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The Scrolls of Aryavarta #1
The Seal of Surya: The Legend of Ikshvaku
‘He did not stop to observe his kills, nor to wipe blood off his face. I am a King, he reminded himself. I must be the best among my men, the most fearsome warrior that Solar blood can produce.’
More than a thousand years before Rama, civilization lay fragmented by wars between Aryas and their enemies. From a tribe at the frontlines of this battle, rose the boy king Ikshvaku, the first Manava, founder of the first kingdom in the Indian subcontinent.
This is a story of the first King of our lands – the founder of Suryavansha – of betrayal and loyalty, of dynasties and destruction. A perfect beginning to The Scrolls of Aryavarta.
Who founded the ancient cities such as Prayaga and Kashi? Who established Ayodhya, and when? What were the various Arya tribes that populated ancient India? The Scrolls of Aryavarta seeks to answer these and many other questions, and The Seal of Surya is one story in this universe.
‘A rocking read. True blast from the ancient past.’- Krishna Udayasankar
More than a thousand years before Rama, civilization lay fragmented by wars between Aryas and their enemies. From a tribe at the frontlines of this battle, rose the boy king Ikshvaku, the first Manava, founder of the first kingdom in the Indian subcontinent.
This is a story of the first King of our lands – the founder of Suryavansha – of betrayal and loyalty, of dynasties and destruction. A perfect beginning to The Scrolls of Aryavarta.
Who founded the ancient cities such as Prayaga and Kashi? Who established Ayodhya, and when? What were the various Arya tribes that populated ancient India? The Scrolls of Aryavarta seeks to answer these and many other questions, and The Seal of Surya is one story in this universe.
‘A rocking read. True blast from the ancient past.’- Krishna Udayasankar
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2014
32 people are currently reading
405 people want to read
About the author
Amritanshu Pandey
5 books23 followersAmritanshu Pandey is an Indian writer and author of the novel, The Seal of Surya. A naturalist by outlook, he also contributes articles to http://www.countercurrents.org and http://thetrippyindian.com
A keen amateur in the world of single malt scotch, he runs a malt reviews and coverage website at http://www.maltworship.com. The Scrolls of Aryavarta is his imagination of the Vedic and pre-Vedic history of India. He holds a lifelong love for science fiction and psychedelic trance, and would be a far more productive writer if not for his hopeless addiction to American TV shows.
Amrit is also the founder of Outscape, a niche publishing house for Indian science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, historical fiction, mythological fiction, psychedelia and freethinking. Learn more about Outscape at http://outscape.in
A keen amateur in the world of single malt scotch, he runs a malt reviews and coverage website at http://www.maltworship.com. The Scrolls of Aryavarta is his imagination of the Vedic and pre-Vedic history of India. He holds a lifelong love for science fiction and psychedelic trance, and would be a far more productive writer if not for his hopeless addiction to American TV shows.
Amrit is also the founder of Outscape, a niche publishing house for Indian science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, historical fiction, mythological fiction, psychedelia and freethinking. Learn more about Outscape at http://outscape.in
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 10, 2015
An astounding series has begun and I enjoyed reading it thoroughly.
Amritanshu has given life to a world in which countless tales can be narrated and he has definitely begun well. He has been able to give justice to the characters and their psyche ... writing an unbiased and balanced tale of victor and victims ... of kings and rivals ... of philosophy and drive-for-power.
It is an Lord of the Rings sort of world/series in the making and I wish the author good-luck in creating it and exploring it to the fullest. I look forward eagerly to his future works and will keep an eye on the website (ScrollsOfAryavarta) as well as the Publishers - Pirates (who are doing a great job of picking up interesting and unique works to publish)
Not to forget the stunning cover design ... kudos to Asish - the cover designer. Well done !! That cover page illustration was embedded in my mind all through the reading of the book.
Well done all of you ... you have collectively produced a master-piece
Amritanshu has given life to a world in which countless tales can be narrated and he has definitely begun well. He has been able to give justice to the characters and their psyche ... writing an unbiased and balanced tale of victor and victims ... of kings and rivals ... of philosophy and drive-for-power.
It is an Lord of the Rings sort of world/series in the making and I wish the author good-luck in creating it and exploring it to the fullest. I look forward eagerly to his future works and will keep an eye on the website (ScrollsOfAryavarta) as well as the Publishers - Pirates (who are doing a great job of picking up interesting and unique works to publish)
Not to forget the stunning cover design ... kudos to Asish - the cover designer. Well done !! That cover page illustration was embedded in my mind all through the reading of the book.
