrayed through an interesting recipe of maidenhood, intellectualism, detachment, grace and impulse. Much like multiple personalities fighting their way to the top, Kunti’s image is as unpredictable as a drizzle of light rain, which is to say it is not. With this chasm of feminine grace, she walks and conquers situations, seldom falling into hopeless recluse or overwhelming triumph. The only sizzling force that cracks through this demeanour is her love for the king of the devas. This amalgamation is thrilling. Like the perfect balance between mirth and composure, between slow-glowing embers and lashing flames, Kunti harbours this stature. Amidst a sense of maidenhood and singleton adequacy, Kunti’s motherhood however, goes amiss. Her maternal sentiments often come to be chopped off, stripped of their innocent affection. Innocence isn’t the queen here. In this book, more universal and gigantic faculties come to play and interact through the changing waves of time. ‘Kunti’ could have had more pages, more chapters and more meanderings. It could have been as perennial and unstoppable in chronology as the cyclic seasons are, but we get to see only a slice. It makes the readers thirsty for more.
Under the aegis Koral builds with each of her Satis, I found myself more vividly as I read ‘Kunti’. I can now get a glimpse of what might have been her motivation to write of such women pioneers, and how she chooses to speak of them, deploying their agencies to suit her metaphorical weavings. With ‘Kunti’, she adds momentum to the flare she had initiated with ‘Ahalya’. But ‘Ahalya’, remains to be my favourite of the two. That book is pure wonder, everything about it. I hadn’t discovered nature and the feminine intermingle so articulately and beautifully as I’d experienced there, and so it remains to be unparallel.
With ‘Kunti’ however, Koral had a mountain to displace. She had to carve out aspects of Kunti from the Mahabharat and beyond, that will stay true to what she, as an author wanted to convey. Maybe that is why we primarily encounter the Panch Kanyas in their early years of bloom and maturity, where their governing attributes would be unhindered to the core. In Koral’s Kunti, the massive matriarch of the epic greets us in her tender years, and how she sails through her adolescence, her unforeseen marriage and queenship and then childbirth. The book culminates with the birth of the Pandavas, and I wish there was more.
Koral Dasgupta, as always, crafts a sensuality between mortals and the divine devas, and how they interact and mingle. Through her words, the heaven comes to the earth. From the tiny swaying bees to the grand downpours of the monsoon and the jasmine-laden wet soil of the forest, she instills this sense of quiver and ecstasy, only to be equated with something far more divine. She places Kunti atop this divinity, and crafts her to be a woman whose empathy and intellectual detachment surpasses all. When the Panch Kanyas are made alive through this Sati series, Koral derives their persona from the various layers of the feminine foundation. She wants to convey all and every aspect of womanhood and femininity, and with each character she writes about, she advances into this feat more and more.
The interplay of desire, lust and actual unconditional love plays through ‘Kunti’ almost as a conflict as we glimpse through Kunti’s masculine interests. Her enormous love and longing for the king of the devas, Indra is not only ambitious, but also very infiltrative to her other fancies. Indra, in the way much signature to Koral’s style, ceases to be a god or anything of the metaphysical stature. He is the perfect embodiment of illusory sentiments, of limitless indulgences and boundless desire—he is the governor of the indriyas, he is duly an amalgamation of masculinity in all sorts, squinted upon or applauded. Indra’s philosophy is as fresh as the newly bloomed, dew-soaked first flower of the Spring…he is here, there and everywhere around. Indra, in this sort of a vivid entity of colour and sheen, is philosophically new.
Surya and Indra—two devas of antonym implications, who stand on the opposite ends in almost every strand of philosophical, physical or imaginative line of thought, have a way into Kunti. She, with her expertise of the arts, with her dazzling academic brilliance and the hunger for knowing the truth, submits to Surya. But yet, with her desirous indulgences and her chase of illusory fractals, she wishes be one and all with Indra. Surya and Indra in a cyclic conflict, through the overcast skies bearing rainfall and the clear rays of sunshine dissipating it…come again and again, through Sugreeva and Bali; and now through Karna and Arjun.
