Introduction
In today’s feature, we sit down with Ajeet Pratap Singh, the mind behind Arsenal of the Gods — a gripping modern mythological thriller that blends India’s ancient knowledge systems with present-day suspense.
With a background spanning engineering, chocolate manufacturing, and FMCG leadership, Ajeet brings a rare mix of logic, creativity, and cultural curiosity to his storytelling. His debut novel takes readers across India’s forgotten temples, hidden societies, and mysteries deeply rooted in the Mahabharata.
This conversation explores his inspirations, writing approach, and the philosophy behind his carefully crafted mythological universe.
INTERVIEW WITH AJEET PRATAP SINGH
Q1: What first drew you toward writing a mythological thriller rather than a pure fantasy or contemporary novel?
Answer by Ajeet Pratap Singh:
I’ve always been fascinated by the thin line between mythology and history. Many of our ancient stories feel less like fantasy and more like encrypted knowledge. Instead of creating an entirely fictional world, I wanted to ask — What if the remnants of these epics still existed around us?
India is full of temples, inscriptions, and forgotten pathways. Once I started exploring them, the idea of merging a modern quest with ancient secrets became irresistible.
Q2: Your protagonist Rudra experiences memory loss and fragmented visions. What made you choose this narrative device?
Answer by Ajeet Pratap Singh:
Memory, to me, is a bridge between who we are and who we’re meant to become. Rudra’s missing days symbolize a deeper internal conflict. His visions act like echoes from another time — hints that the past never truly disappears.
This device also allowed me to create tension while gradually revealing the truth about his identity and connection to ancient events.
Q3: Many readers appreciate the authenticity of temple descriptions. What was your research process like?
Answer by Ajeet Pratap Singh:
My research was equal parts travel, reading, and observation. I visited several temples in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand — not just as a tourist, but as someone trying to decode their architecture.
Every pillar, inscription, and sculpture has a story. I noted down structural patterns, local legends, and lesser-known rituals. These real elements became the backbone of the fictional clues in the novel.
Q4: The book introduces the Guruputras, a secret society. What inspired this idea?
Answer by Ajeet Pratap Singh:
Every ancient civilization had groups entrusted with preserving sacred knowledge — scribes, warriors, astronomers, temple custodians.
The Guruputras were born from imagining: What if such guardians continued their work in secrecy, across generations?
Their role isn’t to worship mythology, but to protect the dangerous truths hidden within it. That duality fascinated me.
Q5: Readers often comment on the partnership between Rudra and Kshitip. How did you construct their dynamic?
Answer by Ajeet Pratap Singh:
I didn’t want a typical “hero-sidekick” relationship. Their bond is built on gaps — gaps in trust, knowledge, and personal history.
Both represent different halves of a larger truth. Rudra leads with instinct; Kshitip with caution. Their chemistry evolved naturally as I wrote, and by the time the twist arrives, readers understand why their destinies are intertwined.
Q6: As someone from an engineering and FMCG background, how did those experiences influence your writing?
Answer by Ajeet Pratap Singh:
Engineering gave me discipline — the ability to break a massive plot into precise components. My FMCG experience, especially with brands like Cadbury, Nestlé, and ITC, taught me to understand audiences, timelines, and how stories create emotional impact.
Chocolate making requires patience and attention to detail. In a way, writing is similar — you don’t rush it; you refine it.
Q7: What theme in Arsenal of the Gods resonates with you the most?
Answer by Ajeet Pratap Singh:
The idea that identity is layered.
We believe we know who we are, but sometimes the truth lies beneath generations of untold stories. The novel explores whether destiny is chosen or inherited — and whether the past can shape the present without our knowledge.
Q8: Without revealing spoilers — what can readers expect from the next book in the series?
Answer by Ajeet Pratap Singh:
Expect expansion — geographically, mythologically, and emotionally.
The first book builds the foundation with one ancient weapon. The next will explore multiple artefacts, global implications, and a deeper confrontation between ancient power and modern ambition.
Readers will also get answers to questions only hinted at in Book 1.
Q9: What advice do you have for aspiring writers who want to explore mythology in fiction?
Answer by Ajeet Pratap Singh:
Three things:
- Respect the roots — research before reinventing.
- Find your angle — mythology is vast; choose the perspective that excites you.
- Let imagination guide you — mythology thrives when we reimagine it.
Fiction is freedom. Use it.
Q10: What message do you want readers to take away from Arsenal of the Gods?
Answer by Ajeet Pratap Singh:
That every legend begins with a question. If you question the world around you — its monuments, stories, rituals — you’ll discover a deeper layer of truth.
And sometimes, the greatest battles are not fought outside, but within.