Imagine this: You are in ancient India, where knowledge is not recorded in books but passed down orally, carefully curated by sages who decide what should be remembered and what should be forgotten. The Puranas, the vast body of Hindu mythology, history, and philosophy, are shaped in this very manner. But here’s the unsettling question—were they scripted to favor the gods? Were the Asuras, the so-called demons, vilified to serve a larger societal vision? If history is written by the victors, could mythology be no different? What Are the Puranas?
The Puranas are a collection of texts composed between 300 CE and 1500 CE, traditionally attributed to Vyasa, the sage who also compiled the Mahabharata. These texts detail the creation of the universe, the genealogy of gods and kings, and moral tales meant to guide human conduct. They are categorized into 18 Mahapuranas and several minor Puranas, each glorifying a particular deity—Vishnu, Shiva, or Devi—as supreme. But is this glorification purely theological, or does it serve an underlying power structure?

The Devas vs. Asuras: A Scripted Conflict?
One of the most striking themes in the Puranas is the eternal battle between the Devas (gods) and the Asuras (demons). The Devas are painted as righteous, dharmic, and protectors of cosmic order, while the Asuras are chaotic, power-hungry, and immoral. But was this black-and-white characterization an editorial choice?

Take the example of Mahabali, the Asura king from the Bhagavata Purana. He was a benevolent ruler, beloved by his people, yet Vishnu, in his Vamana avatar, deceives him and pushes him into the underworld. The story is presented as a triumph of divine justice, but one could argue that it was a way of reinforcing divine hierarchy—ensuring that Asuras were never seen as legitimate rulers.

Rulers, Sages, and Religious Authorities: Who Controlled the Narrative?
The Puranas were composed over centuries, often under the patronage of kings and religious institutions. Here’s where things get interesting:

• Kings used religion to legitimize rule. The Gupta emperors, for instance, heavily promoted Vaishnavism, leading to the elevation of Vishnu-centered Puranas. Similarly, the Pallavas and Cholas patronized Shaivism, leading to a surge in Shiva-centric narratives. Was mythology shaped to align with political power?
• Brahmanical dominance was reinforced. The Puranas often depict Brahmins as the custodians of dharma, the intermediaries between gods and men. Asuras, who frequently challenged Brahminical authority (like Ravana, who was a scholar but a non-Brahmin), were demonized. Was this an attempt to ensure that religious power remained in certain hands?
• Sectarian rivalries shaped divine stories. The Shiva Purana, Vishnu Purana, and Devi Purana each claim their deity as supreme while subtly undermining the others. Were these texts weaponized in religious conflicts between Shaivites, Vaishnavites, and Shaktas?

Lost Narratives: What Was Left Out?
A fascinating aspect of Hindu mythology is the existence of non-canonical texts that present alternative viewpoints. Jain and Buddhist traditions offer different takes on figures like Krishna and Rama, portraying them in a more human light. Even within Hinduism, texts like the Asura Purana, which might have presented a different perspective, did not survive in popular circulation. Why?ti

Mythology as Social Engineering?The Puranas did not exist in a vacuum; they played a crucial role in shaping society. By consistently portraying Devas as benevolent rulers and Asuras as malevolent rebels, these texts may have helped reinforce the caste system, monarchy, and priestly authority. The idea of divine will justified social stratification—rulers were kings because they had divine favor, and Brahmins were the custodians of knowledge because they upheld dharma.

But what if the Asuras had written the Puranas? Would we see a world where Asuras were the heroes—powerful yet misunderstood, fighting against an oppressive divine order rather than being its disruptors? Would Ravana be a tragic scholar-king instead of a demonic villain? Would Mahabali be celebrated as a just ruler instead of a cautionary tale?

Conclusion: Faith, Fact, or Fabrication?The Puranas are a blend of myth, philosophy, and political messaging. While they offer deep spiritual wisdom, they also reflect the power struggles of their time. Were they edited to favor the gods? The evidence suggests that history and mythology are rarely neutral. They serve a purpose—sometimes to enlighten, sometimes to control. Perhaps the real lesson of the Puranas is not just about gods and demons, but about the narratives we choose to believe.