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Ramayana #1
Prince of Ayodhya
An epic fantasy based on the ancient Hindu classic finds young Rama, heir to the throne of Ayodhya, called upon by the legendary mage Vishwamitra when two powerful demons raise an army to defeat the human world. 20,000 first printing.
Hardcover
First published August 27, 2003
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About the author
Ashok K. Banker
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
April 8, 2013
The trouble with reading a book based on Indian mythology - especially ones like Meluha and this one - is that one keeps trying to map what one is reading with what one knows. And this book, like the other one, is startling in what it reveals - my complete ignorance.
Prince of Ayodhya was a book I hesitated to pick up because well, it is Ramayana retold. What can it offer more than the Amar Chitra Kathas and C. Rajagopalachari's books? Having depicted different aspects of Ramayana in dance and watched them being performed, it just looked like a theme beaten to death.
But Banker says, no, you know very little, and I bow before that verdict.
Tataka Vadh - though significant in many ways, normally gets done with in 5 minutes in every dance show I have seen. But Banker takes a major part of the 500 odd pages to describe the two days that build up to the actual killing of the Yakshi (I thought she was Ravana's cousin and rakshasi).
I thought Ravana was an erudite scholar with just very unsurprising failings - weakness for women, kept in check by the curse by a woman, and pride... But nothing more scary than that.
Banker says no, he was an asura and plotting to overthrow the human world.
I had seen Shobana's Maya Ravan and laughed through the whole ballet. Manthara was shown to be in Ravana's pay there... which I didn't believe. But Banker shows clearly why and how. Kaikeyi is yet another character to watch out for.
On the flip side, the book has heavy Bollywood influence in the way people speak to each other melodramatically at times, Sumitra crushing the pallu between her teeth in an emotional moment, Kausalya placing a finger on Dasaratha's lips to stop him from speaking of his death etc. And then it is detailed at times - and for someone like me who likes scenes to be crisp, it is slightly protracted.
But still it makes for fascinating read. There are many twists and turns, and Banker ends chapters at critical points to move away to another parallel episode, to keep the suspense.
A great read and will be looking for the sequels now.
Prince of Ayodhya was a book I hesitated to pick up because well, it is Ramayana retold. What can it offer more than the Amar Chitra Kathas and C. Rajagopalachari's books? Having depicted different aspects of Ramayana in dance and watched them being performed, it just looked like a theme beaten to death.
But Banker says, no, you know very little, and I bow before that verdict.
Tataka Vadh - though significant in many ways, normally gets done with in 5 minutes in every dance show I have seen. But Banker takes a major part of the 500 odd pages to describe the two days that build up to the actual killing of the Yakshi (I thought she was Ravana's cousin and rakshasi).
I thought Ravana was an erudite scholar with just very unsurprising failings - weakness for women, kept in check by the curse by a woman, and pride... But nothing more scary than that.
Banker says no, he was an asura and plotting to overthrow the human world.
I had seen Shobana's Maya Ravan and laughed through the whole ballet. Manthara was shown to be in Ravana's pay there... which I didn't believe. But Banker shows clearly why and how. Kaikeyi is yet another character to watch out for.
On the flip side, the book has heavy Bollywood influence in the way people speak to each other melodramatically at times, Sumitra crushing the pallu between her teeth in an emotional moment, Kausalya placing a finger on Dasaratha's lips to stop him from speaking of his death etc. And then it is detailed at times - and for someone like me who likes scenes to be crisp, it is slightly protracted.
But still it makes for fascinating read. There are many twists and turns, and Banker ends chapters at critical points to move away to another parallel episode, to keep the suspense.
A great read and will be looking for the sequels now.
March 14, 2019
I will be continuing this extremely well-written, interesting retelling of the Ramayana.
I have found that Hindu Mythology is richer and much more complex than the Greek, Roman, and even Norse, Mythologies. It deserves more attention that it has been alloted so far. Therefore I will do my best to read and learn more about it.
As an introduction, I think the Illustrated Retellings series by Devdutt Pattanaik does the job better; however, Prince of Ayodhya does not require any prior knowledge of the epic, so if you are thinking about reading it, go ahead. It is really good.
I have found that Hindu Mythology is richer and much more complex than the Greek, Roman, and even Norse, Mythologies. It deserves more attention that it has been alloted so far. Therefore I will do my best to read and learn more about it.
As an introduction, I think the Illustrated Retellings series by Devdutt Pattanaik does the job better; however, Prince of Ayodhya does not require any prior knowledge of the epic, so if you are thinking about reading it, go ahead. It is really good.
July 8, 2007
This is a retelling of the first book of the Ramayana, the great Indian epic.
I loved it. I read one guy's disappointed comment on Amazon, to the effect that it was supposed to be something like Lord of the Rings, and he hadn't found it that way at all.
One mistake he made was that this isn't a fantasy like LOTR (though in its themes, it is); and the Indian style of myth is very different from other myth tellings. So one has to switch to "Hindu myth mode" for this story. In such myths, the hero is always perfect, there's always ten thousand of this and a hundred thousand of that, and the good guys are always the "greatest" at this or that. It's so foreign to the Western way of portraying characters more realistically.
One might wonder how a good story can even be told about a hero like Rama, who is perfect in dharma and meditation, who is invincible, with divine weapons that always hit their mark, etc. Especially when he had his fortune told at birth, and pretty much everything was laid out in advance. You'd think there wouldn't be much real conflict, or suspense.
But Rama's story is more about the intricacies of dharma -- the law and duties pertaining to one's social position and one's devotion to the gods. The conflicts are really conflicts of duty, resolving the problem of one type of duty clashing with another equally legitimate type.
Anyway. What I really liked about this book was that the mythical characters get fleshed out as real people, to a great extent, even if they are supposedly perfect. When I read the translations of the epic, at university, you'd never see Rama actually making a joke, for example. But he and other characters get to be pretty real in this story.