⠀
‘Kunti’ presents to us glimpses of the Mahabharat from a window of understanding and weighing of character. Kunti’s encounters with the inhabitants of Hastinapur is laden with metaphors and technical analysis. Buoyed by acts of political correctness, diplomacy and preservation of lineage—Kunti’s interaction with her marital home is fragmented and unfinished. Koral Dasgupta sometimes becomes playful in the way she juggles the timelines in Kunti’s life. She cradles the story from side to side, equipping the pages with rich flashbacks and dreamy visions, heralding the revelation of the past or the commencement of a menacing future. Although Koral chooses a narrow timeframe to structure her Kunti, she makes us bear witness to the presence of other looming figures who will dominate the storyline very soon. Like a frisky deer jumping here and there, often venturing into restricted territories, Kunti’s mind echoes around to shake free of present bondages.
⠀
Kunti’s womanhood is portrayed through an interesting recipe of maidenhood, intellectualism, detachment, grace and impulse. Much like multiple personalities fighting their way to the top, Kunti’s image is as unpredictable as a drizzle of light rain, which is to say it is not. With this chasm of feminine grace, she walks and conquers situations, seldom falling into hopeless recluse or overwhelming triumph. The only sizzling force that cracks through this demeanour is her love for the king of the devas. This amalgamation is thrilling. Like the perfect balance between mirth and composure, between slow-glowing embers and lashing flames, Kunti harbours this stature. Amidst a sense of maidenhood and singleton adequacy, Kunti’s motherhood however, goes amiss. Her maternal sentiments often come to be chopped off, stripped of their innocent affection. Innocence isn’t the queen here. In this book, more universal and gigantic faculties come to play and interact through the changing waves of time. ‘Kunti’ could have had more pages, more chapters and more meanderings. It could have been as perennial and unstoppable in chronology as the cyclic seasons are, but we get to see only a slice. It makes the readers thirsty for more.
January 5, 2022
Do you like to read about intelligent, knowledgeable, and inquisitive women, who dare to dream and accomplish them? Then Kunti by Ms. Koral Dasgupta, published by Pan Macmillan India is your pick.
The first-person narration sweeps you straight into the world of Kunti which is interestingly not just domestic politics but about her competent intelligence built around her careful acquisition of information from various academic fields. Her diligent attendance to Rishi Durvasa only paves her path to a glorious future, and some meaningful choices. These choices were to change the course of history and shape a big part of Indian Mythology. In Kunti, we read about a woman yearning to make a difference by not being a rebel or a warrior but by being a learner. Her power can be considered at some point equal to Brahma, whose decisions create, change and mould the course of life for all. The author deftly brings forth the strengths and weaknesses of her protagonist. We are in for a character who has a large appetite for nurturing dreams and fulfilling them.
The first-person narration sweeps you straight into the world of Kunti which is interestingly not just domestic politics but about her competent intelligence built around her careful acquisition of information from various academic fields. Her diligent attendance to Rishi Durvasa only paves her path to a glorious future, and some meaningful choices. These choices were to change the course of history and shape a big part of Indian Mythology. In Kunti, we read about a woman yearning to make a difference by not being a rebel or a warrior but by being a learner. Her power can be considered at some point equal to Brahma, whose decisions create, change and mould the course of life for all. The author deftly brings forth the strengths and weaknesses of her protagonist. We are in for a character who has a large appetite for nurturing dreams and fulfilling them.
July 1, 2023
Kunti- the second book of stanalone Sati series by Koral Dasgupta.
Again it would not be wrong for me to say that this book took my heart while reading.
The story of a queen from Mahabharatha, written from her perspective. The feminine world, energy, thinking every description was an amazing peace of writing.
The lovemaking scenes, the strong side of women, desires, love, politics everything in this book was a peace of amazing art✨.
How the book is beautifully written in small and crisp sentences with the poetic way is something I love the most about Koral Dasgupta’s books.
I really enjoyed reading this🌻❤️
Again it would not be wrong for me to say that this book took my heart while reading.
