THE REBIRTH OF MYTH: REINTERPRETING INDIAN MYTHOLOGY IN CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE

Abstract

Throughout literary history, mythology has served as an inexhaustible wellspring of inspiration and subject matter. Successive generations of writers have engaged in the act of reinterpretation, seeking to breathe new life into established narratives and offer novel perspectives on timeless tales. The contemporary literary landscape in India witnesses a vibrant resurgence of this practice, spearheaded by a "new breed" of authors like Amish Tripathi, Ashok Banker, and Ashwin Sanghi. These writers boldly experiment with the genre, weaving elements of mythology into diverse literary modes, particularly the realm of fantasy. This innovative fusion results in the modernization of Indian myths, making them resonate with a contemporary audience while preserving their inherent cultural significance.This research delves deeper into the approach of Amish Tripathi to this time-honored practice. It aims to situate his stance within the broader context of retelling Indian mythology and assess his unique contribution to the field of Indian literature written in English. The analysis primarily relies on a close textual examination of Tripathi's renowned Shiva Trilogy, scrutinizing his reinterpretation techniques and their impact on the reader's understanding of ancient myths.