I found a good review of it here (http://www.thealienonline.net/ao_060....), which had an interesting reminder:
Okay, on one level this all sounds terribly formulaic. We have noble young princes who will discharge their honourable duties to protect the realm of their ailing father. We have the return of an ancient evil many now consider mythical. We even have an ancient, near immortal wise man and sorcerer, the Brahmarishi Vishwamitra, who will complete the training of the princes and take them on a perilous quest. Like The Lord of the Rings we have an evil lord returning with an even vaster army than before. This may make the first book of the Ramayana cycle sound terribly unoriginal, and a couple of reviewers have indeed expressed this opinion.
However, I would have to argue they are being terribly unfair and just a little obtuse - this is a fantasy-novel-narrative version of a Sanskrit myth the original is over 3,000 years old. It is the basis of much of Indian mythology, theology, poetry and art. Far from being unoriginal - it is, in fact, one of the original sources of one of the great myths of mankind. I know little of Indian mythology (plenty about the food though) and I found it astonishing how many themes in this ancient mythological cycle were similar to Greek, Roman, Persian, Norse or Celtic mythology. Basically this novel interpretation showed me how damned near universal some of humanity’s dreams and fears are, from differing ages and differing continents, from the dawn-days of civilisation to modern novels.
Really. One might just as well say is a very late version of a Ramayana-type story.
Oh, and another quick note. Sanskrit terms are used all through the book, with no explanation or translation except a glossary in the back. I didn't have much trouble with them, since I'd studied the epic in two different versions at school. Some can be understood fairly quickly by the context. But anyone who reads this -- keep your finger in the glossary, and be prepared to do a lot of flipping.
I now must pick up the remaining six books.
I loved it. I read one guy's disappointed comment on Amazon, to the effect that it was supposed to be something like Lord of the Rings, and he hadn't found it that way at all.
One mistake he made was that this isn't a fantasy like LOTR (though in its themes, it is); and the Indian style of myth is very different from other myth tellings. So one has to switch to "Hindu myth mode" for this story. In such myths, the hero is always perfect, there's always ten thousand of this and a hundred thousand of that, and the good guys are always the "greatest" at this or that. It's so foreign to the Western way of portraying characters more realistically.
One might wonder how a good story can even be told about a hero like Rama, who is perfect in dharma and meditation, who is invincible, with divine weapons that always hit their mark, etc. Especially when he had his fortune told at birth, and pretty much everything was laid out in advance. You'd think there wouldn't be much real conflict, or suspense.
But Rama's story is more about the intricacies of dharma -- the law and duties pertaining to one's social position and one's devotion to the gods. The conflicts are really conflicts of duty, resolving the problem of one type of duty clashing with another equally legitimate type.
Anyway. What I really liked about this book was that the mythical characters get fleshed out as real people, to a great extent, even if they are supposedly perfect. When I read the translations of the epic, at university, you'd never see Rama actually making a joke, for example. But he and other characters get to be pretty real in this story.
I found a good review of it here (http://www.thealienonline.net/ao_060....), which had an interesting reminder:
Okay, on one level this all sounds terribly formulaic. We have noble young princes who will discharge their honourable duties to protect the realm of their ailing father. We have the return of an ancient evil many now consider mythical. We even have an ancient, near immortal wise man and sorcerer, the Brahmarishi Vishwamitra, who will complete the training of the princes and take them on a perilous quest. Like The Lord of the Rings we have an evil lord returning with an even vaster army than before. This may make the first book of the Ramayana cycle sound terribly unoriginal, and a couple of reviewers have indeed expressed this opinion.
However, I would have to argue they are being terribly unfair and just a little obtuse - this is a fantasy-novel-narrative version of a Sanskrit myth the original is over 3,000 years old. It is the basis of much of Indian mythology, theology, poetry and art. Far from being unoriginal - it is, in fact, one of the original sources of one of the great myths of mankind. I know little of Indian mythology (plenty about the food though) and I found it astonishing how many themes in this ancient mythological cycle were similar to Greek, Roman, Persian, Norse or Celtic mythology. Basically this novel interpretation showed me how damned near universal some of humanity’s dreams and fears are, from differing ages and differing continents, from the dawn-days of civilisation to modern novels.
Really. One might just as well say is a very late version of a Ramayana-type story.
Oh, and another quick note. Sanskrit terms are used all through the book, with no explanation or translation except a glossary in the back. I didn't have much trouble with them, since I'd studied the epic in two different versions at school. Some can be understood fairly quickly by the context. But anyone who reads this -- keep your finger in the glossary, and be prepared to do a lot of flipping.
I now must pick up the remaining six books.
December 4, 2013
One of the most interesting novels I have ever read. Although it is an epic, Banker smoothly translates it into the kind of reading our generation is used to. This book has satisfied my fears of the notion that the Ramayan is slow and way to fantastical to digest. Banker deserves an award!
This series is truly a milestone.
This series is truly a milestone.
March 4, 2021
The mythology and epic adventure in this book were great. I loved reading about all the various asuras and brahmin magic, as well as learning about Rama and the other heroes of the story. It was a bit long, though, and switched constantly between characters, making it a bit choppy. I also struggled with some of the problematic content in this - sexism, ableism, etc., which are likely true to the original. Some other problematic content, like fat-phobia, I couldn't tell if were based on the original or added in for the modern retelling, but definitely didn't work for me. Overall, a good retelling of a classic epic myth, if not exactly my taste.
May 31, 2021
I felt I was watching a written version of the 80s show. Lacking in imagination and character building. Unnecessary use of Hindi in text — few words would make sense but this was a lot. I almost wondered if the author originally wanted to write this novel in Hindi.
My favorite part was world building - loved the details on ayodhya, customs of the time, flora and fauna and all the military tactics. If Banker could have picked up the pace a little bit and added some complexity to the characters I would have gone for the next one in the series .
My favorite part was world building - loved the details on ayodhya, customs of the time, flora and fauna and all the military tactics. If Banker could have picked up the pace a little bit and added some complexity to the characters I would have gone for the next one in the series .
February 2, 2021
3.5/5 stars
as of 2021, i will only be doing full reviews on the story graph (username: noreadingdegree).
as of 2021, i will only be doing full reviews on the story graph (username: noreadingdegree).
February 21, 2022
This modern retelling is simply brilliant.