The story of a queen from Mahabharatha, written from her perspective. The feminine world, energy, thinking every description was an amazing peace of writing.
The lovemaking scenes, the strong side of women, desires, love, politics everything in this book was a peace of amazing art✨.
How the book is beautifully written in small and crisp sentences with the poetic way is something I love the most about Koral Dasgupta’s books.
I really enjoyed reading this🌻❤️
September 11, 2024
If only I had followed Gandhari's example and covered my eyes before reading this...if disappointment had a poster child, it would be this series. I should have stopped with "Ahalya" because there is seriously no saving this series.
February 25, 2023
The book 'Kunti' is part of the Sati series and is written in the first person, giving an intimate look into Kunti's character. In the book, Kunti emerges as a highly respected scholar with a deep hunger for knowledge. She is also portrayed as an ambitious lover who is drawn to Indra deva, as well as a skilled diplomat. Kunti's kind and bold nature is emphasized, and her position is elevated from merely being a matriarch to a powerful and influential figure.
Kunti is a well-known figure as the mother of the Pandavas and the wife of Pandu. She has often been criticized her for abandoning her first son, Karna, even when Pandu was willing to raise him. Despite this, a fresh perspective on Kunti's character has been offered. Through a modern lens with a idealist consciousness, the author succeeds in exploring Kunti's character and delves deeper into her psyche and offering a more comprehensive understanding of her motivations and actions. By presenting Kunti in a new light, I felt encouraged to reassess their perceptions of this complex character.
Kunti is presented in a new light from a feminist perspective, portraying her as a wise and dutiful woman. Instead of the typical portrayal of a sorrowful mother of a warrior god son, the author depicts her as a brilliant disciple of the hard-to-please Durvasa. Kunti earns a lifetime boon and becomes an endearing sister to Vasudev, comrade to her co-sister Gandhari, and confidant to her husband Pandu. She also acts as a companion and well-wisher to her husband's second wife, Maadiri, fueling their passionate marital life. She is a loyal friend and conversationalist to Vidur, and has knowledge of esoteric topics. Additionally, she is protected by the sun god and even loves Indra's charm. This revisionist depiction of Kunti sheds light on her childhood and youth, rather than limiting her presence to aiding in the historical war and leaving her indelible imprints on both sides of the armies.
I heard this book on Audible in the voice of Mahjabeen Ali, who managed to capture the temperament of the genre through her expressions. Overall, in this book, Kunti is multidimensional, that provided a more nuanced and complex understanding of her character.
Kunti is a well-known figure as the mother of the Pandavas and the wife of Pandu. She has often been criticized her for abandoning her first son, Karna, even when Pandu was willing to raise him. Despite this, a fresh perspective on Kunti's character has been offered. Through a modern lens with a idealist consciousness, the author succeeds in exploring Kunti's character and delves deeper into her psyche and offering a more comprehensive understanding of her motivations and actions. By presenting Kunti in a new light, I felt encouraged to reassess their perceptions of this complex character.
Kunti is presented in a new light from a feminist perspective, portraying her as a wise and dutiful woman. Instead of the typical portrayal of a sorrowful mother of a warrior god son, the author depicts her as a brilliant disciple of the hard-to-please Durvasa. Kunti earns a lifetime boon and becomes an endearing sister to Vasudev, comrade to her co-sister Gandhari, and confidant to her husband Pandu. She also acts as a companion and well-wisher to her husband's second wife, Maadiri, fueling their passionate marital life. She is a loyal friend and conversationalist to Vidur, and has knowledge of esoteric topics. Additionally, she is protected by the sun god and even loves Indra's charm. This revisionist depiction of Kunti sheds light on her childhood and youth, rather than limiting her presence to aiding in the historical war and leaving her indelible imprints on both sides of the armies.
I heard this book on Audible in the voice of Mahjabeen Ali, who managed to capture the temperament of the genre through her expressions. Overall, in this book, Kunti is multidimensional, that provided a more nuanced and complex understanding of her character.
