‘Chitra Bharati Kathamala’ had carved a distinct identity for itself in the world of Indian comics in the 1980s and 90s. At that time, while Raj Comics and Diamond Comics were in power, Chitra Bharati showcased a combination of science fiction and fantasy through characters like ‘Manas-putra’, which seemed completely new. “Mahamaya’s Sword(Mahamaya Ki Talwa)” is a story in this series that not only provides thrills but also effectively presents the clash of cosmic forces and human will.
The beginning of the cosmic great competition
The story begins with an infinite expanse of space and the introduction of Adishakti Mahamaya. According to the rules of Mahamaya, her Lion Gates open at the end of the thirteenth Mahavarsha of every Kalpa. Within this very gate is kept the most powerful weapon in the universe — the Sword of Mahamaya. Brave warriors from all over the universe are invited to obtain this sword. This is not an ordinary contest, but a deadly duel, where only the one who lasts till the end can become the winner.
When Manas-putra comes to know about this competition through his insights, he decides to participate in it. On the other hand, Emperor Tarak, the ruthless ruler of Tarak-Mandal, also jumps into this race with his cutting-edge technology and Robot No. 4. Apart from these, the powerful magician of Earth, Mandaleshwar, and the prince of demons, Raktasura, also set out towards this mysterious world with their respective objectives.
The story progresses through several stages, where every warrior has to prove his strength and abilities. Manas-putra encounters a fearsome, multi-armed mechanical giant, while Emperor Tarak encounters a fiery orangutan-like creature. After overcoming all the dangers and obstacles, Manas-putra and Emperor Tarak finally come face to face on the main stage.
Character illustration: balance of power and morality
Manas-putra is the center of the story. He is described as the adopted son of the ‘Omnipotent Brain’. His greatest strength is not just his body, but his strong will. He follows the path of truth and justice. In this comic, his moral thinking is clearly visible when he refuses to attack an unarmed and helpless enemy and says — “I don’t kill anyone without reason.”
Emperor Tarak is a special kind of villain. He has a strong affinity for technology and relies completely on his massive computer system and Robot No. 4. His aim is only to gain power, no matter what the cost. He is the opposite face of Manas-putra in every sense.
Mandaleshwar is a positive character who uses his mantra powers for justice. He is a friend of Manas-putra and proves his importance by protecting him from the robot’s dangerous rays in the final battle.
Raktasura is the prince of the demons, who wants to marry Swapna, the princess of Earth. He is arrogant and full of jealousy, but midway through the story, he receives news of his kingdom being attacked and is forced to leave the competition and return. This twist makes the story more interesting.
Art and portraiture: a visual experience
The artwork of this comic is very spectacular for its time. Manas-putra’s outfit, his trident-like weapon, and his distinctly identifiable costume make him a true space warrior. Colors have been used very thoughtfully, making the fantasy world seem alive. Especially the views of the Singhdwar of Mahamaya and the grand staircase clearly showcase the beauty of the art.
To make the action more engaging, sound words like ‘Tadak’, ‘Dhoom’, and ‘Vishshash’ have been used brilliantly, making the reader feel himself in the middle of the fight. In particular, the conflict between Robot No. 4 and the Deuterian is shown with such technical nuances that it still makes an impact even today.
Theme and Message: Willpower vs. Technology
“Mahamaya’s Sword” is not just a fight story, but also carries a deeper thought behind it. On one side is Emperor Tarak, who wants to rule the universe on the basis of machines and technology. On the other hand, there is Manas-putra, who moves forward with the help of his mental strength, spiritual discipline, and self-confidence.
The climax of the story is quite philosophical. When both Manas-putra and Tarak reach the sword together, an Akashvani occurs. Mahamaya decides that Manas-putra has the upper hand despite both being capable. Here, symbols like ‘zero’ and the ‘invisible wall’ show that true bravery and a selfless spirit are more powerful than deceit.
The sword splitting into two parts — ‘Suryahas’ to Manas-putra and ‘Chandrahas’ to Emperor Tarak — conveys that destiny gives everyone results according to their worth. The sword received by Manas-putra symbolizes truth and justice, while the weaker sword received by Tarak shows its limitations.
Critical analysis: merits and shortcomings
The biggest strength of this story is its fast pace. The narrative never slows down, and the reader quickly moves from planet to planet and from battle to battle. Its imagination was truly astonishing by 1980s standards. Ideas such as travel through brain waves or self-repairing robots show the foresight of the writers of that era. The dialogues may be few, but they are extremely effective, especially when Mahamaya’s voice resonates, giving the words a divine solemnity.
Talking about the shortcomings, it feels a bit disappointing to send a powerful character like Raktasura back through a teleporter in the middle of the story. It seems that the author deliberately removed him from the final battle to focus solely on the hero and the main villain. In some places, the combination of science and magic feels slightly complicated, such as Mandaleshwar’s mantras affecting robotic rays, although in fantasy comics this can be considered creative freedom.
Conclusion: A memorable piece
“Mahamaya’s Sword” is a priceless creation in Indian comics history. It reminds us that real strength lies not in weapons, but in the character of the individual who wields them. This exciting journey of Manas-putra presents the Indian idea of ‘Satyamev Jayate’ in a futuristic setting.
This comic is not only enjoyable for children, but also a treasure of memories for those adults who spent their childhood with these colorful pages. If you love space mysteries, amazing robots, and ancient magical powers, this comic is a must-have in your collection.
Rating: 4.5/5