How much of it is actually true? Well I don't give a Rakshas' ass but boy it felt nice to read a book that read like an epic fantasy novel.
Right from the premonition at the start of the book to the epic conclusion at Kama's Folly, there's magic, action and a little of debauchery.
Definitely need to read the rest of the books.
How much of it is actually true? Well I don't give a Rakshas' ass but boy it felt nice to read a book that read like an epic fantasy novel.
Right from the premonition at the start of the book to the epic conclusion at Kama's Folly, there's magic, action and a little of debauchery.
Definitely need to read the rest of the books.
August 27, 2012
As a big fan of the Ramayana, I have to admit being predisposed to liking this book.
The book does move slowly, as other reviewers have commented, but all for the purpose of becoming acquainted with a large cast of characters at the beginning of a large story and a long series of books. This is epic storytelling, at an epic pace, which is not at all to say that it is a tedious read; you just can't be expecting that the major villain, Ravana, will be defeated, or that he will even make much of an appearance, in this first book.
As a fantasy novel, I like that Prince of Ayodhya has grown out of a different genealogy than the Celtic/Tolkien tradition that still informs so much of the genre, at least for English-speaking markets. This is one story that has helped me realize how much our imaginations can be limited by hearing the same kind of tales over and over again.
The book does move slowly, as other reviewers have commented, but all for the purpose of becoming acquainted with a large cast of characters at the beginning of a large story and a long series of books. This is epic storytelling, at an epic pace, which is not at all to say that it is a tedious read; you just can't be expecting that the major villain, Ravana, will be defeated, or that he will even make much of an appearance, in this first book.
As a fantasy novel, I like that Prince of Ayodhya has grown out of a different genealogy than the Celtic/Tolkien tradition that still informs so much of the genre, at least for English-speaking markets. This is one story that has helped me realize how much our imaginations can be limited by hearing the same kind of tales over and over again.
November 23, 2012
Phew! Thank god it's done. Maybe it's me, but this book totally did not live up to my expectations - especially given that I've read loads of rave reviews! How? I guess it's just me.
It was slow,slow, slow. It just did not capture my interest. The characters were all one sided -white or black with no shades of grey. i felt he tried to make a Harry Potter out of Rama, and the Asuras were all Voldermort's(Ravana) forces, of course. Kaikeyi was super evil, while Kausalya was all pure. I mean, in a retelling, one would have thought there would be more human elements(as in failings, shortcomines, grey areas), but in this book, it was all black and white - I think that put off - a lot.
I know one thing for sure, I'm steering clear of this author - not my reading style at all. I've never been so glad to have finished this book and move on.
It was slow,slow, slow. It just did not capture my interest. The characters were all one sided -white or black with no shades of grey. i felt he tried to make a Harry Potter out of Rama, and the Asuras were all Voldermort's(Ravana) forces, of course. Kaikeyi was super evil, while Kausalya was all pure. I mean, in a retelling, one would have thought there would be more human elements(as in failings, shortcomines, grey areas), but in this book, it was all black and white - I think that put off - a lot.
I know one thing for sure, I'm steering clear of this author - not my reading style at all. I've never been so glad to have finished this book and move on.
December 2, 2024
Being unfamiliar with the original Ramayana I wasn't sure what to expect from this retelling, beyond classic epic themes and possibly some elements of the Hero's Journey. The prologue nearly persuaded me that I could stop right there without learning any more. The cold open runs through a number of slightly anachronistic clichés before pouring into a list of unnecessarily violent details. Fortunately, having got that out of its system, the book then settles down into something more resembling a retelling of a classical epic.
Banker's prose is matter-of-fact and unpretentious, though perhaps more suited to a modern spy thriller than a historical epic. The anachronisms are infrequent but enough to draw the reader out of the story. There is still a tendency to revel in the gorier details and I could not help but feel that the demon threat could have been emphasised better in other ways.
We are introduced to the key figures of the story: Prince Rama, our heroic champion; Maharaja Dasaratha, old and ailing but still powerful; Vishwamitra, the great seer-mage who will be Rama's spiritual guide and mentor. Banker fleshes out their personalities, building them up into more than the faceless names one tends to find in ancient texts, giving them desires and fears and all the other things one expects of a character. It is clear that the author has spent a lot of time with this story, getting to know all the key figures intimately. There is a solidity to them in his telling that one doesn't get from an older work. I assume, then, that Rama's "generic hero" build (you like him but you can't really bring yourself to care) is the result of the source material rather than Banker's own influence. Certainly I found myself far more invested in Dasaratha and Kausalya than the figure who is supposed to be the hero of the piece.
As we work our way through the story, Rama's violent dream in the prologue is revealed to be a prophetic vision of disaster to come. The demon lord Ravana has been building his forces and now plans to assault Ayodhya, Rama's home and the allegedly unconquerable light of civilisation. It's a strong inciting incident and the revelation that adds a palpable level of threat. However the threat falls a little flat in the face of brahman power than renders the wielder inhumanly strong and functionally indestructible .
The plot as it progresses is actually quite engaging (as one would hope from a tale that has survived some three thousand years) but for all the effort of both story and author I just couldn't get fully invested in it. Good enough to keep me turning pages but not enough to keep me from falling asleep on it.
My intention had been to read through to the end of the series. It's an okay book and my interest in the original Ramayana would have been enough to sustain me through it, picking out the bits that are obviously part of the classic. However, having discovered today that this series runs over eight books, I'm not sure I have the enthusiasm to stick with it that long. I think I'll just pick up a copy of the original story instead.
Banker's prose is matter-of-fact and unpretentious, though perhaps more suited to a modern spy thriller than a historical epic. The anachronisms are infrequent but enough to draw the reader out of the story. There is still a tendency to revel in the gorier details and I could not help but feel that the demon threat could have been emphasised better in other ways.
We are introduced to the key figures of the story: Prince Rama, our heroic champion; Maharaja Dasaratha, old and ailing but still powerful; Vishwamitra, the great seer-mage who will be Rama's spiritual guide and mentor. Banker fleshes out their personalities, building them up into more than the faceless names one tends to find in ancient texts, giving them desires and fears and all the other things one expects of a character. It is clear that the author has spent a lot of time with this story, getting to know all the key figures intimately. There is a solidity to them in his telling that one doesn't get from an older work. I assume, then, that Rama's "generic hero" build (you like him but you can't really bring yourself to care) is the result of the source material rather than Banker's own influence. Certainly I found myself far more invested in Dasaratha and Kausalya than the figure who is supposed to be the hero of the piece.
As we work our way through the story, Rama's violent dream in the prologue is revealed to be a prophetic vision of disaster to come. The demon lord Ravana has been building his forces and now plans to assault Ayodhya, Rama's home and the allegedly unconquerable light of civilisation. It's a strong inciting incident and the revelation that adds a palpable level of threat. However the threat falls a little flat in the face of brahman power than renders the wielder inhumanly strong and functionally indestructible .
The plot as it progresses is actually quite engaging (as one would hope from a tale that has survived some three thousand years) but for all the effort of both story and author I just couldn't get fully invested in it. Good enough to keep me turning pages but not enough to keep me from falling asleep on it.
My intention had been to read through to the end of the series. It's an okay book and my interest in the original Ramayana would have been enough to sustain me through it, picking out the bits that are obviously part of the classic. However, having discovered today that this series runs over eight books, I'm not sure I have the enthusiasm to stick with it that long. I think I'll just pick up a copy of the original story instead.
November 10, 2018
I CANNOT WAIT TO GET MY HANDS ON THE NEXT BOOK!
Sorry, I couldn't help but scream out loud. The narration was extremely to my liking. I like my Mythological and Historical Fiction to be detailed and descriptive enough. And this was exactly it. Hats off to Mr Banker for pulling this off much before Mythological Fiction was popularised by the currently ruling writers.
In book #1 of the Ramayana series, Mr Banker introduces the brothers Rama Chandra, Bharat, Lakshman and Shatrugan of Ayodhya as teenagers. They have just returned from their student years at Guru Vashishta's gurukul, and begun to know their family again. But, invisible enemies are at work. Be it Supanaka, Kala Nemi, Mandhara, Ravana himself or even someone much closer to the princes. At this crucial juncture, the Brahmarishi Vishwamitra wants to take the potent Rama Chandra away from his kingdom. Why? Will the ailing Emperor be able to give up his eldest? At what cost?
Like I said before, I CANNOT WAIT TO GET MY HANDS ON THE NEXT BOOK!
Sorry, I couldn't help but scream out loud. The narration was extremely to my liking. I like my Mythological and Historical Fiction to be detailed and descriptive enough. And this was exactly it. Hats off to Mr Banker for pulling this off much before Mythological Fiction was popularised by the currently ruling writers.
In book #1 of the Ramayana series, Mr Banker introduces the brothers Rama Chandra, Bharat, Lakshman and Shatrugan of Ayodhya as teenagers. They have just returned from their student years at Guru Vashishta's gurukul, and begun to know their family again. But, invisible enemies are at work. Be it Supanaka, Kala Nemi, Mandhara, Ravana himself or even someone much closer to the princes. At this crucial juncture, the Brahmarishi Vishwamitra wants to take the potent Rama Chandra away from his kingdom. Why? Will the ailing Emperor be able to give up his eldest? At what cost?
Like I said before, I CANNOT WAIT TO GET MY HANDS ON THE NEXT BOOK!
November 9, 2021
Overall, a good book. The book starts with too much description and a larger than life depiction of everything. That aspect will remain throughout the book it seems. But the overly descriptive part came down and the book pace improved. I like the details of the story provided in the book. I do see an influence of Lord of Rings and other Western magic books in it. But that might be only me:)
January 26, 2022
2022 #12. Amazing retelling of the Ramayana epic. The introduction itself is a big learning experience. The epic encounters at the end make for some amazing reading and looking forward to what's coming next
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2019
Prince of Ayodhya (Ramayana, #1) by Ashok K Banker (Goodreads author) translated by Mahendra Singh Yadav and cover designed by Kunal Kundu. The Book is based on the Great Indian Epic Ramayana by Valmki. In the beginning of the Book, the author's note informs the reasons what prompted him to scribe this Book. The Book is in four Author has thanked epcindia.com for encourageing him to complete the book. The Book has three chapters First Chapter, here the story begins with Jatayu flying over Ayodhya and viewing that Rishi Vishwamitra has left his tapasya imcomplete and is visitng Ayodhya for help in completing his yagna. Ayodhya has been described as the capital of Kosal empore. The fort, gates, waterways, Army formation, protection of the city by police, clenliness, broad and fast flowing Sarayu river, palaces of the King, Guru Vishwamitra, Dasratha, Kaushalya, Kekeyi, Sumitra, Manthra, Ram, Bharat, Lakshman, Shatrughan, Sumantra, Ravana, Shurpanakha, Tadaka, Subahu, Marichi are the prime characters. Ram and his brothers have returned back from Gurukul and are partripating in administration of the empire. The festival of Holi is being celebrated with pomp by organising functions and lunch for city dwellers and visitors. People are comig from far and vide. Vishwamirtra also dresses like an old man and enters Ayodhya. The story covers one day in Ayodhya, eight days of tapasya at Sidda Ashram and journey of Ram and Lakshman to Sidda Ashram with Rishi Vishwamirta. Kalnemi uncleof Ravana, dresses like Rishi Viswamitra and approaches Rishi Vashistha. His fake personality appearss genuine until Vishwamitra challenges him. His is angered and challenges both Vashistha and Vishwamitra. Both Rishis use their celeestial powets and throw Kalnemi to Patal. The books depitcts that Ravana has lsot a war with Ayodhya fought under Dasratha about 25 years earlier. He plans to bribe the border security men and plants 12 Ayodhya elders and members of Kosal cabinet to become his informers. Dasrath is old and weak. As Kekeyi has saved him in war with Ravana, he has married Kekeyi and lives with her, neglecting his other two wives Kaushalya and Sumitra. Ram and his brptjers are abpit 16 years of age. Dasrath realises his fault of negleciting his other two wives and visits the palace of Kaushalya, stays