What do you think?
Rate this book
Aranyaka
In the wilderness of humanity, In the forests of the mind, Who eats whom?
Who sees whom?
Aranyaka is about the great forests within us, and without. It is about food, feeding and love. Braiding the stories of three spirited rishikas—Katyayani the Large, Maitreyi the Fig and Gargi the Weaver—it explores the fears and hungers that underpin all human interactions.
Who sees whom?
Aranyaka is about the great forests within us, and without. It is about food, feeding and love. Braiding the stories of three spirited rishikas—Katyayani the Large, Maitreyi the Fig and Gargi the Weaver—it explores the fears and hungers that underpin all human interactions.
184 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2019
9 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Amruta Patil
18 books122 followersAmruta Patil, is an Indian graphic novel author and painter.
Patil spent her childhood in Goa. She has a BFA from Goa College of Art (1999), and Master of Fine Arts degree from Tufts University, School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston (2004).
She worked as a copywriter at Enterprise Nexus (Mumbai) in 1999-2000. She was the Co-founder, Editor of the quarterly magazine, 'Mindfields' (2007-2012). She was awarded TED Fellowship in 2009.
Her debut graphic novel, Kari, commissioned and published by VK Karthika at HarperCollins India, explored themes of sexuality, friendship and death; and heralded Patil as India's first female graphic novelist.
She was awarded the Ministry of Women and Child Development's Nari Shakti Puraskar in March 2017 at the hands of the 13th President of India, Pranab Mukherjee.
Patil spent her childhood in Goa. She has a BFA from Goa College of Art (1999), and Master of Fine Arts degree from Tufts University, School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston (2004).
She worked as a copywriter at Enterprise Nexus (Mumbai) in 1999-2000. She was the Co-founder, Editor of the quarterly magazine, 'Mindfields' (2007-2012). She was awarded TED Fellowship in 2009.
Her debut graphic novel, Kari, commissioned and published by VK Karthika at HarperCollins India, explored themes of sexuality, friendship and death; and heralded Patil as India's first female graphic novelist.
She was awarded the Ministry of Women and Child Development's Nari Shakti Puraskar in March 2017 at the hands of the 13th President of India, Pranab Mukherjee.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 50 reviews
November 24, 2020
Oh, this book was so bad.
I mean I know Devdutt is a problematic person, I see him on Twitter. But I have read his books in the past and enjoyed them for the different perspective he throws in, if nothing else. But I just was not expecting an illustrated book about the forest to also have so much Hinduism stuffed in front of my face. I guess it was an attempt to be really wise about some things but they could not have come across as more pretentious.
That one star is just for Amruta and her sketches. I swear.
I mean I know Devdutt is a problematic person, I see him on Twitter. But I have read his books in the past and enjoyed them for the different perspective he throws in, if nothing else. But I just was not expecting an illustrated book about the forest to also have so much Hinduism stuffed in front of my face. I guess it was an attempt to be really wise about some things but they could not have come across as more pretentious.
That one star is just for Amruta and her sketches. I swear.
December 1, 2020
This book,Aranyaka, as the name implies, I expected I would learn new things about plants, animals, humans living in the forest. On the contrary,it was boring, clumsy and vague.
I found this as Indus Valley civilisation chapter which we had learnt in our schools. The author writes story about the civilisation(I think so) in the form of a story but very vaguely. (Ill try to organise .The story is this - nomadic people who carried out hunting gathering, who after a period of time get a bit advanced to live in settlements where domestication of animals is practised and more advancement takes place like using of clay to make purnakumbha(Pot I guess so)). There is also a picture of dancing girl(she is one of the characters in the story) which we find in Indus Valley civilisation .Other features of IVC are also mentioned here like barter system, pictographic representation. And The author talks about rituals (is it Vedic period?? there is no proper explanation). This story takes us to Janak’s sabha. How did this happen.😱 Absolutely no idea. I didn’t understand why. Infact I found school book chapter to be more interesting. And the most important thing ,the names of these dwellers , Y or M was even more annoying. And Y renounces everything and leaves his house. Ughhhh. Totally disappointed.
This book didn’t enlighten me about anything or didn’t say anything that I hadnt already known.
