INDICA releases anthology on temple desecration

The anthology is curated by Indian American Journalist and linguist Avatans Kumar.

Gods in Exile book cover, written by Avatans Kumar / Courtesy - Avatans Kumar

INDICA, a nonprofit operating in India and the US has published a new anthology titled Gods in Exile, which explores the historical and cultural aftermath of temple desecration in India.

Curated by Indian American Journalist and linguist Avatans Kumar, the book is based on research by Padma shri recipient, Meenakshi Jain. It examines how communities have preserved religious memory and continuity despite the destruction of sacred spaces.

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“For centuries, the devastation of temples and mutilation of deities have left a deep, transgenerational wound in the Hindu psyche—a trauma that has only recently begun to be acknowledged in mainstream historical narratives,” the description of the book reads on INDICA’s site.

Gods in Exile brings together a diverse group of contributors from fields such as law, history, artificial intelligence, classical arts, literature, and Vedānta. Each essay offers a distinct perspective on the themes of loss, memory, and cultural resilience.

The volume invites readers to consider how historical experiences of desecration continue to inform cultural identity and public discourse today. Rather than focusing solely on the past, the anthology engages with the ongoing relevance of heritage, history, and the act of remembrance.

“If you're passionate about heritage, this book is a must-have. If you're part of an academic or cultural institution, consider integrating it into your classroom, library, or event programming to enrich your understanding of Indian heritage,” Kumar said.

The book is published by BluOne Ink and presented by INDICA, a not-for-profit organization working in the field of Indian Knowledge Systems in India and the United States. It is available on Amazon.

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