with her and informs her that he will declare Ram his eldest son as hier apparent to the thorne of koaal. Manthra has been depicted as the most cruel villan who is with Ravana and always plans to usurp new problems for Dasrath. Ram and his brothers help in maintaining peace and order in the city. Kekeyi is shown as a weak queen playing in the hands of Manthra. Her aim is that her son Bharta should become King of Kosal after Dasrath. Vashistha convinces Dasrath that in order to complete his yagna, he should provide with the service of Ram to him. Dasrath requests to visit the Rajya sabha and address therm. Vishwamitra exposes the plan of Ravana to attack Ayodhya and also indicates the twelve darbaris who have shifted to Ravana camp and act as his informers. Dasrath informs Vishwamitra that Ram is property of the prople o Ayodhya and he should request the prople to allow Ram to go with him. Vsihwamitra adress the people and they permit with one voice that Ram should go with the Rsihi for a great work. Lakshman requests Dasrath to allow him to go with Ram. Dasrath permits. Both Brothers leave with Vishwamirta. Dasrath asks his warror core to follow them from distance and help only when necessary. Chapter Two- The three walk through the day . Vishwamitra gives two Vidhya Mantras- BAl and Atibal to both Ram and Lakshman. These Vidya Mantra strengten the human body against weather, necessity of food and knowledge of celestial weapons. They reach Anang Ashram where they spend the night. In the morning they move by a bamboo made boat towards his Ashram. Here on their arrival, army of Tadka's army attacks them. Tadaka is described as Queen of the forest area south of Kosal. Tadaka is an agent of Ravana but she does not allow any of General's of Ravana to control her. She does not allow any of Ravana's people to settle in the south forest. Her men have merged with animals of the area and have created a new tribe of half men and half animals who are dangerous. Vishwamitra is coverd with a blue light cover which is effect of his Tapasya. He is invincible. He chants mantra of power to bows of Ram and Lakshman who fight with thier increased might because of Mantra Bal and Atibal. Ram and Lakshman face their backs to each other and face the attack. They are able to defeat one army line. Second line attacks. Second team, Ram is with bow and arrow but Lakshman is close of the enemy rank so he uses his sword to attack them. One of the devil like animals graps his sword which cannot be pulled back. Lakshan is without weapons. He is attacked, he falls, parts of his body is eaten by the animal like army. Ram is able to defeat the rest of the army. Their quivers are filled by new arrows by Vishwamitra's mantras. Just then Tadaka appears on the battle scene. It is mentioned in the Book that she is naked and wears fragrant flowers. Vishwamitra informs Ram that the Rakashas are weak during the day and most weak during mid day aTAdand it is proper time to kill Tadaka. Ram replies that as she is a woman, he is trained in his Guru that women should be protected and not killed. Vishwamitra again informs Ram that Lakshman has been killed by the opponent army and what is his next plan. Ram prays that his brother be given life. Vishwamitra informs Ram tht he has to take the life of Tadaka and he will bring back life to Lakshman. Ram agrees and fires 7 arrows at various parts of her body. The arrows are small according to the size of Tadaka. She pulls out the arrows and throws them on the ground. But as the arros are celestial weapons, the arrows start buring her body and soon she falls and dies of burns in her body. Vishwamitra bring Lakshman to life. The army sent by Dashratha to pursue Ram and his team also arrives at the spot and witnesses the war between Ram and the army of Tadaka. Lakshman is weak and so Vishwamitra orders that Laksman should be carried on the chariot to his Siddh Ashram. Vishwamitra informs Ram that he wants to start his Yagna next morning and complete ti in a period of 7 days. They rest in the night and the next day early morning the yagna is started. Ram and Lakshman protect the yagna. By the mantra Bal and Atibal, they are able to control their sleep and need for food. Their bodies are strong and they are not tired because of lack of sleep. Tadaka's son Subahu and relative Maricha and their army attack them on the seventh day. Ram and Laksman are able to defeat them. Subahu is killed while Maricha is thrown a big distance away near the sea. The yanga is completed successfully. Vishwamitra blesses them and also blesses the Ayodhya army who is also waiting. Chapter 3- Vishwamitra informs the Ayodhya army that Ram and Lakshman will move with him to Janakpur and the army should return back to Ayodhya and inform King Dashratha about the completion of his yagna and welcome them back at Ayodhya. Vajra the commandant and his army returns towards Ayodhya. On the way, Shurpanakha is waiting in the dark moutains for them. She has witnessed the war with TAdaka. She wants to marry Ram. Her brother Ravama has given her his consent.The Kosal army prepares a strategy to attack the Rakshasas led by Shurpanakha. She foils their plan is able to kill the Ayodhya army.
Analysis- Narendra Kohli has started to write on both great Indian epics- Ramayana and Mahabharata. His books were accepted and liked by the readers. He analysed the story with reason and convinced that Ram was not God but a human being and with his sincereity and knowledge he could achieve success. Ashok K Banker has analysed Ramayana in his own way. Celestial powers and celestial arms and ammunition are available with Vishwamitra and with Ravana also. Ravana and his army are able to change - increase and decrease the size of their body. While for Narendra Kohli each super natural is explained in the story as a human work, in this book, super natural powers are considerd to have been given to Ravana as Vardan after his long tapasya. He has achieved them and is now using it in a negative way to expand his empire. He recruits spys in Kosal Darbar. He recrutirs Manthra with his super natural powers. Villans - Ravana and his army men and women- Shurpanakha, TAdaka are cruel and are trained in warfare. Manthra beats Kekeyi and controls her to retain her as an obedient person. Shurpanakha has also done tapasya because she can see that Ram and Lakshman have been bestowed with Matra Bal and Atibal by Vishwamitra. The power of mantra Bal and Atibal is shown that Ram and Lakshman are engaged in repelling the large Takaka army single handed.
About modern publishers- The Book Third chapter is incomplete showing that the reader must purchase Volume 2 and the other volumes for reading. Heading of the Chapters do not show what they contain but it shows continuation with the story in the next volume of the book. Sarayu river has been shown as a large water body falling in the sea. Thus Ravana is able to plana the next attack on Kosal empire by moving his army throogh ships. Ashok k Banker is a good reads author. The book is good read for all. Hinid translation is effective. The cover page by Mr Kundu is impressive. It is a must read book for all.
