A Woman's Ramayana: Candravati's Bengali Epic

The Rmyaa, an Indian epic, is one of the world's best-loved stories. Made available in English for the first time, this version by a female poet from Bengal is very direct, touching, timely, and accessible. The three-part poem, is a highly individual rendition of the ancient epic inasmuch as instead of celebrating masculine heroism it laments the suffering of women caught in the play of male ego. This translation and commentary on the text by one of the most prominent Rmyaa scholars Mandakranta Bose and Sarika Bose present readers with an alternative view of the traditional tale. It expands the understanding both of the history of women's self-expression in India and the cultural potency of the epic tale. The book will be of interest to students and researchers interested in South Asian studies, Rmyaa studies and women's and gender studies.