Well done all of you ... you have collectively produced a master-piece
February 2, 2016
"The Seal of Surya" is absolutely amazing. Waiting for next one "The Ring of Soma" ..Great going Mr. Amritanshu Pandey.
June 23, 2016
This Aryavartha series is set with Surayavanshis and Somavanshis similar to Meluha Series.But
Meluha series covered all the aspects like lifestyle of people, technologies used and everything.
Seal of Surya of Ayravartha series is a story only about a Warrior king who happens to be Iskshvaku(a well known Suryavanshi name) is the only thing that holds the reader to go on.
This book din't captivate and appeal the readers t0 complete the series unlike Meluha series.
Meluha series covered all the aspects like lifestyle of people, technologies used and everything.
Seal of Surya of Ayravartha series is a story only about a Warrior king who happens to be Iskshvaku(a well known Suryavanshi name) is the only thing that holds the reader to go on.
This book din't captivate and appeal the readers t0 complete the series unlike Meluha series.
February 20, 2015
Nothing Special. At many places i found the story line similar with Meluha.
May 20, 2015
It was a quick read. Silimar settings as Meluha but, thats it, the similarity ends there. In Meluha the protagonis takes three books from start to finsih but, here everything is wrapped up in about 200 pages. So, it seems a bit rushed and you will end up wanting more. The title Seal of Surya doesn't do much justice either, sure most of the book is about the events surrounding it but, it didn't quite have the awe and wonder of the 'ring' from lord of the rings. May be its unfair to compare it with a magical ring. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, it was defintely a page turner.
The first book of Meluha was a hard thing to digest, i had to put it down several times. The second one was amazing, the third was just bad. Seal of surya falls between the first and second books of Meluha trilogy.
Please bear in mind the Seal of Surya is grounded in reality ie, the fictional characters tread along the known path of human history. There are no atomic bombs and such, no mythical elements, everything is as close to real world and times as possible. Thats the most amazing part of this and is nothing like Meluha.
Finally, i wish there was more about Nivritti, Sarmi, Urvasi, Ila and my favorite Nimi. Hope author covers more about them in his blog. I really look forward to the next book which is authors first take from female persperctive! (I am tired of reading history from predominantly male perspective.) Also, please make the next book much bigger!! 200 is too little.
PS. Looking forward to see how this compares to Scion of Ikshvaku. (Different stories set in similar worlds).
The first book of Meluha was a hard thing to digest, i had to put it down several times. The second one was amazing, the third was just bad. Seal of surya falls between the first and second books of Meluha trilogy.
Please bear in mind the Seal of Surya is grounded in reality ie, the fictional characters tread along the known path of human history. There are no atomic bombs and such, no mythical elements, everything is as close to real world and times as possible. Thats the most amazing part of this and is nothing like Meluha.
Finally, i wish there was more about Nivritti, Sarmi, Urvasi, Ila and my favorite Nimi. Hope author covers more about them in his blog. I really look forward to the next book which is authors first take from female persperctive! (I am tired of reading history from predominantly male perspective.) Also, please make the next book much bigger!! 200 is too little.
PS. Looking forward to see how this compares to Scion of Ikshvaku. (Different stories set in similar worlds).
August 25, 2016
A Barrel-Chested Attempt
This book felt so much like a toddler - it started to grow...slowly but got its pace for sure then followed a cycle of losing it and finding it. The beginning was weird, very slow and boring but over time it slowly found its voice. The novel was not really great but it does have its good points. At some points, the story was very predictable - one spy in Ikshvaku's army - really ? You don't think it will be the bad guy who has been forcibly made to serve in the army ? And the whole primogeniture arc did not pack the punch as the author intended. It could have been made better.
Also, the author seems to be in love with two words - "Barrel-Chested" and "Hirsute" to the point that it has become a standard for measure where the people are being referred as being most barrel-chested.
This book felt so much like a toddler - it started to grow...slowly but got its pace for sure then followed a cycle of losing it and finding it. The beginning was weird, very slow and boring but over time it slowly found its voice. The novel was not really great but it does have its good points. At some points, the story was very predictable - one spy in Ikshvaku's army - really ? You don't think it will be the bad guy who has been forcibly made to serve in the army ? And the whole primogeniture arc did not pack the punch as the author intended. It could have been made better.
