It’s not every day that a heritage interpreter announces he’s writing a fantasy fiction book. Even rarer for him to inform you that the story doesn’t unfold any imaginary settings or Western locales but is actually set in Patan. It takes readers on a unique journey through places such as Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, and others. “It is a book about Patan, written in Patan,” says Rishi Amatya.
Till a couple of months back, Rishi would have introduced himself as a writer, researcher and heritage interpreter. He has also contributed to school journals and newspapers, along with experience as a freelancer for various publications. Now, he’s the author of the novel, “Radha: Wrath of the Maeju“, launched on December 9, 2023.
The book, which took shape during lockdown, is about a recently retired Kumari who is excited to spend a quiet Saturday in Patan Durbar Square as an ordinary girl with her brother and uncle. But an earthquake shatters her dreams – along with Patan’s temples and palaces – and unleashes forces that threaten everyone she loves. This fantasy tale seamlessly blends fact with fiction and heritage with mysticism. The book also reintroduces many structures, temples and motifs we have all grown up around, but perhaps did not know the stories behind them. “Readers who follow Radha’s adventures get to learn of the origins and significance of some of the monuments at the real Patan Durbar Square,” shares Rishi. Running to roughly 200 pages, divided into seven chapters – from the Nepali months of Baisakh to Kartik – the novel is an easy read.
When asked about the inspiration behind writing this novel, Rishi tells us about his involvement in the Kathmandu Triennale in 2017. “For the Kathmandu Triennale, I created a story-based eight-page map to make Patan intriguing and engaging for locals, particularly children. It involved three main characters, an uncle and two children who embark on a journey to Patan.” He adds, “These characters were in my mind for the longest time and I wanted to connect these characters with the 2015 earthquake.”
Driven by his passion for travel literature and armed with a Master’s degree in heritage management, Rishi decided to write a fantasy fiction. “I have witnessed the 2015 earthquake. I was in the middle of Patan Durbar Square and in many ways, I can see myself in the lead character Radha,” he shares.
Subsequently, in 2020, he underwent a significant rewriting process after being awarded a writing fellowship by Quixote’s Cove. “After the fellowship was announced during the Covid lockdown, I reached out to them and told them I already had a manuscript and asked them to go through it,” he says. He adds, “Since the story is a first fantasy fiction based in Patan, the editors loved it and my journey of writing and re-writing began.”
With the book having small details about the core city, readers have been finding added nuances about Patan that they had not noticed before. As a researcher and cultural expert who has drafted interactive heritage maps of Patan Museum and Hanuman Dhoka, Rishi is perfectly placed to weave the knowledge into his first novel.
Rishi says, he played to his strengths and it was easier for him to find details about certain monuments. “Being a researcher, I knew who are the key people to talk to when it takes to history and Patan Durbar Square,” he informs.
However, to enjoy the book, the reader should have at least a passing familiarity with Patan Durbar Square. The book draws in readers and immerses them in the tapestry of its temples, caves, courtyards and, of course, the Kartik Dabu. Receiving many constructive criticisms, Rishi is happy to know that the book keeps its readers hooked and explore Patan from his eyes. He is also considering delving into Kathmandu and Bhaktapur as well. “The work is in progress,” he smiles.
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