September 2, 2021
Kunti by Koral Dasgupta is the second book in the series of the five satis namely Ahalya, Kunti, Draupadi, Mandodari and Tara. These stories are a retelling of the historical events as we know them through the epic sagas but the gaze is turned away from the traditional rendering of the events or tales. Here the point of view is of the ‘sati’- the heroine who states it as she must have seen it. That means through her the author brings out aspects that are not very obvious or are hidden due to more attention on certain other characters. Though the epics like Ramayan and Mahabharat have women with strongly etched characters and those that can stand apart on their own merit, they are largely seen wading in the shadows of the giants. Giants of the time when society was run mainly through the male thought process, the much clichéd—the patriarchal outlook.
And since the aspects being discussed are something that have happened eons of years ago the author has tried to shift the platform from the earth to some other planes where the cosmic lords like Surya, Indra might reside. While there is an incredibility about assuming (imagining) such worlds but the way it is approached indicates a scientific basis of the protagonist in attaining her answers to the puzzles instead of a magical appearance of things.
Kunti’s relationship with her husband Pandu is traversed with reasoning mind as to how it must have been for a warrior who was under the wings of the great Bhishma and who might have been riven by his own inadequacies as well as unable to match the charisma of his step brother. That Kunti is able to hold a candle to the latter in statesmanship and war craft and commands respect of all which is otherwise a privilege reserved for the husband, speaks of her ability and stature. Her actions further in the story only underline the maturity of her dealings towards her duties not only as a wife but the elder wife too.
All in all, as in all retellings one has to be circumspect about our traditional leanings about our sacred epics not to diss them but to see some overlooked aspects in a different light.
And since the aspects being discussed are something that have happened eons of years ago the author has tried to shift the platform from the earth to some other planes where the cosmic lords like Surya, Indra might reside. While there is an incredibility about assuming (imagining) such worlds but the way it is approached indicates a scientific basis of the protagonist in attaining her answers to the puzzles instead of a magical appearance of things.
Kunti’s relationship with her husband Pandu is traversed with reasoning mind as to how it must have been for a warrior who was under the wings of the great Bhishma and who might have been riven by his own inadequacies as well as unable to match the charisma of his step brother. That Kunti is able to hold a candle to the latter in statesmanship and war craft and commands respect of all which is otherwise a privilege reserved for the husband, speaks of her ability and stature. Her actions further in the story only underline the maturity of her dealings towards her duties not only as a wife but the elder wife too.
All in all, as in all retellings one has to be circumspect about our traditional leanings about our sacred epics not to diss them but to see some overlooked aspects in a different light.
October 26, 2023
Name : Kunti
Author : Koral Dasgupta
Genre : Feminist mythological retelling
My 💭 :
I cannot believe I had picked up the 2nd book of Koral Dasgupta's Sati Series so late after reading the first part, Ahalya.
When I had read the Mahabharata, we were never given much about Kunti, the Queen mother of the Pandavas. It was all about Pandavas and Kauravas and all the men. I am ashamed to say that I wasn't even curious about her story, till I started reading this book. Kunti was never just Kunti. She was a born Queen. A star academic and intelligent woman, she was shining long before her story in Hastinapur even started. She was such an amazing go getter and the way her immense knowledge made her the matriarch of the Kuru family, bending the patriarchs to their knees! She is an inspiration to me now. 🙌
Indra has been a central part of both Ahalya and Kunti's stories. Ahalya's story was about discovering herself and all her senses or the indriyas, whereas Kunti's story was all about relishing her senses rather than possessing it. Not making much sense, right? Please read this book and when you read Indra's words explaining himself, you'll understand. Tbh his words and Kunti's otherworldly love for him are kind of making me have a second hand reverence on Indra. When we are trying to feel something, how many times do we ever relish our senses? The Indra- indriya metaphorical explanation never ceases to amaze me!
I sympathised with Pandu, I really did. Born from a 'one night duty' that his mother was forced upon by family politics, he always carried it in his mind and soul. Having his 2nd wife, the lively Madri as his lover and his 1st wife Queen as his confidante, the trio's unlikely comradery amidst their toxic family, gave me a bleak sense of hope.
