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Ramayana #6
King of Ayodhya
The original Ramayana was written three thousand years ago. Now, with breathtaking imagination and brilliant storytelling, Ashok K. Banker has recreated this epic tale for modern readers everywhere.
Rama, soon to be King of Ayodhya, crosses the ocean to wage his war of dharma against the rakshasa forces of the demonlord Ravana. The valiant vanars and bears suffer huge losses when Ravana unleashes his iniquitous sorcery on them, destroying tens of thousands of Rama's loyal soldiers. Despite the formidable odds they fight on even as the warfare spirals into a maelstrom of unimaginable carnage and brutality.
And then, Ravana does the unthinkable. Hovering over the battlefield in his flying vehicle he executes Sita in full public view, right before Rama's unbelieving eyes.
Rama's grief and rage know no bounds and on this cataclysmic day he finally draws upon his ultimate reservoir of Brahman shakti. Invoking the all-powerful dev-astras, the Bow of Vishnu and the Arrow of Shiva, he prepares for a reckoning and a victory like no other . . ..
Rama, soon to be King of Ayodhya, crosses the ocean to wage his war of dharma against the rakshasa forces of the demonlord Ravana. The valiant vanars and bears suffer huge losses when Ravana unleashes his iniquitous sorcery on them, destroying tens of thousands of Rama's loyal soldiers. Despite the formidable odds they fight on even as the warfare spirals into a maelstrom of unimaginable carnage and brutality.
And then, Ravana does the unthinkable. Hovering over the battlefield in his flying vehicle he executes Sita in full public view, right before Rama's unbelieving eyes.
Rama's grief and rage know no bounds and on this cataclysmic day he finally draws upon his ultimate reservoir of Brahman shakti. Invoking the all-powerful dev-astras, the Bow of Vishnu and the Arrow of Shiva, he prepares for a reckoning and a victory like no other . . ..
512 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2006
About the author
Ashok K. Banker
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 13, 2014
Disappointing.
Leaving a lot of questions unanswered, loopholes unplugged and mighty characters looking dumb, this is not the ending the series deserved. Banker left most of his promises unfulfilled. Hinting at a mind-numbing finale and hidden undercurrent of epic causality throughout all the parts of the series, the reader should (and does) expect a fitting denouement waiting in warm welcome at the end. Instead, he is greeted by an inconclusive, forced storyline, stale and repetitive action sequences, endless pages of descriptions to fatten the volume and an absolute disregard of the author for the sentiments and expectations of the reader.
Banker has embarked on a mighty battle of epic proportions few have the guts to imagine - that of retelling ALL the major epics. Admirable. His pen churns out novels and epic series at a rate rivalling Lord Ganesha's legendary quill. Hats-off. He provides page after page of disclaimer highlighting the simple, long-forgotten fact that Banker is not Valmiki, Ganesha or anyone similar. Accepted.
And then, the reader sits around blinking in confusion after having finished reading, comes out of his stupor, goes back and tries to find what MAJOR links he missed, which sections he needs to mug up to retain the sense of fulfilment and satisfaction he was expecting. And the single lucid line of causality that binds all the characters together in one coherent flow of events, no matter how complex. Why does the reader need to ponder whether the publisher missed some vital sections while taking the proof-copy to print?
As Banker explains to us repeatedly, he is out to retell ALL epics. An awe-inspiring undertaking. It requires time. We'll wait. And that the author wishes to weave ALL into a single string of an alternate history of India. Impressive.
Now, that makes the author GOD. The reader has no idea what is going on at the end of the series. Only the author does, since he wishes to keep a few strings loose to bind the future storylines, and also to build the foundations of the next edifice. That foundation has to merge into the flow of the present plot. Which, however, does not mean that the present storyline becomes obsolete and no more interesting for the author. The 7th part of the series, the part which was never meant to be, is an indication of Banker having second thoughts and slowly losing control over his epic journey.
I have a question. If a plot as simple as the Ramayana meets such a fate at the hands of our now highly venerated author, what triumph/mishap awaits the Mahabharata, an immensely complex eventflow?
As we've promised the author, we'll wait for him to get his bearings. Please don't hurry, Sir.
Yet, Banker's efforts are laudable, his undertaking remarkable. Still a fan. (With the hope that he'll deliver.)
