Ajaya: Book 1  (English, Paperback, Neelakantan Anand)

Neelakantan uses his retelling to critique the rigid social structure and caste system of the time. The narrative gives a voice to marginalized characters like Karna and Ekalavya, who faced discrimination due to their birth. The story of Ekalavya, in particular, is explored in depth, with a focus on his desire for dignity and recognition.

The book is written in a simple, engaging, and fast-paced style that makes it accessible to a wide audience. It weaves together various subplots and character arcs, building a compelling story that culminates in the famous dice game and sets the stage for the war.

As a work of mythological fiction, the book takes liberties with the source material while staying true to the core events. It adds rational explanations and new perspectives to well-known mythological incidents, offering a fresh, modern interpretation.

By questioning the righteousness of the so-called heroes and the villainy of the "villains," the book forces readers to critically examine their own understanding of dharma (duty, ethics, and morality). It suggests that there are many shades of grey and that no one is entirely on the side of "right."