Ashok K. Banker’s childhood is not the kind you expect when you read the mythology books he has written. It might appear ironical that he has been raised by a liberal mother who never pushed him into choosing a religion. Raised in a Catholic household, he was encouraged to pursue his interest in Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism and so on, which led to his eventual interest in Hindu mythology. He wrote his famous Ramayana series, his Krishna Coriolis series, Mahabharata and more myth, while also writing crime thrillers and literary criticism. He has now come out with his newest mythology retelling, Ten Kings: Dasarajna, based on the Rig Veda.
Is there a story that led to your writing this book?
Hindus have been force-fed their own culture till they’ve grown allergic to it. Not being Hindu, I was fascinated by the rousing stories and inspiring wisdom in the Rig Veda. Ten Kings is just one of the many great tales in that ancient repository of cultural history.
Writing such a book must involve great deal of research?
I always use the original Sanskrit as a base, then follow the methods of any good historical fiction writer in reconstructing what might have actually happened. I use the Rig Veda as the base for the main story, sticking to the names, places, factual details. But I write the narrative in the form of a historical novel.
When you depend on a historical text, how do you weave fiction into it?
Very carefully and judiciously. But there is a great deal of creativity involved, not to make it a total fantasy like many authors do these days. The intention is to stick to the facts, but expand on the details till the story comes alive.
What would you say your favourite weapon for writing is?
In reality, humour is my most common verbal tool. But a good writer has to submit to the story. So I use whatever devices are required by each particular story. My readers say that they particularly love my women characters and my action sequences.
Any tips for new writers?
Read, read, read. Write, write, write. Nothing else matters. Avoid publishing your work as long as possible.