Leaving a lot of questions unanswered, loopholes unplugged and mighty characters looking dumb, this is not the ending the series deserved. Banker left most of his promises unfulfilled. Hinting at a mind-numbing finale and hidden undercurrent of epic causality throughout all the parts of the series, the reader should (and does) expect a fitting denouement waiting in warm welcome at the end. Instead, he is greeted by an inconclusive, forced storyline, stale and repetitive action sequences, endless pages of descriptions to fatten the volume and an absolute disregard of the author for the sentiments and expectations of the reader.
Banker has embarked on a mighty battle of epic proportions few have the guts to imagine - that of retelling ALL the major epics. Admirable. His pen churns out novels and epic series at a rate rivalling Lord Ganesha's legendary quill. Hats-off. He provides page after page of disclaimer highlighting the simple, long-forgotten fact that Banker is not Valmiki, Ganesha or anyone similar. Accepted.
And then, the reader sits around blinking in confusion after having finished reading, comes out of his stupor, goes back and tries to find what MAJOR links he missed, which sections he needs to mug up to retain the sense of fulfilment and satisfaction he was expecting. And the single lucid line of causality that binds all the characters together in one coherent flow of events, no matter how complex. Why does the reader need to ponder whether the publisher missed some vital sections while taking the proof-copy to print?
As Banker explains to us repeatedly, he is out to retell ALL epics. An awe-inspiring undertaking. It requires time. We'll wait. And that the author wishes to weave ALL into a single string of an alternate history of India. Impressive.
Now, that makes the author GOD. The reader has no idea what is going on at the end of the series. Only the author does, since he wishes to keep a few strings loose to bind the future storylines, and also to build the foundations of the next edifice. That foundation has to merge into the flow of the present plot. Which, however, does not mean that the present storyline becomes obsolete and no more interesting for the author. The 7th part of the series, the part which was never meant to be, is an indication of Banker having second thoughts and slowly losing control over his epic journey.
I have a question. If a plot as simple as the Ramayana meets such a fate at the hands of our now highly venerated author, what triumph/mishap awaits the Mahabharata, an immensely complex eventflow?
As we've promised the author, we'll wait for him to get his bearings. Please don't hurry, Sir.
Yet, Banker's efforts are laudable, his undertaking remarkable. Still a fan. (With the hope that he'll deliver.)
June 26, 2016
The sixth book of the series follows the climactic battle and is a huge journey full of fantastic action and astounding battle scenes. Banker's great 3D effect is again in play. Every sorcerous spell, every battle maneuver and every gory individual fight is intricately depicted for the reader to marvel at. Moreover every character at the heat of the battle is brought into focus. Banker refuses to get bound by only the protagonist or the antagonist and depicts the thoughts and emotions of multiple warriors on both sides for the reader. The admirably enigmatic Jambavan and the intensely loyal Hanuman are also here to entertain us. However where Banker really goes deep is in the depiction of the antagonist. It is thoroughly intriguing. Ravana's unusual behaviour towards Sita, his provocation of Rama to unleash his full power and in the end his mysterious death at the hands of Rama with cryptic words in his mouth speak of a greater design beyond the war, yet to be revealed. Banker was being dishonest when at the end of this book he expressed his desire of not extending the story beyond this book. Writers don't build up a mystery when they have no intention of solving it before the eyes of the readers(and Banker did solve it, as he wrote two more books for this series).
However I gave this book two stars for a reason. A single unnecessary chapter has been added to this book which belies its claim to be a Ramayana for the modern readers. Banker claimed his work was based on many other older versions of the Ramayana and this was, as I have already said, for modern readers. But Banker moves away from the modern ideals by including the misogynistic Agni Pariksha episode, which is not included in many versions of the Ramayana. His otherwise strong and honourable protagonist Rama can only issue feeble protests during this episode and what is worse is that Sita herself declares that she will take the test. It is like writer and hero are both hiding, saying "It was her decision !" Banker also puts twisted arguments in favour of this test within the story.
As a whole this book bears both signs of an excellent author as well as an artist surrendering to his ingrained prejudice, which is a real shame, because otherwise this is a masterpiece of the fantasy genre. At least in this case the first law of story-telling propounded by Mrs. Ward has been violated !
