Valmiki’s Ramayana

• The epic follows Rama after his exile from Ayodhya, accompanied by Sita and Lakshmana. Their life in the forest is disrupted when Ravana abducts Sita, leading Rama into an extraordinary journey involving allies, battles and moral challenges. Sattar presents the ancient narrative in accessible contemporary English while retaining its literary and philosophical depth.

• Arshia Sattar holds a PhD in South Asian Languages and Civilizations from the University of Chicago. She teaches classical Indian literature and is known for her translations and interpretations of Sanskrit literary traditions, particularly the Ramayana.

The Ramayana follows Prince Rama, who is exiled from Ayodhya because of a promise made by his father to his stepmother. Rama accepts his exile and is accompanied by his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. After Ravana abducts Sita, Rama begins a long quest to rescue her, gathering allies and confronting powerful enemies along the way. The epic explores duty, loyalty, love, sacrifice, righteousness and the tension between Rama's divine identity and his very human struggles.