The Ramayana of Valmiki. Volume VII

The Ramayana of Valmiki. Volume VII Synopsis

The concluding volume of a critical English edition of the monumental Indian epic

The seventh and final book of the monumental Ramaya?a of Valmiki, the Uttaraka??a, brings the epic saga to a close with an account of the dramatic events of King Rama's millennia-long reign. It opens with a colorful history of the demonic race of the rak?asas and the violent career of Rama's villainous foe Rava?a, and later recounts Rama's grateful discharge of his allies in the great war at Lanka as well as his romantic reunion with his wife Sita. But dark clouds gather as Rama, confronted by scandal over Sita's time in captivity under the lustful Rava?a, makes the agonizing decision to banish his beloved wife, now pregnant. As Rama continues as king, marvelous tales and events unfurl, illustrating the benefits of righteous rule and the perils that await monarchs who fail to address the needs of their subjects.

The Uttaraka??a has long served as a point of social and religious controversy largely for its accounts of the banishment of Sita, as well as of Rama's killing of a low-caste ascetic. The translators' introduction provides a full discussion of these issues and the complex reception history of the Uttaraka??a. This translation of the critical edition also includes exhaustive notes and a comprehensive bibliography.