I’m giving one star that too for the illustrations. Seriously, I want my money back.😢😢
I found this as Indus Valley civilisation chapter which we had learnt in our schools. The author writes story about the civilisation(I think so) in the form of a story but very vaguely. (Ill try to organise .The story is this - nomadic people who carried out hunting gathering, who after a period of time get a bit advanced to live in settlements where domestication of animals is practised and more advancement takes place like using of clay to make purnakumbha(Pot I guess so)). There is also a picture of dancing girl(she is one of the characters in the story) which we find in Indus Valley civilisation .Other features of IVC are also mentioned here like barter system, pictographic representation. And The author talks about rituals (is it Vedic period?? there is no proper explanation). This story takes us to Janak’s sabha. How did this happen.😱 Absolutely no idea. I didn’t understand why. Infact I found school book chapter to be more interesting. And the most important thing ,the names of these dwellers , Y or M was even more annoying. And Y renounces everything and leaves his house. Ughhhh. Totally disappointed.
This book didn’t enlighten me about anything or didn’t say anything that I hadnt already known.
I’m giving one star that too for the illustrations. Seriously, I want my money back.😢😢
May 30, 2023
Was a nice change from the usual graphic novels. Very abstract concept
Liked the central character, the Roly poly Katyayani.. but not so much her husband, Y
The female characters were all distinct , but no other memorable male character other than Y.
Was wondering about the time period, meeting King Janak and young Sita in the story solved it.
The illustrations are lovely.
Liked the central character, the Roly poly Katyayani.. but not so much her husband, Y
The female characters were all distinct , but no other memorable male character other than Y.
Was wondering about the time period, meeting King Janak and young Sita in the story solved it.
The illustrations are lovely.
October 13, 2021
Have you ever read a book that you admire but don’t really understand? Well, Aranyaka is that book for me. I absolutely adore the art work of this book and that’s no surprise considering that Amruta Patil is a genius. The bold colours and simplistic yet mesmerising sketches draw you in immediately. As beautiful as the art work, the narrative style left me unsatisfied.
The story is inspired by Vedas and builds upon forest symbolism from Vedic literature. The novel tells the story of the sage Yajnavalkya and his two wives, Maitreyi and Katyayani. Rishi Yajnavalkya is remembered today mostly for his philosophical debate with Gargi at the court of King Janaka. Instead of Yajnavalkya, the authors put the women in forefront and tell the stories of Katyayani the Large, Maitreyi the Fig and Gargi the Weaver. Through these characters, the authors explore the basic human attributes like, hunger for food, hunger for knowledge, fear, and sense of debt.
Despite of the strong base, the story development falls short. The disjointed narrative style never really let’s you connect with the characters or the story. I just wish that the authors had toned down on the style and stuck with the simple and tried method of story-telling. Or am I just missing the point?
Still, I really liked this book and would recommend it.
The story is inspired by Vedas and builds upon forest symbolism from Vedic literature. The novel tells the story of the sage Yajnavalkya and his two wives, Maitreyi and Katyayani. Rishi Yajnavalkya is remembered today mostly for his philosophical debate with Gargi at the court of King Janaka. Instead of Yajnavalkya, the authors put the women in forefront and tell the stories of Katyayani the Large, Maitreyi the Fig and Gargi the Weaver. Through these characters, the authors explore the basic human attributes like, hunger for food, hunger for knowledge, fear, and sense of debt.
Despite of the strong base, the story development falls short. The disjointed narrative style never really let’s you connect with the characters or the story. I just wish that the authors had toned down on the style and stuck with the simple and tried method of story-telling. Or am I just missing the point?
Still, I really liked this book and would recommend it.
October 20, 2023
I read Aranyaka twice. First as a simplistic story of the history of mankind- from hunter gatherers to settlers- through the perspective of Aranyaka, or as she describes herself- "I am Katyayani, the Large. The warp of my story has always been hunger." It was the story that we have been taught in our history classes, with a couple of Sanskrit terms thrown in. The only redeeming quality seemed to be Amruta Patil's stunning watercolours. After you turned the last page, you came to Amruta and Devdutt's commentary on the process of creating a book, and you realised that every page of the book was, in fact, inspired by a Sanskrit term. You then flipped the book back to the first page, and read it again.
This reading was totally different from the first. The book was much more than just the story of a woman who was driven by her need to eat and feed. Once I started cross referencing the pages to the words, they took on a whole different meaning.
"At the moment of its death, the eyes of your prey register terror, but not accusation", says the page on Himsa (violence), lack of judgement.
"Only someone who has never known real hunger will make villains of all predators and victims of all prey", says the page on Bechara (helpless, victim) and Vira (hero, who fights back).
