The King of the Mountain Hardcover

"The King of the Mountain" by Martine Le Coz is a captivating novel that reimagines the ancient, orally transmitted epic of Raja Salhesh, a legendary figure revered by the Dalit community of Dusadhs in India. Set in the kingdom of Mahisautha (modern-day Madhubani at the foot of the Himalayas), the story follows Prince Jaybhardan, who, despite being prophesied for valor and conquest, chooses a different path, embracing unity among all beings and leading a diverse group of "rejected souls" to establish an egalitarian society. This enchanting tale challenges traditional epic conventions, blending Hindu myths with Buddhist, Tantric, and Jaina legends, and is presented in translucent prose that brings this powerful, centuries-old narrative to a new audience.