Needlessly to say, the author's lyrical writing made me finish this book within a few hours. This series is a gem indeed! 🙌
P.S. Pandu's whole debacle with Rishi Kindama never fails to make me laugh out loud 🤣🤣. Even I would have done what Pandu did, no offense to the Rishi.
Author : Koral Dasgupta
Genre : Feminist mythological retelling
My 💭 :
I cannot believe I had picked up the 2nd book of Koral Dasgupta's Sati Series so late after reading the first part, Ahalya.
When I had read the Mahabharata, we were never given much about Kunti, the Queen mother of the Pandavas. It was all about Pandavas and Kauravas and all the men. I am ashamed to say that I wasn't even curious about her story, till I started reading this book. Kunti was never just Kunti. She was a born Queen. A star academic and intelligent woman, she was shining long before her story in Hastinapur even started. She was such an amazing go getter and the way her immense knowledge made her the matriarch of the Kuru family, bending the patriarchs to their knees! She is an inspiration to me now. 🙌
Indra has been a central part of both Ahalya and Kunti's stories. Ahalya's story was about discovering herself and all her senses or the indriyas, whereas Kunti's story was all about relishing her senses rather than possessing it. Not making much sense, right? Please read this book and when you read Indra's words explaining himself, you'll understand. Tbh his words and Kunti's otherworldly love for him are kind of making me have a second hand reverence on Indra. When we are trying to feel something, how many times do we ever relish our senses? The Indra- indriya metaphorical explanation never ceases to amaze me!
I sympathised with Pandu, I really did. Born from a 'one night duty' that his mother was forced upon by family politics, he always carried it in his mind and soul. Having his 2nd wife, the lively Madri as his lover and his 1st wife Queen as his confidante, the trio's unlikely comradery amidst their toxic family, gave me a bleak sense of hope.
Needlessly to say, the author's lyrical writing made me finish this book within a few hours. This series is a gem indeed! 🙌
P.S. Pandu's whole debacle with Rishi Kindama never fails to make me laugh out loud 🤣🤣. Even I would have done what Pandu did, no offense to the Rishi.
July 15, 2021
Kunti is the second installation in the Sati Series by Koral Dasgupta, the first being Ahalya. Ever since I had read the first book, I wanted to dive into the second, and after a considerable wait, Kunti arrived like a breath of fresh air.
The second book is written in the same style as the first, bringing the characters alive albeit in a slightly tailored way that to us, well - humane. Kunti is a bright, intelligent princess who is brought up by his foster father and grows up to question everything that spells a curse rather than a boon for the young girl.
The author explores her love for Indra, the prominent theme throughout the narrative, that was a revelation for me, who had read more of her loyalty and motherhood than of her woman self. We learn of her relationship with the Sage Durvasa and the blessings that he bestowed on her only for it to backfire.
The second half of the novel brings out the complexities in the Kingdom of Hastinapur, her marriage to Pandu, friendship with Vidur and Gandhari, and her ever-increasing skepticism of the politics of the land. Moral Dasgupta explores more of her as a woman, independent and foresighted than as just the mother of the Pandavas.
The author uses a modest narrative as she describes Kunti, as she did with Ahalya. What was lacking for me was the one-sided approach to a multi-faceted figure that we had always known. It would have been a pleasure to read of all the decisions that she had had to take in the later part of her life along with her relationship with Karna and the Pandavas. The later episodes of the Mahabharata place a lot of importance on the character of Kunti which could have been explored. The chapter of Karna was by and large just a watered-down subplot in the book.
Apart from these, the novel is indeed a fresh take on the extensively talked about epic and a peek into one of the greatest characters ever written. A simple and intriguing narrative of a bright young woman.
The second book is written in the same style as the first, bringing the characters alive albeit in a slightly tailored way that to us, well - humane. Kunti is a bright, intelligent princess who is brought up by his foster father and grows up to question everything that spells a curse rather than a boon for the young girl.
