Prince of Ayodhya
Ashok K Banker’s idea of retelling Ramayana may seem very blasphemous at the first glance, what with his one page description of what Rama has dreamt the night before
However, you have got to be a little patient with Banker. The fact is that he delivers what he has promised. The book is an absorbing read. It engulfs you completely, takes you into Treta yugam and lets you watch the proceedings as they unfold. Before you know it, you will have finished reading the book… and bought the second part: “The Siege of Mithila”. (I have just started reading this one. Watch out for my review next week.)
What is expected of you, the reader, to enjoy the book is very simple. Forget that it is Ramayana. Forget what Valmiki had written. Read it as Banker’s story of a medieval king called Dasaratha and his prince-heir Rama. My first reaction was that Ramayana had been royally butchered by Banker. However I’ve changed my opinion afterwards.
Banker’s version of Ramayana has seven parts. The first part “Prince of Ayodhya” starts slowly with a grand introduction of Rama and then takes the reader on an Ayodhya tour introducing the great empire, its people, its security personnel, its law and order and its rulers. The book ends with Rama killing Tataka to save Brahmarshi Viswamitra’s yagna.
The book’s USP is its ability to let the readers visualize the proceedings. It is like watching another Lord of The Ring. If anyone tries to take this book to the celluloid, I am sure it will give LOTR a run for its money.
While the original Ramayana is slow, methodical and does not have any treacherous “villain” (Ravana himself is an ardent Siva devotee. The only sin he commits is the abduction of Sita.), the new Ramayana moves at break-neck speed, is not linear and does not shy away from introducing Ravana as the Father of all Evil things. I will not divulge more details about the story as it would spoil your experience.
In a way, it is more enjoyable because we all know what the Original Epic is all about. So this is totally new to us. And so it generates interest and curiosity.
It is well worth it’s price tag.
However, if you are deeply religious and cannot accept changes to the Epic, I advise you to stay away from this book.
Have fun reading The Ramayana once again.
Venu - The Prince of Pogathota (A colony in Nellore where I grew up. :))