Aranyaka is also the story of the sage Yajnavalkya (called Y in the book), told through the perspective of his wife Katyayani. History dismisses her as an insignificant housewife, but she is Aranyaka. She possesses a wisdom that cuts through the obvious and goes beyond. With her deep understanding of how Aranya functions, she is able to better understand human behaviour. When the sage grows restless, it is her observations that are able to calm him. Yet, while in her words, "I thought we were equals, bilateral symmetry of leaves. He, fire of enlightenment. And me, fire of the microcosm. Y thought we were halves, not equals. He, above. Me, below."
Katyayani remains the soul of the book, and her interactions with Maitheri, the Fig (Y's second wife), and Gargi, the Weaver (who challenges Y to a duel) beautifully compliment her relationship with her husband. Raja Janak, and even young Sita, make a guest appearance in the book, and when Janak remembers Katyayani's mango chutney, a significant point about the equal importance of housework is made.
The book throws up many ideas, each of which can keep you enthralled for long. But, ideas apart, the book is brilliant because of Amruta Patil's art. I love how her colour palette changes as Katyayani evolves. I love the way the three women are picturised in three extremely evocative styles. This is HER book.
This reading was totally different from the first. The book was much more than just the story of a woman who was driven by her need to eat and feed. Once I started cross referencing the pages to the words, they took on a whole different meaning.
"At the moment of its death, the eyes of your prey register terror, but not accusation", says the page on Himsa (violence), lack of judgement.
"Only someone who has never known real hunger will make villains of all predators and victims of all prey", says the page on Bechara (helpless, victim) and Vira (hero, who fights back).
Aranyaka is also the story of the sage Yajnavalkya (called Y in the book), told through the perspective of his wife Katyayani. History dismisses her as an insignificant housewife, but she is Aranyaka. She possesses a wisdom that cuts through the obvious and goes beyond. With her deep understanding of how Aranya functions, she is able to better understand human behaviour. When the sage grows restless, it is her observations that are able to calm him. Yet, while in her words, "I thought we were equals, bilateral symmetry of leaves. He, fire of enlightenment. And me, fire of the microcosm. Y thought we were halves, not equals. He, above. Me, below."
Katyayani remains the soul of the book, and her interactions with Maitheri, the Fig (Y's second wife), and Gargi, the Weaver (who challenges Y to a duel) beautifully compliment her relationship with her husband. Raja Janak, and even young Sita, make a guest appearance in the book, and when Janak remembers Katyayani's mango chutney, a significant point about the equal importance of housework is made.
The book throws up many ideas, each of which can keep you enthralled for long. But, ideas apart, the book is brilliant because of Amruta Patil's art. I love how her colour palette changes as Katyayani evolves. I love the way the three women are picturised in three extremely evocative styles. This is HER book.
December 5, 2019
The book is rich with allegories and metaphors for our daily life and decisions as well as (wo)man's relationship with nature. There are references galore to nature/mythology/history whether the beetles used to create dyes or the Harrapa man costume by Y or the Mohenjo Daro Dancing girl by M. These are like hidden references and easter eggs that you can blink and miss when reading the test or seeing the artworks. The book also beautifully weaves history and mythology so much that it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the two. It does this both in the artwork and the narrative.
The artwork is gorgeous and this might be the best that Amruta Patil might have drawn for all of her books. The book gets lots of elements right - the story, the hidden references to nature and the artwork. The notes at the end of the book that explains the symbolism of the book were brilliant. Fantastic collaboration between Devdutt Patnaik and Amruta Patil. One that I was looking forward to and did not disappoint.
The artwork is gorgeous and this might be the best that Amruta Patil might have drawn for all of her books. The book gets lots of elements right - the story, the hidden references to nature and the artwork. The notes at the end of the book that explains the symbolism of the book were brilliant. Fantastic collaboration between Devdutt Patnaik and Amruta Patil. One that I was looking forward to and did not disappoint.
November 1, 2019
Disappointing. I have followed both Patil's and Pattanaik's work on mythology and otherwise closely, but this book, in an effort to, I believe, simplify (and appeal to the masses?), brings in a lot of (and a lot of) concepts making it a disjointed reading experience. I'm sure this book has more information than others about Vedic concepts, but I still felt more wise reading the latter, if not more, informed.
But then again, maybe I am too Gargi to enjoy it? Only time will tell :)
PS Immensely enjoyed the afterword where both the authors reflect about their experience of writing the book. It spoke to the Maitreyi in all of us, so thank you. Please write more, but take more time!
But then again, maybe I am too Gargi to enjoy it? Only time will tell :)
PS Immensely enjoyed the afterword where both the authors reflect about their experience of writing the book. It spoke to the Maitreyi in all of us, so thank you. Please write more, but take more time!