Comparing this book with Amish Tripathi's Ramchandra Series- we find that Amish has developed the hypothesis that use of celestial weapons is improper. Whoever human being uses them shall have to go and live in exile for 14 years. while in the Book by Banker, celestial weapons are used by Ram and Laksman against Tadaka's army.
Analysis- Narendra Kohli has started to write on both great Indian epics- Ramayana and Mahabharata. His books were accepted and liked by the readers. He analysed the story with reason and convinced that Ram was not God but a human being and with his sincereity and knowledge he could achieve success. Ashok K Banker has analysed Ramayana in his own way. Celestial powers and celestial arms and ammunition are available with Vishwamitra and with Ravana also. Ravana and his army are able to change - increase and decrease the size of their body. While for Narendra Kohli each super natural is explained in the story as a human work, in this book, super natural powers are considerd to have been given to Ravana as Vardan after his long tapasya. He has achieved them and is now using it in a negative way to expand his empire. He recruits spys in Kosal Darbar. He recrutirs Manthra with his super natural powers. Villans - Ravana and his army men and women- Shurpanakha, TAdaka are cruel and are trained in warfare. Manthra beats Kekeyi and controls her to retain her as an obedient person. Shurpanakha has also done tapasya because she can see that Ram and Lakshman have been bestowed with Matra Bal and Atibal by Vishwamitra. The power of mantra Bal and Atibal is shown that Ram and Lakshman are engaged in repelling the large Takaka army single handed.
About modern publishers- The Book Third chapter is incomplete showing that the reader must purchase Volume 2 and the other volumes for reading. Heading of the Chapters do not show what they contain but it shows continuation with the story in the next volume of the book. Sarayu river has been shown as a large water body falling in the sea. Thus Ravana is able to plana the next attack on Kosal empire by moving his army throogh ships. Ashok k Banker is a good reads author. The book is good read for all. Hinid translation is effective. The cover page by Mr Kundu is impressive. It is a must read book for all.
Comparing this book with Amish Tripathi's Ramchandra Series- we find that Amish has developed the hypothesis that use of celestial weapons is improper. Whoever human being uses them shall have to go and live in exile for 14 years. while in the Book by Banker, celestial weapons are used by Ram and Laksman against Tadaka's army.
March 25, 2013
I have been on a mythological trip for a while now. Realized one day that I know precious little about the mythological heritage of our country. So I set out to understand what exactly all the hoopla is about.
For a novice, the first 2 stories that come to one’s mind when spoken the word ‘mythology’ are – “The Mahabharata” and “The Ramayana”. I spoke to a few people about which books to read to gain understanding on these subjects. The whole journey started with my copy of “Jaya – A retelling of the Mahabharata” by Devdutt Pattanaik. It has been 3 years thence. And the trip continues.
My subject here is to speak about the Ramayana series by Ashok Banker. It is a series of 8 books, detailing the ‘travels of Rama’ or more literally, ‘The Ramyana’. I am now reading the 4th installment in the series. Since I am right in the thick of the action, I thought this to be the right time to write a review on the series.
The Ramayana was originally divided into chapters called ‘Kaands’. Ashok Banker, however, deviates from that. His story is more mellifluous. It just flows. “The Prince of Ayodhya”, is a book of the stories of the great king Dasharatha, of his victories and vices, about the unbreakable bond between the princes of Ayodhya, about the fragile relationships between the king and his 3 queens, about the never ending war between the Devas and the Asuras, and of course, the mortals, forever stuck in between the two.
It all happens around Holi day. The signs are ominous. On one hand, the kingdom celebrates, on the other, the king’s health deteriorates. He must decide upon a successor to his kingdom and decides to announce it to his ‘praja’ on the auspicious day of Holi. But, alas, that was not to be. Rama, the oldest prince of Ayodhya, has just returned from his years of tutelage in the ashram of Guru Vashistha. He is still adjusting to the life of a prince, after the years spent amidst nature.
However, there is a lot lurking behind the scenes. Rama repeatedly comes across a doe wherever he goes; his strange connection to the creature; he, feeling like someone is watching him, ALWAYS. The sudden appearance of the revered Sage Vishwamitra. These and some more incidents, leaves one with a feeling that something is about to happen. Something big. Not necessarily good.
The book ends with the brothers, Rama and Lakshmana, leaving their home with Sage Vishwamitra into a feared land to accomplish a task, which they have been ordained to perform.
The book is a stark contrast from the other versions of the same story I have read before. Usually these stories end up being laden with countless names, their relations with each other and numerous incidents, one after the other. On one account, I had to re-read the previous pages of a book just to establish the relation of a character with another one. In short, it gets confusing. This book reads like a story. The story unfolds slowly, with enough emphasis given to each character.
The best part of the book is the foreword. The vision of the author is encapsulated beautifully in these 15 odd pages. I love cross references. I like to read different versions of the same things, in different scriptures. In the foreword, the author speaks about the different versions of the Ramayana available and how each one has taken their own liberties, to retell the same story! It fascinated me entirely!
Having said that, this book is meant to be a speed-read. There is a lot of unnecessary detailing of not-so-significant incidents or characters. May be the author just wanted the book to be over 500 pages and just kept adding stuff to fill the pages up. That was a let down.
The book is full of “quote worthy” lines. At the end of it, I still remember everything about the book, remember all the characters, did not have to go back to the book even once to re-check who-is-who. So yeah, it’s a win for me.
For more, visit bit.ly/X7iKzm
For a novice, the first 2 stories that come to one’s mind when spoken the word ‘mythology’ are – “The Mahabharata” and “The Ramayana”. I spoke to a few people about which books to read to gain understanding on these subjects. The whole journey started with my copy of “Jaya – A retelling of the Mahabharata” by Devdutt Pattanaik. It has been 3 years thence. And the trip continues.
My subject here is to speak about the Ramayana series by Ashok Banker. It is a series of 8 books, detailing the ‘travels of Rama’ or more literally, ‘The Ramyana’. I am now reading the 4th installment in the series. Since I am right in the thick of the action, I thought this to be the right time to write a review on the series.