However I gave this book two stars for a reason. A single unnecessary chapter has been added to this book which belies its claim to be a Ramayana for the modern readers. Banker claimed his work was based on many other older versions of the Ramayana and this was, as I have already said, for modern readers. But Banker moves away from the modern ideals by including the misogynistic Agni Pariksha episode, which is not included in many versions of the Ramayana. His otherwise strong and honourable protagonist Rama can only issue feeble protests during this episode and what is worse is that Sita herself declares that she will take the test. It is like writer and hero are both hiding, saying "It was her decision !" Banker also puts twisted arguments in favour of this test within the story.
As a whole this book bears both signs of an excellent author as well as an artist surrendering to his ingrained prejudice, which is a real shame, because otherwise this is a masterpiece of the fantasy genre. At least in this case the first law of story-telling propounded by Mrs. Ward has been violated !
October 27, 2012
In the Afterword, Ashok Banker tells us that he wished to end the Ramayana series here since he could not stand to separate Rama and Sita as is shown in some versions of the Ramayana. I wish he had stopped here too. Reading now, rather than in 2006, when this book was written I know that he would write two more books - the Vengeance of Ravana and the Sons of Sita. Reading these 6 books in the series was a lot of effort and loads of fun.
I am not sure I will read Books 7 and 8 immediately now, but probably will.
While Mr. Banker maintains the narrative at a steady pace, I think he dwelt a bit too long on the battle scenes. I do not think Ramayana is really remembered for its battles other than the few brief ones between the yodhas. It is remembered more for the dilemma that Rama is constantly in and how he uses the principle of dharma to work his way out of these dilemmas. Mr. Banker's concentration of the battlefield made it more like the Mahabharata, which I associate more with the battlefield.
The descriptive battle scenes meant that the ending seemed too abrupt. The open question left in the end about the need for the battle in Lanka could have been more elaborated upon. The open endednss, however, does give much more creative freedom to a reader's imagination. On balance, I would prefer to know Mr. Banker's interpretation of the battle than be happy that he has given room for my creative imagination to take flight.
I have heard most of the versions of Ramayana from my grandmother like several other kids in India. I've not had the opportunity to read any other version of The Ramayana except one by Rajagopalachari and another abridged one by R K Narayan. This is certainly the longest time I dallied with the Ramayana and am happy to finish the book around the time the festival of Diwali ended in India.
I am not sure I will read Books 7 and 8 immediately now, but probably will.
While Mr. Banker maintains the narrative at a steady pace, I think he dwelt a bit too long on the battle scenes. I do not think Ramayana is really remembered for its battles other than the few brief ones between the yodhas. It is remembered more for the dilemma that Rama is constantly in and how he uses the principle of dharma to work his way out of these dilemmas. Mr. Banker's concentration of the battlefield made it more like the Mahabharata, which I associate more with the battlefield.
The descriptive battle scenes meant that the ending seemed too abrupt. The open question left in the end about the need for the battle in Lanka could have been more elaborated upon. The open endednss, however, does give much more creative freedom to a reader's imagination. On balance, I would prefer to know Mr. Banker's interpretation of the battle than be happy that he has given room for my creative imagination to take flight.
I have heard most of the versions of Ramayana from my grandmother like several other kids in India. I've not had the opportunity to read any other version of The Ramayana except one by Rajagopalachari and another abridged one by R K Narayan. This is certainly the longest time I dallied with the Ramayana and am happy to finish the book around the time the festival of Diwali ended in India.
January 23, 2011
Ok so for all you fellow Americans - this is NOT the Ramayana by any means. If you want the REAL story of Rama look to Shri Valmikiji for the real story or Shri Tulsidasji for a spotless rendition and interpretation of the character and perfection that is Shri Rama...yet still an awesome story based on the journey of Shri Rama.
May 14, 2011
This brings to an end the saga.
A perfect end to the entire series, though Mr. Banker has released VoR and SoS also nevertheless it appears to be a perfect end to the series.
The best thing about the book has been, it has been not overly dramatized and he has not tried to give it a filmy ending with Ravana and Rama fighting for days and with many arsenals.
The characters in the war are defined so vividly that it gives u a feel of the true war and how and why people fight and die for a cause which doesn't affect them directly.
Although the end in Rama reaching Ayodhya and being crowned as king did appeared a but hurried and could have been more descriptive as per Mr. banker's standards.
Nevertheless I am very much satisfied with the entire series.
It is a true Masterpiece, the best in the world so far in my view.