December 7, 2019
Finished reading amruta patil and devdutt pattanail's ARANYAK .....it's a beautiful graphic book of forests...telling the story of yajnavalkya, katyayani, gargi and Maitreyi...from the point of view of hitherto ignored earthy wife katyayini....a beautiful read...the illustrations are delightful and carry the thoughts beautifully....the text is minimal but leaves an indelible mark on your psyche. ..love the book ...get ur copy pls.... ps. even the slowest reader can read it in a day....and yet find time to reflect and absorb 🪁🪁🪁🪁
October 9, 2020
my first ever graphic novel! and it is such a beautiful little thing gracing my bookshelf right now. this is the perfect gift for someone who's into hindu mythology, art and philosophy. it really introduced me to the whole concept of aranya or the forest from the Vedas, and the art by Amruta Patil is so so well done. Also - i want to say the last few pages where both Patil and Pattanaik discuss their work is so important and is possibly my favourite part of the whole thing. the time and effort it takes, all that research work brings forth the happy nerd vibes. very inspiring work - fuels a lot of creativity and makes me want to pick up my bujo again.
August 21, 2022
"To eat is to stave off death. To kill is to stave off death for a while. To reproduce is to stave of death in futures to come." (9)
"Only someone who has never known real hunger will make villains of all predators and victims of all prey." (23)
"Those who can't imagine tomorrow's hunger must forage without respite." (32)
Edition Read - Tranquebar, an imprint of Westland Publications Private Limited, India, 2019.
"Only someone who has never known real hunger will make villains of all predators and victims of all prey." (23)
"Those who can't imagine tomorrow's hunger must forage without respite." (32)
Edition Read - Tranquebar, an imprint of Westland Publications Private Limited, India, 2019.
Read
December 21, 2023I've loved Kari for years - so really, it was about time I picked up Amruta Patil's other work.
March 27, 2020
I keep giving copies of Amruta Patil’s books as gifts, and I don’t see that stopping any time soon. I’d been saving this one for the right moment, and this weird, global period of individual isolation was it.
Patil says, in the worthwhile “making of” afterword dialogue, that she and Devdutt Pattanaik set out to create a complex story that is ‘disarmingly simple.’ They succeeded.
Patil says, in the worthwhile “making of” afterword dialogue, that she and Devdutt Pattanaik set out to create a complex story that is ‘disarmingly simple.’ They succeeded.
June 15, 2025
It is not just a book, but an experience. Amruta Patil and Devdutt Pattanaik have created an unmatched representation of vedic ideas using metaphors of the forest. It is an absolute piece of art and I am glad I could immerse. 1000% recommended.
March 5, 2020
Aranyaka literally translates to "of the forest". It begins with the history of all living beings which started from the forest, and how domestication and civilization take us away from nature. The story is a warp and weft of 3 primary women - the Large, the Weaver and the Fig, (The three rishikas - Katyayani, Gargi and Maitreyi) who help us unravel humankind. Aranyaka is not only the forest around us, but also addresses the wilderness within us. Is food solely to satiate hunger, or is it a temporary replacement for a greater hunger/thirst in life? When we cook for or help or take care of others, is it in thought of the opposite person, or emphasizing our own importance in their lives?
A difficult book to review because it encapsulates a multitude of subjects and themes. Aranyaka alludes to a set of 3000-year old Vedic scriptures, and the foundational role forests play in Vedic lore.Writer Devdutt Pattanaik and illustrator Amruta Patil have imaginatively transformed a myriad of ideas into a novel - the crux of which is, observing elements and the natural world transforms the way humans think. Forests can be as violent as they are beautiful. In this sense, scriptures do not belong to a bygone era, but are right here with us.
The two artists have collaborated long distance - with Patil living in France, and Pattanaik in India. The tremendous research dedicated to the text reflects Pattanaik's strength in his genre of mythology. There are numerous references suggested for further reading. Patil's artwork is just beautiful - closely following the storyline, with a vibrant assortment of shades and tones. Some pages don't need dialogue - the striking paintings take you through the multi-layered narrative.
Definitely a book worth having in ones collection - more for the artwork than the story.
A difficult book to review because it encapsulates a multitude of subjects and themes. Aranyaka alludes to a set of 3000-year old Vedic scriptures, and the foundational role forests play in Vedic lore.Writer Devdutt Pattanaik and illustrator Amruta Patil have imaginatively transformed a myriad of ideas into a novel - the crux of which is, observing elements and the natural world transforms the way humans think. Forests can be as violent as they are beautiful. In this sense, scriptures do not belong to a bygone era, but are right here with us.
The two artists have collaborated long distance - with Patil living in France, and Pattanaik in India. The tremendous research dedicated to the text reflects Pattanaik's strength in his genre of mythology. There are numerous references suggested for further reading. Patil's artwork is just beautiful - closely following the storyline, with a vibrant assortment of shades and tones. Some pages don't need dialogue - the striking paintings take you through the multi-layered narrative.
Definitely a book worth having in ones collection - more for the artwork than the story.
March 21, 2020
Beautifully sketched and wisely articulated projections of thoughts. The subtexts and the colours make it vibrant, alluring, and scintillating.
December 28, 2019
This is a multi-layered book, the kind of book you read over and over again but always put it down with something new to ponder over. One is introduced to an array of vedic concepts which appear baffling at first (especially if you're new to the genre like in my case) but very simple when placed within the context of each chapter. The idiosyncratic detailing of every character, animal, plant or Aranya not only leaves room for various analogies, but also reveals the amount of effort that has gone behind every little detail. The book probes us to ask the question if we really 'see' others and in turn ourselves and how blurred are these boundaries between self and other. We see Patil ameliorate and ease into her style. The notes at the end are very helpful in giving an insight into the writers' ideas.
November 1, 2020
Stunningly beautiful. Gorgeous. Best work of Amruta Patil.
The collaboration between Devdutt Pattanaik and Amruta Patil is simply magical. I relished this graphic novel by not rushing through. I never knew much about the Vedic period or never cared to know much about Vedas. As an atheist, this graphic novel gave a good context and the perspective on Vedas. I am now curious about these Vedic texts and Puranas. I want to read them or just know them like any literary/mythology text.
This book weaves many complex topics like dharma, nature, mathysya-nyaya (jungle law), and many such related topics in a beautiful and coherent narrative. Aranyaka is a treat for any graphic novel fan. It is the best work of Amruta and Devdutt.
The collaboration between Devdutt Pattanaik and Amruta Patil is simply magical. I relished this graphic novel by not rushing through. I never knew much about the Vedic period or never cared to know much about Vedas. As an atheist, this graphic novel gave a good context and the perspective on Vedas. I am now curious about these Vedic texts and Puranas. I want to read them or just know them like any literary/mythology text.
This book weaves many complex topics like dharma, nature, mathysya-nyaya (jungle law), and many such related topics in a beautiful and coherent narrative. Aranyaka is a treat for any graphic novel fan. It is the best work of Amruta and Devdutt.
May 24, 2023
The rules of the forest are one with the rules of the human society. To know the ways of the forest is to know the depths of human philosophy. This graphic novel weaves deep metaphors into a seamless story that is to remain quite relevant for years to come. Read it and think. And then go back to the pages again. It will never get old.
January 16, 2022
ARANYAKA, the book of the forest, has brought out mixed reviews from its readers. A fair amount of people have been mesmerised by the book, its beauty and what it aims to say. Some have called it pretentious, some saying it steps obnoxiously deep into Hinduism and Vedic texts and therefore sounds almost preachy. To these comments, I say you're right. 100% right. But I also ask, so what?
Why can't this very beautifully illustrated, aesthetic book also have heavily worded, flamboyant concepts? I'm sure if you've read the index, you'll realise that Amruta Patil and Devdutt Pattanaik planned this book to - although ambitiously - capture the essence of the Vedic lore and scriptures. They also affirm that they do not want to romanticise the forest. They show it for what it truly is: beautiful and dangerous. They acknowledge that their book draws from the Upanishadic story of Yagnavalkya and his two wives, Maitreyi (M or the Fig) and Katyayani (the Large), his debate with Gargi (the Weaver) and his conversations with the forest king Janak. However, they unfold the narration via Katyayani, often overlooked because of her materialism.
Now, I've never known this Vedic story before, nor do I intend to do so any time soon. So when I read the book, I saw it as the long and laborious journey of an untamable, misunderstood woman who is unapologetic for her appetite, who is welcoming to pain and pleasure and who strives to appreciate others for who they really are. I saw a woman with wisdom, with flaws she wore like medals, and a woman willing to go beyond and beyond but also within and within. And Katyayani not only understands to see the others but also wants them to see her. I was surprised that I also found bits and pieces of myself in the Weaver and the Fig apart from feeling most connected to Katyayani => the mukta veni (three free-flowing tributaries) becoming the yukta veni (one merged river). Maybe such realisations speak more of my own journey and what I feel I am at this point in my life.
