Aavarana is a 2007 Kannada novel by novelist S. L. Bhyrappa. Aavarana (Sanskrit: आवृ ávṛ meaning 'to conceal') can be translated as "veil," and more broadly as something that conceals, envelops, or hides. 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. The book is controversial, being seen by some as aligned with pro-Hindu, anti-Muslim political currents. Like most of Bhyrappa's novels, Aavarana generated tremendous debate and discussion. Many prominent 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. The author has vigorously protested the tag that the book is inflammatory by challenging the reviewers to refute the points made in the book. 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. Source: Wikipedia (en)