The author explores her love for Indra, the prominent theme throughout the narrative, that was a revelation for me, who had read more of her loyalty and motherhood than of her woman self. We learn of her relationship with the Sage Durvasa and the blessings that he bestowed on her only for it to backfire.
The second half of the novel brings out the complexities in the Kingdom of Hastinapur, her marriage to Pandu, friendship with Vidur and Gandhari, and her ever-increasing skepticism of the politics of the land. Moral Dasgupta explores more of her as a woman, independent and foresighted than as just the mother of the Pandavas.
The author uses a modest narrative as she describes Kunti, as she did with Ahalya. What was lacking for me was the one-sided approach to a multi-faceted figure that we had always known. It would have been a pleasure to read of all the decisions that she had had to take in the later part of her life along with her relationship with Karna and the Pandavas. The later episodes of the Mahabharata place a lot of importance on the character of Kunti which could have been explored. The chapter of Karna was by and large just a watered-down subplot in the book.
Apart from these, the novel is indeed a fresh take on the extensively talked about epic and a peek into one of the greatest characters ever written. A simple and intriguing narrative of a bright young woman.
March 2, 2023
Kunti is one of the less revered characters from the Mabharata. The mother of the Pandavas is chastised more for her decision to ask her sons to “share” the wife and previously to have abandoned Karna who she happened to birth unplanned.
This book does not explain or justify her actions, but presents Kunit’s view of her life. The book explores her fondness for Lord Indra, which is even defined as infatuation to a certain extent. However, she happens to come across Lord Surya instead as her first partner/ mate. The comparison between those two is also explained very interestingly – they cannot normally co-exist, as we either have sun or rains, and each strives to push the other away.
Kunti has been depicted as an intelligent and empathetic lady who accepts her fate and yet does the best she can under the circumstances. While she desired Indra, who has been described as the dream man for any woman, she was married to Pandu who had his physical limitations. She even accepts his wedding to Madri to invoke his masculine side, and after the curse scuppers his life, she uses her boon from Lord Durvasa to have her sons, to help her husband achieve salvation. While a lot of people might consider these as a sign of weakness, Koral has presented Kunti as the confident, self-assured woman who made her decisions after considering all her options.
The book covers Kunti’s relationship with her husband Pandu, her liasions with Indra and Surya as well as her interactions with Gandhari, Dhritarashtha, Bhishma, Vidur and others. The two people I’d have loved to also have been included were Karna and Draupadi, as those interactions would have been interesting reading.
I’ll recommend this book to readers of mythological fiction, and anyone who wants to read Kunti’s version of her life; not that of the lady in the background who was mostly in the background in Mahabharata. Two books from the Sati series done; three more to go.
This book does not explain or justify her actions, but presents Kunit’s view of her life. The book explores her fondness for Lord Indra, which is even defined as infatuation to a certain extent. However, she happens to come across Lord Surya instead as her first partner/ mate. The comparison between those two is also explained very interestingly – they cannot normally co-exist, as we either have sun or rains, and each strives to push the other away.
Kunti has been depicted as an intelligent and empathetic lady who accepts her fate and yet does the best she can under the circumstances. While she desired Indra, who has been described as the dream man for any woman, she was married to Pandu who had his physical limitations. She even accepts his wedding to Madri to invoke his masculine side, and after the curse scuppers his life, she uses her boon from Lord Durvasa to have her sons, to help her husband achieve salvation. While a lot of people might consider these as a sign of weakness, Koral has presented Kunti as the confident, self-assured woman who made her decisions after considering all her options.
The book covers Kunti’s relationship with her husband Pandu, her liasions with Indra and Surya as well as her interactions with Gandhari, Dhritarashtha, Bhishma, Vidur and others. The two people I’d have loved to also have been included were Karna and Draupadi, as those interactions would have been interesting reading.
I’ll recommend this book to readers of mythological fiction, and anyone who wants to read Kunti’s version of her life; not that of the lady in the background who was mostly in the background in Mahabharata. Two books from the Sati series done; three more to go.
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