The Jasmine Throne

One of the defining characteristics of Suri’s writing is her use of Indian folklore and culture to shape the fantasy worlds of her novels. In The Jasmine Throne, this manifests in every aspect of the story: the food, the clothing, the characters’ names, and the magic that permeates the setting. The novel draws from the Mahabharata and The Ramayana, two of the best-known epics from ancient India, as well as from Sangam literature from the Chola dynasty, which is a rich body of work that highlights Tamil poetry and philosophy.

The novel also incorporates creation myths inspired by Hindu cosmology: While depicted as separate in the story, the origin stories from Parijat and Ahiranyi beliefs both share the same source. Priya describes the world as coming from an egg and water, and this directly references the Garuda Purana, an ancient Hindu text that describes the universe as beginning from a cosmic egg. The Parijati belief that the current world arose after the burning of a previous one also borrows from Hindu beliefs: It refers to the cycle of creation and destruction, known as pralaya, which is referenced in the Upanishads and later Puranic texts. The name “Parijat” itself refers to the South Asian flower Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, also known as night-blooming jasmine or the “tree of sadness.” The flower blooms at night and dries up by morning, embodying the concept of fleeting beauty, loss, and regeneration.

The novel also incorporates the yaksa, which are nature spirits from Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist traditions. Originating in the ancient Vedic texts of India, the yaksa are portrayed as spirits that inhabit forests, rivers, and mountains. They are thought to possess control over natural elements and are often linked with fertility and the life-giving forces of the earth. They are also invoked for protection or blessings, especially regarding wealth and prosperity. While often depicted as benevolent, they can also appear as mischievous or malevolent entities.

By weaving elements of Indian culture and folklore into the novel, Suri creates a fantasy landscape that echoes past mythical worlds while exploring contemporary themes.