Ramayana of Valmiki: An Epic of Ancient India, Volume VII: Uttarakanda. - 7

The seventh and final book of the monumental Rmyaa of Vlmki, the Uttaraka, brings the epic saga to a close with an account of the dramatic events of King Rmas millennia-long reign.

It opens with a colorful history of the demonic race of the rkasas and the violent career of Rmas villainous foe Rvaa, and later recounts Rmas grateful discharge of his allies in the great war at Lank as well as his romantic reunion with his wife St.

But dark clouds gather as Rma, confronted by scandal over Sts time in captivity under the lustful Rvaa, makes the agonizing decision to banish his beloved wife, now pregnant.

As Rma continues as king, marvelous tales and events unfurl, illustrating the benefits of righteous rule and the perils that await monarchs who fail to address the needs of their subjects.

The Uttaraka has long served as a point of social and religious controversy largely for its accounts of the banishment of St, as well as of Rmas killing of a low-caste ascetic.

The translators introduction provides a full discussion of these issues and the complex reception history of the Uttaraka.

This translation of the critical edition also includes exhaustive notes and a comprehensive bibliography.