Jai SiyaRam!
A perfect end to the entire series, though Mr. Banker has released VoR and SoS also nevertheless it appears to be a perfect end to the series.
The best thing about the book has been, it has been not overly dramatized and he has not tried to give it a filmy ending with Ravana and Rama fighting for days and with many arsenals.
The characters in the war are defined so vividly that it gives u a feel of the true war and how and why people fight and die for a cause which doesn't affect them directly.
Although the end in Rama reaching Ayodhya and being crowned as king did appeared a but hurried and could have been more descriptive as per Mr. banker's standards.
Nevertheless I am very much satisfied with the entire series.
It is a true Masterpiece, the best in the world so far in my view.
Jai SiyaRam!
April 28, 2013
Finally, the journey ends flawlessly.
One has to read the books to experience the feeling of oneness with the characters - feel them and empathise with them, with what each one chooses to do.
The story is interspersed with the stories and doings of valiant creatures and characters.
The final battle between Ram and Ravana has not been over glamourised - though I did miss on Indrajeet's involvement to certain extent.
Must read for all who loves the mythology - the epic, that transcends our lives.
One has to read the books to experience the feeling of oneness with the characters - feel them and empathise with them, with what each one chooses to do.
The story is interspersed with the stories and doings of valiant creatures and characters.
The final battle between Ram and Ravana has not been over glamourised - though I did miss on Indrajeet's involvement to certain extent.
Must read for all who loves the mythology - the epic, that transcends our lives.
June 22, 2015
Reading this edition took the longest to complete as compared to the previous ones. It dwells way too much on the descriptive battle scenes of Lanka. This leaves with a feeling that the end of Ravana & crowning in Ayodhya is rushed like a bullet and one feels kind of disappointed.
The ending of Ravana is not in lines with the common belief.
Overall, happy that the series is over but was put down by the last book.
The ending of Ravana is not in lines with the common belief.
Overall, happy that the series is over but was put down by the last book.
July 18, 2015
This is the last in a series of books that could be described as the Lord of the Rings for India. From the first book in the series, I was hooked on the stories ingrained in ancient Hindu traditions and was exposed to an a,axing new history of storytelling. If you like fantasy books or even if you don't, you will be enthralled with the tales of Rama. Buy all six in the set as you can't wait for the next when you finish the other.
September 15, 2012
I love Ramayana. My problem is that I have grown up with it. This series has been written ( my take) with the Western Anime/ Manga influenced audience. Which explains the imagery a bit.
Overall a very fresh take and complete worthy of reading and re-reading.
Overall a very fresh take and complete worthy of reading and re-reading.
October 25, 2012
It is truly hard for me to review a book that has such a sweep, and is really the first full Ramayana that I have read. All I would say is that if you have an interest in this epic, read this version.
February 25, 2016
Apt ending for the series as it was intended to, but then i realized that there are two more books in the series. Looking forward to reading them when available. Lot of unanswered questions in the book, i read this series more as a fiction rather than as Ramayana.
April 20, 2010
Boo-yah! Done.
I enjoyed this series a lot. Very entertaining. Colorful.
I enjoyed this series a lot. Very entertaining. Colorful.
May 14, 2010
This my favorite of all Ramayana-series! Maybe that is because Ravana is my favorite character from Indian Mythology.
August 19, 2010
And with this comes to end the greatest ever series... loved it... This is one bool/series I am sure I will go back to often
November 10, 2010
Rama becomes the first and only 'Indian' to invade another country, Lanka. After several encounters, Ravana is finally defeated.
January 29, 2011
A very good read. Ramayana for the modern gen, the lovers of books like Harry Potter, this books fits that genre...
October 2, 2011
Finally finished the series! Banker's talent was in making the characters really come alive with a lot of depth and insight, while staying fairly consistent to the story as we know it.
February 17, 2012
Strange book. After all that hullabaloo, Ravana gifts Rama "twins" and dies? It seems like VoR will fill the gaps but I'm a little skeptical. Read too many books that end badly.
October 16, 2012
Nice End!
August 12, 2013
Fell in love with Raavan!
February 27, 2014
Clearly a fresh form of the classic...
Read
June 11, 2015True
August 30, 2007
The last one dragged a bit still it ended well...
November 14, 2011
Kept me through, but I was expecting a bit more here..
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews