In Whose Ramayana is it anyway? Natasha Sarkar offers a fascinating insight into the multifaceted journey of the Indian epic Ramayana in Southeast Asia. Sarkar carefully navigates the cultural landscapes and artistic interpretations that shaped this timeless piece, shedding light on its transformations and influences.

Title-Whose Ramayana is it anyway?

Author-Natasha Sarkar

Format-Hardcover

Date published:29.02.2024

Edition-1st ed.

Publisher-Mapin Publishing Pvt. Ltd.

Language-English

Number of Pages: 144

Audience: General Adult

Dimensions (cm): 26.04 x 20.32 x 2.2

Weight (kg): 0.38

Sarkar carefully blends scholarship with the visual arts, revealing a rich canvas of traditions that embrace the Ramayana, and show its profound impact on various cultures. A hundred stunning watercolours elevate the reading experience, providing readers with visual feasts to aid the messaging.

The book’s unique feature is its examination of the spread of Ramayana in the different regions and religious traditions. Sarkar eloquently traces the epic’s journey across land and sea, highlighting its cultural immersion. Sarkar explains how the Ramayana transcended geographical and religious boundaries to become a universal cultural phenomenon, from Islamic traditions in Indonesia and Malaysia to Buddhist lectures in Thailand and Cambodia.

A particularly insightful chapter, “One Saga, Many Hands,” delves into the complexities surrounding the origins of the Ramayana. Sarkar deftly navigates through mythological interpretations, except for the belief of textual originality, questions and emphasises the power of the oral way of life. Sarkar highlights its enduring relevance in cutting-edge society by displaying the dynamics of retelling and adaptation of the Ramayana.

Whose Ramayana is it anyway? serves as a compelling testament to the long-lasting legacy of the Indian epic, inviting readers to embark on a charming adventure through time and space. Natasha Sarkar’s masterful mixture of scholarship and artistry gives a fresh perspective on the Ramayana, reaffirming its status as a cultural touchstone that transcends boundaries and resonates throughout generations.