Mytho-fiction retellings of Ramayana everyone should read

Ramayana is one of the world's oldest epics and has endured the test of time. Put forward through oral narrations, books, short stories, children’s books and many more, Ramayana’s significance is much more than a Hindu epic. While Ramayana is the tale of the virtuous Lord Rama, with time, several other perspectives have come into place in the form of fiction. A tale narrated by Mata Sita, one by Ravana and his asura army, and many more. Here we list some modern retellings of the Ramayana narrated through different perspectives.

In his book ‘Valmiki’s Women’, author Anand Neelakantan offers a fresh perspective on the often-overlooked female characters. He explores intriguing questions, such as whether King Dasharatha's sons would exist without his daughter Shanta's sacrifice and whether Manthara, the handmaid to the queen, was merely an evil woman or a protective mother figure. The book covers and talks about the roles played by women, in a majorly men-centric Ramayana, as lovers, sisters, wives and mothers.

(Image: Westland)

Acclaimed mytho-fiction author Amish Tripathi started the Ram Chandra series in 2015. The series comprises backstories of the key characters of Ramayana, Lord Ram, Mata Sita and the demon king Ravana. The first book, 'Scion of Ikshvaku' narrates Lord Ram's journey from his birth to Sita's abduction. The second book, 'Sita: Warrior of Mithila', tells the story of Mata Sita. From a princess warrior to a kidnapped wife, while the third book 'Raavan: Enemy of Aryavarta' is Ravana's story, from a difficult childhood to why he abducted Sita. The fourth book aptly titled 'War of Lanka' takes the story ahead, till the major war between Lord Ram and demon King Ravana. The fifth book in the series is yet to be published.

(Image: HarperCollins India)

Anand Neelakantan’s, ‘Asura’ is a story of the unknown and untold. The book is the untold perspective of those who were defeated in the epic tale of Ramayana, Ravana, and the asuras. Oppressed for thousands of years, 'Asura' is the voice of the silent and defeated Ravana army. In this book, Neelakantan retells the Ramayana, but through Ravana's point of view.

(Image: Leadtsart Publishing)

Bhanumathi Narasimhan’s story provides a heartfelt account of Sita, the beloved Mithila princess. The book is Sita’s perspective on the world, her deep love for Lord Rama, her life of sacrifice, and her enduring grace. Through Sita's perspective, readers experience her emotions and thoughts, knowing more about her character as a woman rather than as the wife of Lord Rama. The book is about the true strength of a woman, making her story relatable and moving.

(Image: Penguin eBury Press)

Kavita Kané's ‘Lanka's Princess’ is an account of the character of Surpanakha, often seen as Ravana’s sister who caused the Lanka war. The book reimagines her as Meenakshi, a woman born with beautiful eyes and destined for a different path. Misunderstood as a manipulator in the events that led to the war and her family's destruction, Surpanakha's story is one filled with misery and revenge. The book explores if Surpanakha should really be put to blame for the war or if she was just a victim in the cruel, prideful world.

(Image: Rupa Publications India)

‘The Forest of Enchantments’ by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is a retelling of the timeless epic, the Ramayana, with a focus on Sita's perspective. Placing Sita at the heart of the story, the novel explores her experiences, from a kidnapped wife to an abandoned mother and the struggles of other marginalized women in the story, including Kaikeyi, Surpanakha, and Mandodari. The book is about duty, betrayal and honour while highlighting the ongoing battle for women's autonomy in a world that often favors men.

(Image: HarperCollins India)

‘Sita’s Ramayana’ by Samhita Arni is a graphic novel adaptation of the ancient Indian legend, ‘The Ramayana’. The book offers a visually captivating story from Sita’s perspective and explores the themes of right versus wrong, compassion, loyalty, trust and the devastating toll of war on women, children, animals and the environment. Following Sita's capture by the demon King Ravana, Lord Rama, aided by Hanuman and other allies, embarked on a rescue mission. Yet, even after her rescue, Sita faces a trial to prove her innocence.

(Image: Tara Books)