R. K. Narayan's The Ramayana garners praise for its accessibility and skillful retelling of the ancient epic. Readers appreciate Narayan's engaging narrative style, which preserves cultural significance while making the story approachable. However, some critics note that the abridged nature may omit depth found in the original text. Overall, it's seen as a compelling introduction to a classic.

A reader who enjoys The Ramayana by R. K. Narayan appreciates richly woven mythological tales and epic narratives rooted in Indian culture. Suitable for fans of The Mahabharata and The Odyssey, this classic appeals to those who relish timeless stories of heroism, duty, and divine intervention.

In R. K. Narayan’s The Ramayana, Rama, the prince of Kosala, is exiled for 14 years due to palace intrigue by his stepmother, Kaikeyi. Accompanied by his wife, Sita, and brother, Lakshmana, Rama faces numerous challenges, including Sita’s abduction by the demon king Ravana. With help from allies like Hanuman, Rama wages a valiant battle to rescue Sita and ultimately returns to reclaim the throne.

Adventurous / Inspirational / Fantastical / Romantic / Emotional

- R. K. Narayan's The Ramayana is an English-language retelling that distills the ancient Indian epic into a more accessible narrative while retaining its rich mythological context.
- Narayan's adaptation was influenced by a conversation with renowned scholar C. Rajagopalachari, who advised him to introduce Indian legends to Western audiences.
- The book captures the essence of the original epic while reflecting Narayan's characteristic storytelling style, marked by clarity and gentle humor.

**Rama**  
A prince of Kosala and a human incarnation of the god Vishnu, known for his strength, virtue, and trials he encounters during his exile in the forest.

**Lakshmana**  
Rama’s devoted half-brother who accompanies him into exile, known for his loyalty and valuable skills, including building shelters and defending against enemies.

**Sita**  
Rama’s beautiful and virtuous wife, daughter of King Janaka, who follows Rama into exile and is later kidnapped, demonstrating courage and devotion throughout her trials.

**Dasaratha**  
The gentle and kind king of Ayodhya, father of Rama, whose attachment to his son deeply affects him when Rama is exiled.

**Kaikeyi**  
Dasaratha’s third wife who uses her granted promises to send Rama into exile, aiming to place her son Bharatha on the throne.

**Bharatha**  
Son of Kaikeyi and Dasaratha, initially unaware of his mother’s schemes, who respects Rama and reluctantly accepts the kingdom in his brother’s absence.

**Sugreeva**  
The king of the monkeys of Kiskinda, who allies with Rama to rescue Sita yet struggles with power and fulfills his promise with the help of Rama’s guidance.

**Hanuman**  
A giant shape-shifting monkey and the son of the god of the wind, who plays a key role in assisting Rama in the rescue of Sita with his cleverness and strength.

**Ravana**  
The ten-headed demon ruler of Lanka, known for his vast power and his role as an antagonist who captivates Sita, setting the stage for the epic conflict.

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The Ramayana: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic

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