The Ramayana was originally divided into chapters called ‘Kaands’. Ashok Banker, however, deviates from that. His story is more mellifluous. It just flows. “The Prince of Ayodhya”, is a book of the stories of the great king Dasharatha, of his victories and vices, about the unbreakable bond between the princes of Ayodhya, about the fragile relationships between the king and his 3 queens, about the never ending war between the Devas and the Asuras, and of course, the mortals, forever stuck in between the two.
It all happens around Holi day. The signs are ominous. On one hand, the kingdom celebrates, on the other, the king’s health deteriorates. He must decide upon a successor to his kingdom and decides to announce it to his ‘praja’ on the auspicious day of Holi. But, alas, that was not to be. Rama, the oldest prince of Ayodhya, has just returned from his years of tutelage in the ashram of Guru Vashistha. He is still adjusting to the life of a prince, after the years spent amidst nature.
However, there is a lot lurking behind the scenes. Rama repeatedly comes across a doe wherever he goes; his strange connection to the creature; he, feeling like someone is watching him, ALWAYS. The sudden appearance of the revered Sage Vishwamitra. These and some more incidents, leaves one with a feeling that something is about to happen. Something big. Not necessarily good.
The book ends with the brothers, Rama and Lakshmana, leaving their home with Sage Vishwamitra into a feared land to accomplish a task, which they have been ordained to perform.
The book is a stark contrast from the other versions of the same story I have read before. Usually these stories end up being laden with countless names, their relations with each other and numerous incidents, one after the other. On one account, I had to re-read the previous pages of a book just to establish the relation of a character with another one. In short, it gets confusing. This book reads like a story. The story unfolds slowly, with enough emphasis given to each character.
The best part of the book is the foreword. The vision of the author is encapsulated beautifully in these 15 odd pages. I love cross references. I like to read different versions of the same things, in different scriptures. In the foreword, the author speaks about the different versions of the Ramayana available and how each one has taken their own liberties, to retell the same story! It fascinated me entirely!
Having said that, this book is meant to be a speed-read. There is a lot of unnecessary detailing of not-so-significant incidents or characters. May be the author just wanted the book to be over 500 pages and just kept adding stuff to fill the pages up. That was a let down.
The book is full of “quote worthy” lines. At the end of it, I still remember everything about the book, remember all the characters, did not have to go back to the book even once to re-check who-is-who. So yeah, it’s a win for me.
For more, visit bit.ly/X7iKzm
January 17, 2026
Mission 2026: Binge reviewing all previous Reads, I was too slothful to review back when I read them
Banker’s ‘Prince of Ayodhya’ is a book I remember reading with a mixture of excitement, impatience, and gradual recalibration, because it demands that you let go of the Ramayana you think you know before it gives you the one it wants to tell. Revisiting it in memory now, what stands out most is Banker’s determination to reclaim the epic as narrative momentum rather than a devotional artifact. This is Ram, not as a distant moral ideal but as a young prince shaped by duty, affection, doubt, and the heavy machinery of destiny beginning to turn around him. Banker writes with cinematic sweep, borrowing unapologetically from fantasy epics and modern storytelling rhythms, and at times this works brilliantly: Ayodhya feels lived-in, politics feel consequential, and exile looms not as an abstraction but as a personal rupture. At the same time, the prose can feel overwrought, eager to impress, and occasionally mistaking scale for depth. Yet there is something undeniably sincere beneath the excess. Banker is not parodying the epic; he is trying to make it emotionally legible for a contemporary reader raised on Tolkien and television rather than oral tradition and shloka. What interested me most is how the book foregrounds power and inheritance: kingship here is not sanctified but negotiated, vulnerable to intrigue, resentment, and ambition. Dharma is present, but it is not yet crystallized; it is something Ram must grow into rather than embody effortlessly. Reading ‘Prince of Ayodhya’ now, I appreciate it less as a definitive retelling and more as a cultural bridge, a work that helped many readers re-enter an epic they had been taught to revere but not necessarily to read. It may lack the linguistic austerity or philosophical density of the original, but it compensates with accessibility and narrative urgency. The book’s lasting value, for me, lies in that impulse: to treat the Ramayana not as a museum piece or ideological weapon, but as a living story, imperfectly retold, still capable of provoking imagination, debate, and emotional investment.
Most enjoyable and recommended.
Banker’s ‘Prince of Ayodhya’ is a book I remember reading with a mixture of excitement, impatience, and gradual recalibration, because it demands that you let go of the Ramayana you think you know before it gives you the one it wants to tell. Revisiting it in memory now, what stands out most is Banker’s determination to reclaim the epic as narrative momentum rather than a devotional artifact. This is Ram, not as a distant moral ideal but as a young prince shaped by duty, affection, doubt, and the heavy machinery of destiny beginning to turn around him. Banker writes with cinematic sweep, borrowing unapologetically from fantasy epics and modern storytelling rhythms, and at times this works brilliantly: Ayodhya feels lived-in, politics feel consequential, and exile looms not as an abstraction but as a personal rupture. At the same time, the prose can feel overwrought, eager to impress, and occasionally mistaking scale for depth. Yet there is something undeniably sincere beneath the excess. Banker is not parodying the epic; he is trying to make it emotionally legible for a contemporary reader raised on Tolkien and television rather than oral tradition and shloka. What interested me most is how the book foregrounds power and inheritance: kingship here is not sanctified but negotiated, vulnerable to intrigue, resentment, and ambition. Dharma is present, but it is not yet crystallized; it is something Ram must grow into rather than embody effortlessly. Reading ‘Prince of Ayodhya’ now, I appreciate it less as a definitive retelling and more as a cultural bridge, a work that helped many readers re-enter an epic they had been taught to revere but not necessarily to read. It may lack the linguistic austerity or philosophical density of the original, but it compensates with accessibility and narrative urgency. The book’s lasting value, for me, lies in that impulse: to treat the Ramayana not as a museum piece or ideological weapon, but as a living story, imperfectly retold, still capable of provoking imagination, debate, and emotional investment.
Most enjoyable and recommended.