Thus, for me, this is a story of self-appreciation and gratitude for all that we have around us. It's also a story of a struggle to place oneself in the food chain and in society to be acknowledged for our presence. It brings forth a humbling and empowering realisation that we are only tiny figments in this vast forest, yet we have room to grow into ourselves. Therefore, one thing is certain. The warp of this story has always been Hunger. Hunger for food, for knowledge, for empathy and also identity.
Why can't this very beautifully illustrated, aesthetic book also have heavily worded, flamboyant concepts? I'm sure if you've read the index, you'll realise that Amruta Patil and Devdutt Pattanaik planned this book to - although ambitiously - capture the essence of the Vedic lore and scriptures. They also affirm that they do not want to romanticise the forest. They show it for what it truly is: beautiful and dangerous. They acknowledge that their book draws from the Upanishadic story of Yagnavalkya and his two wives, Maitreyi (M or the Fig) and Katyayani (the Large), his debate with Gargi (the Weaver) and his conversations with the forest king Janak. However, they unfold the narration via Katyayani, often overlooked because of her materialism.
Now, I've never known this Vedic story before, nor do I intend to do so any time soon. So when I read the book, I saw it as the long and laborious journey of an untamable, misunderstood woman who is unapologetic for her appetite, who is welcoming to pain and pleasure and who strives to appreciate others for who they really are. I saw a woman with wisdom, with flaws she wore like medals, and a woman willing to go beyond and beyond but also within and within. And Katyayani not only understands to see the others but also wants them to see her. I was surprised that I also found bits and pieces of myself in the Weaver and the Fig apart from feeling most connected to Katyayani => the mukta veni (three free-flowing tributaries) becoming the yukta veni (one merged river). Maybe such realisations speak more of my own journey and what I feel I am at this point in my life.
Thus, for me, this is a story of self-appreciation and gratitude for all that we have around us. It's also a story of a struggle to place oneself in the food chain and in society to be acknowledged for our presence. It brings forth a humbling and empowering realisation that we are only tiny figments in this vast forest, yet we have room to grow into ourselves. Therefore, one thing is certain. The warp of this story has always been Hunger. Hunger for food, for knowledge, for empathy and also identity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2020
I found this book for free on kindle unlimited. This book is beautifully written in every which way. Patil is a genius blending colors so perfectly that it flows from page to page and is aesthetically pleasing. Her Instagram page is a treat for your eyes with a cozy reading nook and a simplistic lifestyle in a village.But the book is so much more and there so many hidden messages about Mother nature, the yearning for knowledge here.
"The sun does not teach. It is we who are convinced it illuminates".
The story starts off with Katyayani a voluptuous woman who has been thrown out of village for gluttony. The author has smashed stereotypes of how a woman should look in the first few pages itself. Then the story progresses of the characters sojourn into the forest and her understanding of how forest life is so simple and so enlightening.
"Within each living scintilla, there is great fidelity to life and great reluctance to die. In aranya, there is great violence, but no violence''.
Also, her clashing views with her lover Y and her continuing relationships with her husbands disciples is all explained well in terms of nature itself. Katyayani finds all answers in nature. Nothing is amiss.
"Mine was a gut know, deep and mute. His was probability, statistics and math. Our different maps of the world came together to make a rich atlas"
I really wish kindle unlimited would have the rest of the books by the author here. Also, the format available in kindle unlimited is unfit for usage on phone screens. I read it on desktop and it was perfectly good.
"The sun does not teach. It is we who are convinced it illuminates".
The story starts off with Katyayani a voluptuous woman who has been thrown out of village for gluttony. The author has smashed stereotypes of how a woman should look in the first few pages itself. Then the story progresses of the characters sojourn into the forest and her understanding of how forest life is so simple and so enlightening.
"Within each living scintilla, there is great fidelity to life and great reluctance to die. In aranya, there is great violence, but no violence''.
Also, her clashing views with her lover Y and her continuing relationships with her husbands disciples is all explained well in terms of nature itself. Katyayani finds all answers in nature. Nothing is amiss.
"Mine was a gut know, deep and mute. His was probability, statistics and math. Our different maps of the world came together to make a rich atlas"
I really wish kindle unlimited would have the rest of the books by the author here. Also, the format available in kindle unlimited is unfit for usage on phone screens. I read it on desktop and it was perfectly good.
September 4, 2023
This is my second book by Amruta and akin to the Kari, her illustrations in this book are stunning. The exquisitely drawn bold and surrealistic depictions of the Aranyaka are enough to draw any reader. Her clever use of the rich hues of blue and green manages to transport you to other worlds and realms.
And Amruta’s writing is equally beautiful. Poetic in parts, the writing accentuates the sketches perfectly, making the overall experience immersive for the reader.
The only thing I partly disliked or wished was different, was its length and the narrative structure. A slightly longer novel would have probably done justice to both Amruta’s writing/illustrations and Pattanaik’s conceptualisation. For instance, while enough emphasis was laid upon Katayani’s character arc, the Weaver and Fig’s characters felt a little distant. If the structure were to be conceptualised slightly differently, the characters would become more relatable and the development of their respective arcs would become easier for the readers to follow.
But this was a really good read, nevertheless. If not for anything else, read it for Amruta’s illustrations.
And Amruta’s writing is equally beautiful. Poetic in parts, the writing accentuates the sketches perfectly, making the overall experience immersive for the reader.
The only thing I partly disliked or wished was different, was its length and the narrative structure. A slightly longer novel would have probably done justice to both Amruta’s writing/illustrations and Pattanaik’s conceptualisation. For instance, while enough emphasis was laid upon Katayani’s character arc, the Weaver and Fig’s characters felt a little distant. If the structure were to be conceptualised slightly differently, the characters would become more relatable and the development of their respective arcs would become easier for the readers to follow.
But this was a really good read, nevertheless. If not for anything else, read it for Amruta’s illustrations.
April 10, 2022
Detailed review on the Blog (check Bio)
Aranyaka is a book about the forest. That's the most simplest introduction I can give you. But is it just that? No. It's more!
This graphic novel speaks in more words than what's printed in the book.
🌿𝑲𝒂𝒕𝒚𝒂𝒚𝒂𝒏𝒊 - the large.. is the personification of nature. The book is written from her perspective.
🌿𝒀 - the man in search of knowledge. He is the personification of Human civilization. Forever in search of the next good thing.
🌿𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒓 is ego and a quest. The unquenchable need to satisfy the thirst, the dream to be the best, shows the current society we live in. The competitiveness never ends.
🌿𝑴 𝒐𝒓 𝑭𝒊𝒈 as she comes to be known: is Vanity. She wants to be seen as intellectual, known for her mind, rather than her appearance or upbringing. She represents the youth.
✨The cycle of life, the interdependence of nature and mankind, the Vedic concepts of Aranya, Jiva,Himsa, Aham, Bhakti, Grihasta, Gyan, Prati-Sparda, Vyavahara and many more are depicted in intense graphics.
✨✨The novel is intriguing for its graphics, sometimes very layered and sometimes too blatant. But the book calls for it. This is a graphical dissertation on Veda and the Vedic concepts in a way one can resonate with.
✨🌿𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝗜 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝗶𝘁?
Difficult to express it as enjoyment. What the book is.. is thought provoking.
✨🌿𝗜𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱?
Definitely. But for a mature mind. The concepts and some of the graphics are not suited for young readers.
Aranyaka is a book about the forest. That's the most simplest introduction I can give you. But is it just that? No. It's more!
This graphic novel speaks in more words than what's printed in the book.
🌿𝑲𝒂𝒕𝒚𝒂𝒚𝒂𝒏𝒊 - the large.. is the personification of nature. The book is written from her perspective.
🌿𝒀 - the man in search of knowledge. He is the personification of Human civilization. Forever in search of the next good thing.
🌿𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒓 is ego and a quest. The unquenchable need to satisfy the thirst, the dream to be the best, shows the current society we live in. The competitiveness never ends.
🌿𝑴 𝒐𝒓 𝑭𝒊𝒈 as she comes to be known: is Vanity. She wants to be seen as intellectual, known for her mind, rather than her appearance or upbringing. She represents the youth.
✨The cycle of life, the interdependence of nature and mankind, the Vedic concepts of Aranya, Jiva,Himsa, Aham, Bhakti, Grihasta, Gyan, Prati-Sparda, Vyavahara and many more are depicted in intense graphics.
✨✨The novel is intriguing for its graphics, sometimes very layered and sometimes too blatant. But the book calls for it. This is a graphical dissertation on Veda and the Vedic concepts in a way one can resonate with.
✨🌿𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝗜 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝗶𝘁?
Difficult to express it as enjoyment. What the book is.. is thought provoking.
✨🌿𝗜𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱?
Definitely. But for a mature mind. The concepts and some of the graphics are not suited for young readers.
