Declare Epithetical Books Sita: An Illustrated Retelling of the Ramayana (The Great Indian Epics Retold)
Title | : | Sita: An Illustrated Retelling of the Ramayana (The Great Indian Epics Retold) |
Author | : | Devdutt Pattanaik |
Book Format | : | Paperback |
Book Edition | : | First Edition |
Pages | : | Pages: 328 pages |
Published | : | October 2013 by Penguin |
Categories | : | Fantasy. Mythology. Cultural. India. Asian Literature. Indian Literature. Fiction |
Devdutt Pattanaik
Paperback | Pages: 328 pages Rating: 4.06 | 5928 Users | 448 Reviews
Narrative In Pursuance Of Books Sita: An Illustrated Retelling of the Ramayana (The Great Indian Epics Retold)
SITA : AN ILLUSTRATED RETELLING OF THE RAMAYANA It is significant that the only character in Hindu mythology, a king at that, to be given the title of ekam-patni-vrata, devoted to a single wife, is associated with the most unjust act of abandoning her in the forest to protect family reputation. This seems a deliberate souring of an uplifting narrative. Rams refusal to remarry to produce a royal heir adds to the complexity. The intention seems to be to provoke thought on notions of fidelity, property and self-image. And so the mythologist and illustrator Devdutt Pattanaik retells the Ramayana, drawing attention to the many oral, visual and written retellings composed in different times, in different places, by different poets, each one trying to solve the puzzle in its own unique way. This book approaches Ram by speculating on Sita: her childhood with her father, Janaka, who hosted sages mentioned in the Upanishads; her stay in the forest with her husband, who had to be a celibate ascetic while she was in the prime of her youth; her interactions with the women of Lanka, recipes she exchanged, emotions they shared; her connection with the earth, her mother, and with the trees, her sisters; her role as the Goddess, the untamed Kali as well as the demure Gauri, in transforming the stoic prince of Ayodhya into God.Point Books To Sita: An Illustrated Retelling of the Ramayana (The Great Indian Epics Retold)
ISBN: | 0143064320 (ISBN13: 9780143064329) |
Edition Language: | English |
Series: | The Great Indian Epics Retold |
Rating Epithetical Books Sita: An Illustrated Retelling of the Ramayana (The Great Indian Epics Retold)
Ratings: 4.06 From 5928 Users | 448 ReviewsEvaluate Epithetical Books Sita: An Illustrated Retelling of the Ramayana (The Great Indian Epics Retold)
I've never been a fan of the Ramayana or any of its characters so I liked that in the final chapters of this book, the author doesn't make Ram out to be the goody-two-shoes that he's usually portrayed as, but he both criticises as well as explains why Ram thought he was right. Pattanaik's USP has always been his ability to retell stories for what they are - just stories, minus any religious preaching. Although his focus is still on Ram's "goodness", he gives the reader enough perspectives andFantastic! When I reached page 250 (almost 5/6th of the book!) - at which point Sita is freed - I finally allowed myself the comparison that had been bubbling inside my head for a while. Jaya, an illustrated retelling of the Mahabharata by the same author, ranks among my top five books of all time. Thus far, this book had not really touched those levels. Rationalisation was easy - the Mahabharata is perhaps a more complex and interesting tale because of the sheer number of characters, the back
"Be the best you can be, in the worst of circumstances, even when no one is watching".When a book is filled with such impelling and inspirational words who wouldn't like to read and muse upon the life we are living in present time and beyond. This is a modern retelling of epic saga of war between evil and good. For a change, it's more focused on Sita, showcasing her in a heroic light rather than making it all about Ram, the Savior as told and believed since eternity. The book is divided into
When you're reading Devdutt Pattanaik during the Navratri season and the visitors, whose general perception is that you are good for nothing, accidentally catch a glimpse of your book, be sure to hear 'Oh, I follow all his observations online. He is brilliant'. All of a sudden you are revered and thought of as well-read. No kidding. My knowledge of Ramayana has stemmed from the following factors:1) Parents using this ithihaasa as a means to implant virtues in me2) Amar Chitra Katha3) Other
i had major expectations from this book and probably that is why i got dissapointed. the title suggests that the story is from sita's perspective, something similar to The Palace of Illusionswhere the narrative departs from tradition and gives an insight from draupadi's or kunti's perspective. but this, it was all about RAM! the author through sita somehow tries to justify everything which we find wrong with ramayana (sita's exile for example) by calling it a western perspective or a selfless
Earlier i had doubt about this book as Devdutt's Jaya has better ratings and reviews on Goodreads. After finishing it up, I do not regret my decision of picking it up instead of 'Jaya'. Devdutt makes ram a hero, then a villain by showing his wrong decisions and again justifies his doings. Throughout the book he keeps comparing krishna with ram; how they represent a complete contrast and yet together make one vishnu.Hanuman is shown with the capability to outshine all but still modest and wise.
First line - To all those who believe that the Mahabharata is more realistic and complex than the Ramayana: May they realize that.....Well researched and presented in a crisp format. The illustrations are apt and marvellous, and the author's commentary at the end of each chapter is the icing on the cake, setting the context by summarising the various prominent versions.Has ignited the curiosity to read the various versions of different character's point of views.Loved the contrasts and linkings
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