Also, the author seems to be in love with two words - "Barrel-Chested" and "Hirsute" to the point that it has become a standard for measure where the people are being referred as being most barrel-chested.
August 3, 2015
I must say, this book is spellbinding. Credit goes to author as well as publication house for such an amazing novel. Do not miss this novel. Go, Get it and Read it. Also, Do not miss to visit www.ScrollsOfAryavarta.com to know more about the incredible universe.
Most interesting parts in this book are,
Ikshvaku’s first fight to prove him as King within Suryavanshi lineage
Discussion between Ikshvaku and Haryashva
Discussion between Ikshvaku and Narantaka.
Meeting of Nimi with Narantaka
More On
Most interesting parts in this book are,
Ikshvaku’s first fight to prove him as King within Suryavanshi lineage
Discussion between Ikshvaku and Haryashva
Discussion between Ikshvaku and Narantaka.
Meeting of Nimi with Narantaka
More On
May 13, 2017
The story is all about a young Suryavanshi prince named - Ikshvaku. The book describes how ambitious he is about uniting all of Aryavarta and bringing it under one King's rule - His rule, how he establishes himself as the first Solar King in generations, his endeavours to make everyone to submit to his suzerainty and how he gets back the Seal of Surya - that was lost since centuries, to legitimize his lineage & claim to kingship.
We are talking about a King who lived over thousand years ago the birth of Lord Ram.!!! Honestly, the first time i came across the name - Ikshvaku is when I read the 'Scion of Ikshvaku' book (by Amish Tripathi). The author has begun well with his first book in this series by giving life to an era which is quite unknown to many of us through a simple and neat story. The book does deal with the kinship between Suryavansha & Chandravansha and the endeavours of a Chandravanshi prince (Pururava, who is Ikshvaku's nephew) as well in good detail. All in all, a very compelling read.!!
We are talking about a King who lived over thousand years ago the birth of Lord Ram.!!! Honestly, the first time i came across the name - Ikshvaku is when I read the 'Scion of Ikshvaku' book (by Amish Tripathi). The author has begun well with his first book in this series by giving life to an era which is quite unknown to many of us through a simple and neat story. The book does deal with the kinship between Suryavansha & Chandravansha and the endeavours of a Chandravanshi prince (Pururava, who is Ikshvaku's nephew) as well in good detail. All in all, a very compelling read.!!
June 21, 2019
As interesting as the concept and story line were, I just wish the writing style was a little more compelling. It took me a while to get used to the writing, but all in all I would say it was a quick and interesting read! I'm looking forward to reading the next book, even if it's just to learn more about the history!
For someone who's keen on learning more about ancient history, I genuinely appreciate the endeavour that Pandey has undertaken!
In a world of grandmothers not always being available to divulge our generation's want of knowledge of our own ancestry, I applaud Indian writers who publish it for all to read!
For someone who's keen on learning more about ancient history, I genuinely appreciate the endeavour that Pandey has undertaken!
In a world of grandmothers not always being available to divulge our generation's want of knowledge of our own ancestry, I applaud Indian writers who publish it for all to read!
March 21, 2018
A vey fast paced mytho-thriller based on the times of Suryavanshi’s -ancestors of Lord Ram. This is one of the fictions based on ancient Indian subcontinental history much before Ramayan and Mahabharata. While most of the authors have based their work around those two great epics, the effort of author of this work to write a thriller on times before the Ramayana is commendable.
The book in general have a fluid story and no unnecessary paragraphs have been written.
Must read for all Indian mythology fans.
The book in general have a fluid story and no unnecessary paragraphs have been written.
Must read for all Indian mythology fans.
November 15, 2018
Had tough time reading this book.Hopefully some imaginary maps of the locations the author was describing would have helped us to comprehend the story well .The story could have been plotted in an organised manner .It gets boring lot many times .The author failed to keep the reader curious through out the story
January 10, 2020
Engaging, Enthralling piece of literature. Had few goosebumpy sections, battles that are explained as if it happened right before you(front row experience). I always wanted to know about history about Bharat from beginning in form of a tale and this book succeeds in it.
Kudos to Amritamshu for compiling it all up.
Kudos to Amritamshu for compiling it all up.
September 8, 2018
Good Book, It gives good picture of what was there before Ram.
October 17, 2025
Amritanshu Pandey is a very good story teller. Seal of Surya is a very interesting work of fiction. So interesting once one start reading cannot put down.
