Throughout Indian history, many authors and performers have produced, and many patrons have supported, diverse tellings of the story of the exiled prince Rama, who rescues his abducted wife by battling the demon king who has imprisoned her. The contributors to this volume focus on these "many" Ramayanas. While most scholars continue to rely on Valmiki's Sanskrit Ramayana as the authoritative version of the tale, the contributors to this volume do not. Their essays demonstrate the multivocal nature of the Ramayana by highlighting its variations according to historical period, political context, regional literary tradition, religious affiliation, intended audience, and genre. Socially marginal groups in Indian society—Telugu women, for example, or Untouchables from Madhya Pradesh—have recast the Rama story to reflect their own views of the world, while in other hands the epic has become the basis for teachings about spiritual liberation or the demand for political separatism. Historians of religion, scholars of South Asia, folklorists, cultural anthropologists—all will find here refreshing perspectives on this tale.

*** Receive the Kindle Edition FREE when you purchase the Paperback*** Mermaids, Demons, Gods... It is 8000 years B.C. Sita Devi, the wife of Lord Rama has been abducted by the Demon King Raavana. Hanuman, the Ape hero, is tasked with building a bridge to facilitate the invasion of Lanka. The expedition is however brought to a halt by the workings of the Mer-People who inhabit the Indian Ocean. Will Hanuman be able to overcome their enchantments and complete his task? Who is the mysterious Mer-Queen? What part has she to play in this epic war? Is all fair in love and war? The Ramayana is a Hindu Epic as old and as famous as Homer's Odyssey. However, it is not as well retold in Western Literature. Taking inspiration from the Ramakien (the Thai version of the Hindu tale) this novella will reveal hidden secrets that will entertain and amaze you.... If you are a lover of Mythology, History or Fantasy - then this is for YOU!***FREE on Kindle Unlimited and Prime Reading******Includes Places to Visit in Sri Lanka, linked to the Myth*** GOODREADS REVIEW (James Maxstadt - Author)Raavana's Daughter is, according to the author, inspired by the Ramakien, the Thai version of the Ramayana. It's an ancient story that I have only a passing familiarity with, if that. This short book makes me want to know more about it.The story is very well written, and reads like a myth, but with modern, updated language. It is very, very well done. Although short, it is more than worth your time to pick it up and give it a read. Even though it's for a YA audience, I can't imagine anyone who enjoys fantasy or mythology not liking it.

Between Tongues takes the subject of performance translation in a completely new direction. While the topic is often discussed in relation to the translation of dramatic texts, such as Shakespeare in Malay, the authors in this collection examine presentations of traditional and contemporary works in Asia in their original languages before audiences who do not share that language. They also discuss translation as a phenomenon inherent to much performance in Asia, particularly in multilingual settings.

Examines a variety of dolls throughout the world, discussing how they have been used at different times and how they reflect the cultures that created them.

He Is Eka-Vachani, A King Who Always Keeps His Word; Eka-Bani, An Archer Who Strikes His Target With The First Arrow; And Eka-Patni, A Husband Who Is Eternally And Absolutely Devoted To A Single Wife. He Is Maryada Purushottam Ram, The Supreme Upholder Of Social Values, The Scion Of The Raghu Clan, Jewel Of The Solar Dynasty, The Seventh Avatar Of Vishnu, God Who Establishes Order In Worldly Life. Hindus Believe That In Stressful And Tumultuous Times Chanting Ram&Rsquo;S Name And Hearing His Tale, The Ramayan, Brings Stability, Hope, Peace And Prosperity. Reviled By Feminists, Appropriated By Politicians, Ram Remains Serene In His Majesty, The Only Hindu Deity To Be Worshipped As A King.

Come join us on this magical journey through Thailand, the land of sacred white elephants, Buddhist temples, and sprawling palaces. Read about the mythical garuda that is half bird, half man, and Ramakien, an exciting tale of triumph of good over evil. In this colorful account, kids will draw the emerald Buddha, the evil giant Tosakan from Ramakien, and ancient artifacts from civilizations long gone. Readers will fall in love with the people, the history, and the traditions that make Thailand the country that it is today.

Composed over two thousand years ago, the Ramayana was transmitted to Southeast Asia in the first centuries CE. Over the years, it was adapted to suit local customs and traditions. The story of Rama's exile with his wife Sita, her abduction by the ogre king Ravanna, her rescue and Rama's triumphant return to Ayodhaya, captured the imagination of the kings of Siam, Cambodia and Indonesia. This triumph of good over evil was then visualized in stone carvings, drama, shadow puppets and mural paintings. Among the latter, Thailand and Cambodia have the finest examples. In the Shadow of Rama by long-standing expert, Dr. Vittorio Roveda, examines the most beautiful paintings. In Siam, we tour the famous murals of the Grand Palace in Bangkok and the intricacies of the shadow puppets, Nang Yai. In Cambodia, Roveda studies the delicate and expressive murals of Wat Bo, Siem Reap, as well as the those at the Silver Pagoda, Phnom Penh. He also explains how in Siam the Ramayana became the Ramakien and in Cambodia the Reamker. This magnificent book is the culmination of 20 years of research and provides a visual feast for all those fascinated by the art of Southeast Asia. ILLUSTRATION: 500 colour illustrations