Wikipedia
'''Aavarana ''' is a 2007 Kannada novel by novelist S.L. Bhyrappa. Aavarana ( meaning 'to conceal') means enveloping or covering something. This novel deals with the historical character like Mogul Emperor Aurangazeb. Aavarana was sold out even before its release in February 2007. The novel went on to create a record in the Indian literary world by witnessing 10 reprints within five months of its release.
Like most of Bhyrappa's novels, Aavarana too generated tremendous debate and discussion. Many prominet intellectuals believe Aavarana dangerously advanced the fundamentalist agenda by tilting at the windmills of history, and that it seeks to divide society on communal lines. On the other hand, the writer's original posit that the Truth needs to be told has connected with the readers that it has seen repeated reprintings. The author has vigorously protested the tag that the book is inflammatory by challenging the reviewers to refute the points made in the book. It is also pertinent to note that the author anticipated the criticism that the book would receive and has worked in the book, the reasons why books and criticisms should not be banned or suppressed. There is also a striking similarity in all the criticism the book received; in that the reviewers pan the book but do not specifically point to the passages where the author is wrong or incorrect, with the bulk of criticism directed at the political leanings of the writer.
The novel raises pertinent and searching questions about religion, liberalism and identity and highlights the importance of unshackling oneself from the bonds of false knowledge.