Read
September 4, 2016The Seal Of Surya
Author Amritanshu Pandey
Publisher Pirates.
ISBN 978818192681054
I have flipkart vouchers to exhaust and buying anything else from flipkart does not make sense as they either do not deliver to my address or they send the wrong product, so it has to be books. I picked up the book hoping it would deal with Ikshvaku kings of Andhra who rules the Krishna-Godavari Basin. What made is more attractive was the blurb written by my favourite author Krishna Udayasankara
But the book turns out to be the “Raghuvamsha” like the one written by Kalidasa, the book is narrated by Bhagiratha, the son of Sagara to a chandravamshi scion who comes to train with him. It is believed to be the saga of Ikshuvaku the son of Vaivasvata Manu. Who is believed to be giver of Manusmriti
The story telling traditions of India are of two types either they are Puranas that is the legends of the Heroes or they are the Prakarana the documentation of events, the book follows the prakarana pathway not much emphasis is given to the emotional drama. This where to me the author falls short, despite of walking the path that Krishna Udayasankara did he is not able to deliver because she had the prakarana’s woven about Puranas.
The stock characters used were not really convincing, like the Maharishi Vashishta the depth of the character did not emerge, nor did the charisma of Bhagiratha, the focus seemed to be displaying elaborate nomenclature they could be authentic, but I could not find the connect to the story that I know.
The interesting thing about any mythology is that it is neither an adult story nor a children’s story it just is ...
Coming to the social structure of patriarchy, well patriarchy was definitely there, but women had the choice of choosing their partners, it was considered a sin if a man refused sex when a woman asked the concepts of women having single sexual partners came from Svetaketu who was jealous of his mothers affair with I think Indra and the hurt his father felt1. Children born out of marriage, before marriage or to widows were all acceptable and there were specific names for them2.
The rule of vidya was very clear no child could either write or wield weapons or heavy implements before the age of 8yrs because the intellect and the bones were not mature enough3.
If one is not challenged by these information, then it is a fairly good travel companion.
Krishna udayasankara can you redeem with the promised book on Shikandi?
Shatrujeet Nath how about the next instalment of the Guardians of the Halahala?
About the author www.scrollsofaryavarta.com
Author Amritanshu Pandey
Publisher Pirates.
ISBN 978818192681054
I have flipkart vouchers to exhaust and buying anything else from flipkart does not make sense as they either do not deliver to my address or they send the wrong product, so it has to be books. I picked up the book hoping it would deal with Ikshvaku kings of Andhra who rules the Krishna-Godavari Basin. What made is more attractive was the blurb written by my favourite author Krishna Udayasankara
But the book turns out to be the “Raghuvamsha” like the one written by Kalidasa, the book is narrated by Bhagiratha, the son of Sagara to a chandravamshi scion who comes to train with him. It is believed to be the saga of Ikshuvaku the son of Vaivasvata Manu. Who is believed to be giver of Manusmriti
The story telling traditions of India are of two types either they are Puranas that is the legends of the Heroes or they are the Prakarana the documentation of events, the book follows the prakarana pathway not much emphasis is given to the emotional drama. This where to me the author falls short, despite of walking the path that Krishna Udayasankara did he is not able to deliver because she had the prakarana’s woven about Puranas.
The stock characters used were not really convincing, like the Maharishi Vashishta the depth of the character did not emerge, nor did the charisma of Bhagiratha, the focus seemed to be displaying elaborate nomenclature they could be authentic, but I could not find the connect to the story that I know.
The interesting thing about any mythology is that it is neither an adult story nor a children’s story it just is ...
Coming to the social structure of patriarchy, well patriarchy was definitely there, but women had the choice of choosing their partners, it was considered a sin if a man refused sex when a woman asked the concepts of women having single sexual partners came from Svetaketu who was jealous of his mothers affair with I think Indra and the hurt his father felt1. Children born out of marriage, before marriage or to widows were all acceptable and there were specific names for them2.
The rule of vidya was very clear no child could either write or wield weapons or heavy implements before the age of 8yrs because the intellect and the bones were not mature enough3.
If one is not challenged by these information, then it is a fairly good travel companion.
Krishna udayasankara can you redeem with the promised book on Shikandi?
Shatrujeet Nath how about the next instalment of the Guardians of the Halahala?
About the author www.scrollsofaryavarta.com
July 28, 2016
I would have given it 3.5 stars but there is no option for it.