September 3, 2013
After finish reading the book, I did a quick search online for the other titles in the series. Wikipedia, where I first landed, mentions this Ramayana series as one that is "credited with resurgence of mythology in Indian publishing". When you portray the likes of Vasishta and Vishwamitra as the ultimate bad-ass wizards making Gandalf and Dumbledore look like 8 year olds in Halloween constumes, you certainly are going to attract attention from the young generation of readers. (yet, it was strange to find Wikipedia without dedicated pages for some of the books in the series).Although moving at a brisk pace, the retelling of the epic does not come close to the standards of similar works such as the 'Lord of the Rings' series. But then, it is simply not fair to compare in spite of our vain desire for ranking and comparison. If the epic Ramayana is to be rendered with the same splendorous detail and generous imagery as Tolkien did, then even eight bulky volumes would not suffice. Overall, I must say it is indeed an epic-making effort by the author. For those having no knowledge of the original Ramayana story, I would like to break the news, if not already broken through some other means, that the lead protagonist Rama is an incarnation of the Almighty himself. So, don't expect much trouble in the journey.
January 17, 2014
My love for all things mythological and historical led me to pick up "The Prince of Ayodhya", although I wasn't sure since This was something we have grown up reading and what new aspect will I find in it.... The first feeling I got while going through this book was as if I was watching a Bollywood flick. This is not just because of the very visual treatment of the story but also because of the dramatisation of each incident. Not to mention the almost "black and white" characterisation and references to sensual and sexual episodes.... The storytelling, however is quite gripping. I am looking forward to go through the rest of the series in expectations of some magic, especially in the encounters with "The Dark Lord"....
Read
July 28, 2011What can one say about a book based on the Ramayana? This was only book 1 of 6, and if the others are anywhere near as good as this one, then Ashok Banker is a genius.
His descriptions of Ayodhya, of the royal family, of the brahmins and all aspects of life as he imagines the Ramayan to be are awesome.
I had always wanted to read an easy version of the Ramayan, and thanks again to Amitabh for the recommendation.
Bring on the rest!
His descriptions of Ayodhya, of the royal family, of the brahmins and all aspects of life as he imagines the Ramayan to be are awesome.
I had always wanted to read an easy version of the Ramayan, and thanks again to Amitabh for the recommendation.
Bring on the rest!
August 7, 2012
This series was just amazing! It re-tells the ancient Sanskrit epic in such an awesome way and the imagery was painted beautifully. This story has everything from romance to adventure to fantasy. I honestly did not know this story was from Hindu scripture at the time I read it which makes it all the more amazing.
July 19, 2008
This book begins slowly with horrible images of war. I began to appreciate it more as the story progresses and describes the Odyssey-like journey of Rama. The book does a really good job presenting some of the myths of India.
February 28, 2008
renewed my interest in hindu mythology!! great way of putting the ancient tale!
October 18, 2010
I did enjoy this first book of the retelling of the Ramayana and plan to find out more about the original epic!
March 22, 2012
I rate this book few good notches above Immortals of Meluha & Secret of the Nagas. For, the auther Ashok Banker's sheer mastery in creating the 3D vision for the re-telling is commendable.
July 31, 2017
This is an amazing rendition of ancient tale told in a bit more contemporary fashion
June 4, 2017
This is the first time I read a book by Ashok Banker. As someone who grew up on the Indian mythological epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata, I was unsure about my expectations. Will the author provoke his readers and challenge long held beliefs? What kind of literary novelty will he pursue to retell a well known epic ? At the end it turned out that Banker just merely wrapped the epic with a superficial storyline with endless details bereft of any thought provoking narrative. Some of his writing attempted to paint the daily lives of royalty and citizen but lacked imagination and maturity and a naive projection of the past. Some of the actual lines of the royal family and their community seemed to be straight from the popular soap versions. Did the characters speak in popular Hindi back then ? There was hardly any departure from the known plot line except for a couple of them. I personally didn't realize from my reading of the more popular versions that Manthara the hunchbacked maid of the second queen was a double agent for Ravana. Also unknown to me was the fact that Lakshman - Ramas younger brother and trusted companion - died in the battle with Tataka and had to be resurrected. Everything else fell back in place like in the epic and while the author used parallel plot lines to create an interesting pace, overall the book read disappointingly.
August 6, 2021
Banker has done a great job rendering the finer details of Ramayana. This is the first-ever Ramayana book I picked up in hopes of learning a few lessons from our scriptures.
However, this is a book for the casual fiction reader who wants a dramatic angle to the lore. Also in 500 pages, he covers only the part where Ram and Laxman slay Tataka and her sons in Bhayanak-Van which is a bit of a disappointment.
However, I have to laud the imaginative creativity by which the story is illustrated.
I will update if I pick up part 2.
However, this is a book for the casual fiction reader who wants a dramatic angle to the lore. Also in 500 pages, he covers only the part where Ram and Laxman slay Tataka and her sons in Bhayanak-Van which is a bit of a disappointment.
However, I have to laud the imaginative creativity by which the story is illustrated.
I will update if I pick up part 2.
March 28, 2020
As a detailed modern account of he Ramayana saga it’s very detailed and goes into many of the side stories and plots that are often skimmed over. However it needs tighter editing. It’s simply too long winded and plots take far too long to unwind. If it was about 30% shorter it would have been fantastic. I can’t see myself reading the whole series.
And yes I know the Ramayana, Mahabharata and related histories and back stories. I just think this retelling needs to be tighter.
And yes I know the Ramayana, Mahabharata and related histories and back stories. I just think this retelling needs to be tighter.
December 20, 2019
3.5 Stars.
Very well written. The original narrative has been modified considerably to appeal to the modern reader, I presume. It does sound incongruous and plain weird, at times. But still, definitely worth a read for those new to the genre as well as the well-initiated. A strong influence of LOTR can be seen on the plot and setting.
Very well written. The original narrative has been modified considerably to appeal to the modern reader, I presume. It does sound incongruous and plain weird, at times. But still, definitely worth a read for those new to the genre as well as the well-initiated. A strong influence of LOTR can be seen on the plot and setting.
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