NEW DELHI: The Indus Valley Civilisation disappeared 3,500 years ago. But despite scientific and technological achievements, we are yet to solve the riddle of how the civilisation came to an abrupt end. It is this mystery surrounding the civilisation which forms the foundation of author Vineet Bajpai’s Harappa trilogy. The first two books of the series, Harappa – Curse of the Blood River and Pralay – The Great Deluge, have been received with critical appreciation. The third and last part, Kashi – Secret of the Black Temple, is yet to be released. Here are excerpts from the interview with the author:

Q. What inspired an entrepreneur like you to write historical fiction? And why pick the Indus Valley Civilisation?

A. Before the Harappa series, I had written three business and inspirational books. I wrote business books because over my entrepreneurial and corporate journey I truly felt I had learnt things I must share with readers, entrepreneurs, start-ups and the corporate community at large. And I am glad I did. My business books have been deeply loved. But just as I wrote management books to share my experience in the industry and help my readers build better companies and careers, I also felt a strong urge to also express the creative storyteller in me. I wanted to write about India’s ancient mysteries, our rich heritage, our way of life, our profound myths, epics and more. Therefore, Harappa had to be my first fiction project.

Moreover, the great Aryan debate was also something that I felt needed to be explored in more detail and presented in the form of an intriguing and thrilling story. Also, nearly every contemporary religion has the haunting legend of a great deluge and a massive Ark that saved creation from extinction. So, Harappa – Curse of the Blood River and Pralay – The Great Deluge take the reader on a nail-biting roller-coaster ride of mythological and historical fiction, of fantasy and also modern-day crime.

Q. Is the ‘devta’ reference in your books different from the demigods of Greek and Roman mythologies?

A. The demigods in western mythologies have often been depicted with human flaws such as anger, ambition and conceit. The devta in Harappa and Pralay, on the other hand, is a far more generous, kind and giving character, despite being extraordinarily gifted in every aspect. If you read Tulsi’s Ramacharitamanas, you will fall in love with the character of Rama. His boundless valour combined with stunning humility is mesmerising.

Q. Through the books, you have tried to create a fictional narrative debunking the ‘Aryan invasion theory’. Interestingly, the theory has also been challenged by Indologists who claim that Aryans were always the original inhabitants of Indian sub-continent. Does this mean that you agree with the version of the Indologists?

A. Something that I say in all my lectures and speeches is that I am not a historian. I am a storyteller. Therefore, my agreement or disagreement with any theory is of no significance. Having said that, I must share that during my extensive research for Harappa and Pralay, I came across some compelling studies that prove the indigenous roots of the Aryans beyond any doubt. It also elucidates how the ‘Aryan invasion theory’ is a great convenience for forces that want to create fault-lines among Indians. You will find reflections of those studies as you read the Harappa series.

Q. You have, through the characters, tried to paint a picture of Hinduism as all-inclusive. Do you think this picture is under threat today with the rising case of lynchings and targeted harassment of minorities?

A. Hinduism has always been a peaceful, deeply spiritual and inclusive religion. Since time immemorial this great religion has only opened its arms and welcomed anyone who came into its fold. Moreover, Hinduism champions the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or simply that the entire world is one large family. Hinduism never promotes the idea that only the Hindu God is the real God and every other God or belief is blasphemous. Absolutely not. Hinduism respects all religions and you will find innumerable Hindus bowing their heads in reverence as they pass a church or a mosque. I think the Ajmer Sharif dargah is visited by as many Hindus as Muslims. So is the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa. This should highlight the inclusive fabric of the religion.

I remember hearing in a Govind Nihalani film once — violence not only propagates violence, it also generates counter-violence. It might be worth thinking about as to what is triggering a historically peaceful community into such sporadic incidents of violence? The lynching incidents are most unfortunate, if they are being reported correctly and apolitically. As a Hindu, I denounce any form of violence — physical, verbal or ideological.

Q. What should the readers expect from the last part of the Harappa trilogy?

A. The last part of the Harappa series, titled Kashi – Secret of the Black Temple, is slated for late 2018 release. It is a powder-keg of intrigue, action, myths and fantasy waiting to uncoil and explode.

—The Statesman / India

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2018