First the positives.
There were many .......the likable protagonist, good supporting characters, rich world with living breathing people , animals, philosophical undertones, bow string tight story, racy narration, commentary on gender bias, commentary on cultural chauvinism, family feud etc.
Now the negatives.
My main problem with the story is its exceedingly hero centric narration . I would have liked more character specific story threads along the main story.
Protagonist doesn't even have a love story. Which isn't by any means necessary condition for writing a story but given that he had two wives it would have been nice to have some more interaction among the Protagonist and his wives.
First the positives.
There were many .......the likable protagonist, good supporting characters, rich world with living breathing people , animals, philosophical undertones, bow string tight story, racy narration, commentary on gender bias, commentary on cultural chauvinism, family feud etc.
Now the negatives.
My main problem with the story is its exceedingly hero centric narration . I would have liked more character specific story threads along the main story.
Protagonist doesn't even have a love story. Which isn't by any means necessary condition for writing a story but given that he had two wives it would have been nice to have some more interaction among the Protagonist and his wives.
October 12, 2015
Link to the Book Review at ALOP
In the words of Nimue, "If only the whole of history was not just his-story but rather passed to us as our story , our own legacy that defines who we are and has been the guiding light of so many other tales. I eagerly await the author now to tell us about the next generation of kings and warriors and so on till we identify the lines and tales of them all. "
RATING: 5 Stars
In the words of Nimue, "If only the whole of history was not just his-story but rather passed to us as our story , our own legacy that defines who we are and has been the guiding light of so many other tales. I eagerly await the author now to tell us about the next generation of kings and warriors and so on till we identify the lines and tales of them all. "
RATING: 5 Stars
August 7, 2016
A good read for the Indian Mythology Geek.
The story revolves around primeval era of the India,where the first king named Ikshvaku makes his fate himself and becomes HERO among his people.He sets up a perfect civilized environment for nomadic population of his rule.This is the same clan where after thousands of years,Lord Rama takes birth.This story also reveals kinship between Suryavansha and Som(Chandra)vansha.The story has a wonderful pace,no unnecessary discription is there.
You can compare this one with Amish's Immortals of Meluha. But,it's definitely worth reading.
The story revolves around primeval era of the India,where the first king named Ikshvaku makes his fate himself and becomes HERO among his people.He sets up a perfect civilized environment for nomadic population of his rule.This is the same clan where after thousands of years,Lord Rama takes birth.This story also reveals kinship between Suryavansha and Som(Chandra)vansha.The story has a wonderful pace,no unnecessary discription is there.
You can compare this one with Amish's Immortals of Meluha. But,it's definitely worth reading.
Read
October 25, 2015The story is set more than 4000 years ago, during the time of Suryavanshi and Lunar tribes who had no single leader.
The book is full of war & gore. But not a ancient treasure hunt or ancient secret..
If you have not read any of the recent good books, read this one..
Writer presents an ancient world, or as some people call it ‘Lord of rings meets Mahabharata’..
But if you have, than don't buy this book, borrow my copy & don't return it..
The book is full of war & gore. But not a ancient treasure hunt or ancient secret..
If you have not read any of the recent good books, read this one..
Writer presents an ancient world, or as some people call it ‘Lord of rings meets Mahabharata’..
But if you have, than don't buy this book, borrow my copy & don't return it..
November 12, 2015
An other work on Aryavarta. Though the book has many interesting parts, it lacks a sense of thrill in narration. The story line is average, revolving around a forgotten King in a forgotten-time, without a powerful narration or tense sequences, it barely satisfies your expectations.
August 26, 2015
Nice narrative. Taking the readers to each stage of Ikshvaku's life end-to-end.
August 12, 2016
Nice Work. Praise for the Author! It was not just a fiction... it was a legend... well told but it missed the fantasy of the ancient Aryavartha... that is why I gave it four stars..
August 26, 2016
Simple and neat, not too much explanative with characters defined well as per script. The reference maps and lineage helped understand it better.
January 3, 2017
Great read if this is a genre you like.. makes gods more acceptable people who live in the sub continent.. makes myth more plausible..
Read
July 10, 2017Narrative set in an era we don't often read about. Right from the start, you know where this is headed. The book is fat paced, even frenetic at times, but really, the narrative is repetitive in many places. All in all, the author has done enough this book warrant anticipating the next one in the series.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews