Synopses & Reviews
Like ancient Greece, India claims two great epics: the Ramayana, a recounting of the adventures of a banished prince who wanders for years in the wilderness, bears a resemblance to the Odyssey; the Mahabharata, based on the legends surrounding a war in which all of Northern India took part, is the country's Iliad. Together, the two represent the epic literature of the ancient Hindus, offering latter-day readers the most realistic image of the civilization and culture of 3,000 years ago--its political and social life as well as its religion and philosophy. The Mahabharata depicts the political climate of ancient India, with tales of valor and heroism, ambition, and chivalry. The Ramayana portrays domestic and religious life, with vignettes of tenderness, endurance, and devotion. This condensed version of the staggeringly long tales features selections from cantos that convey the leading incidents of each epic, linking them with short notes. Unabridged republication of the edition originally published by J. M. Dent & Sons, Ltd. London, 1955.
Synopsis
Two great epics of the ancient Hindus offer a realistic image of Indian civilization and culture of India 3,000 years ago: the Ramayana, recounting the adventures of a banished prince, and the Mahabharata, based on the legends surrounding a war. Condensed version features selections linked with short notes.
Table of Contents
RAMAYANA
I. SITA-SWAYAMVARA (THE BRIDAL OF SITA)
II. VANA-GAMANA-ADESA (THE BANISHMENT)
III. DASA-RATHA-VIYOGA (THE DEATH OF THE KING)
IV. RAMA-BHARATA-SAMBADA (THE MEETING OF THE PRINCES)
V. PANCHAVATI (ON THE BANKS OF THE GODAVARI)
VI. SITA-HARANA (SITA LOST)
VII. KISHKINDHA (IN THE NILGIRI MOUNTAINS)
VIII. SITA-SANDESA (SITA DISCOVERED)
IX. RAVANA-SABHA (THE COUNCIL OF WAR)
X. YUDDHA (THE WAR IN CEYLON)
XI. RAJYA-ABHISHEKA (RAMA'S RETURN AND CONSECRATION)
XII. ASWA-MEDHA (SACRIFICE OF THE HORSE)
CONCLUSION
TRANSLATOR'S EPILOGUE
MAHA-BHARATA
I. ASTRA DARSANA (THE TOURNAMENT)
II. SWAYAMVARA (THE BRIDE'S CHOICE)
III. RAJASHUYA (THE IMPERIAL SACRIFICE)
IV. DYUTA (THE FATAL DICE)
V. PATIVRATA-MAHATMYA (WOMAN'S LOVE)
VI. GO-HARANA (CATTLE-LIFTING)
VII. UDYOGA (THE COUNCIL OF WAR)
VIII. BHISHMA-BADHA (FALL OF BHISHMA)
IX. DRONA-BADHA (FALL OF DRONA)
X. KARNA-BADHA (FALL OF KARNA)
XI. SRADDHA (FUNERAL RITES)
XII. ASWA-MEDHA (SACRIFICE OF THE HORSE)
CONCLUSION
TRANSLATOR'S EPILOGUE
GLOSSARY