January 1, 2023
I don't know where to put "Aranyaka" in my list. Is it a last book of 2022 or a first book of 2023?
Let's keep it in 2023 tab!
We live in a world where half of the population is made to ask permission to be independent with the other half. Rules made by patriarchy is ugly! Rules of forest is way better than the rules that made by men.
"Aranyaka" should be in the must-read books in schools and colleges for a simple reason. Amruta and Devdutt's work is not trying to give you answers. It's giving perspective to introspect ourselves.
"If everyone is busy with prayer and philosophy, who will plant the tomatoes?"
May be this book should be re-read every year to start a better year or end a good year.
Let's keep it in 2023 tab!
We live in a world where half of the population is made to ask permission to be independent with the other half. Rules made by patriarchy is ugly! Rules of forest is way better than the rules that made by men.
"Aranyaka" should be in the must-read books in schools and colleges for a simple reason. Amruta and Devdutt's work is not trying to give you answers. It's giving perspective to introspect ourselves.
"If everyone is busy with prayer and philosophy, who will plant the tomatoes?"
May be this book should be re-read every year to start a better year or end a good year.
September 22, 2025
Aranyaka: Book of the Forest is a graphic novel that's a bit different. Reading it is like a walk in the woods – sometimes you're lost, sometimes amazed, but always thinking.
Patil's artwork and Pattanaik's knowledge of myths mix nature, women's issues, and big ideas into something slow, deep, and special. If you want a fast-paced story, this isn't it. But if you like books that make you stop and think, and that you can read again and again to find something new, it's perfect.
✔ Beautiful pictures
✔ Lots of old stories + nature stuff
✘ Can be a little hard to understand sometimes
P.S. For my full, detailed,no spoiler review with pros & cons, check out my blog : https://taleswink29.blogspot.com/2025...
KEEP READING !!
Patil's artwork and Pattanaik's knowledge of myths mix nature, women's issues, and big ideas into something slow, deep, and special. If you want a fast-paced story, this isn't it. But if you like books that make you stop and think, and that you can read again and again to find something new, it's perfect.
✔ Beautiful pictures
✔ Lots of old stories + nature stuff
✘ Can be a little hard to understand sometimes
P.S. For my full, detailed,no spoiler review with pros & cons, check out my blog : https://taleswink29.blogspot.com/2025...
KEEP READING !!
December 3, 2020
This was on my to-read list for a rather long time.
The drawings are exceptional, the quality of illustrations seamlessly merging with the characters left me loving this entire book. The bold use of colors, minimal lines and strokes appealed to the artist in me. As far as the story goes, one discovers so much more when reading and correlating with the characters. The story does not just happen to be about women from mythology but it well carries itself in the rebellious streak of generations of young girls to come ahead and get inspired to be themselves. Hats off, Amruta. This is beautiful work.
The drawings are exceptional, the quality of illustrations seamlessly merging with the characters left me loving this entire book. The bold use of colors, minimal lines and strokes appealed to the artist in me. As far as the story goes, one discovers so much more when reading and correlating with the characters. The story does not just happen to be about women from mythology but it well carries itself in the rebellious streak of generations of young girls to come ahead and get inspired to be themselves. Hats off, Amruta. This is beautiful work.
February 8, 2022
Really interesting read. The artwork is beautiful, the storytelling really fluid and layered. I am not familiar with most of the mythological themes of the book but that didn't hinder me from enjoying it as a very curious perspective of both the authors. The narrative can get one thinking where is this going, but I personally enjoyed that wispy quality. I'd recommend it to anyone seeking to explore and go on an adventure.
January 25, 2025
A book that encompasses a reading of the story from Brihadaranyaka Upanishad about Yagnyavalkya and his three wives. But the way this has been framed addresses issues from the Vedas that punctuated everyday life of the people - like food, hunger, sex, longing, knowledge, wisdom, family, belonging, and much more. This book is a very philosophical read that delves into the inner workings of the human mind in the furtherance of the human civilization.
April 29, 2020
Aranyaka (forest) is a beautiful, enchanting and creative representation of vedic life and principles with sprinkles of depictions from ancient Sanskrit poetry, cultural traditions, songs and life but most of all the human will to live, eat and create, to acquire more and trust in the process of letting go.
June 24, 2020
Lovely concept ! This is a very different kind of storytelling , different from the traditional in every way. This is a story of evolution of human psychology in a simple yet immersive manner which will explore all the aspects of learning simple and essential things in life . Also the artwork was one of a kind .
Displaying 1 - 29 of 50 reviews