Genre: Spirituality, Religion
Publisher: Kautilya Books
Publication Date: February 2024
Original Hindi version: January 2020
Pages: 312
Buy at: Amazon | Add to Goodreads
Why did Kaikeyi, who adored Ram, suddenly demand a fourteen year exile for him? Why did Ram decide to abandon Sita? If you have read the Ramayan or watched the TV series, I am sure you would have had these questions on your mind at some point in time.
Author Ashutosh Rana needs no introduction. With Ramrajya, he attempts to answer these questions and more in a unique retelling of the great epic. Translated by Tarang Sinha from the original written in Hindi, the book traces the story of the epic beginning just before Ram’s exile and culminating in the renouncement of Sita.
Ramrajya. Utopia. There are numerous perspectives on what it constitutes. What makes a good king, a good leader, a good ruler. We explore the author’s perspective on politics, governance, culture, and the human psyche through conversations between the characters. Some are as relevant today as never before. There is a fair deal of creative liberty in conversations between Ravan and Mandodari and those with Indrajeet. Each conversation is a deep dive into the characters. Breaking stereotypes, particularly about Maarich and Kumbhakarn.
There have been numerous retellings of the Ramayan exploring practically every character’s point of view. What sets the book apart (in addition to the philosophical lessons), is unlike most retellings it does not paint one character black to venerate the other. One of the few books that explore the gray in each. You are sure to have a deeper understanding of the characters of Kaikeyi, Shurpnakha, and even Ravan as you finish the book.
Although just over 300 pages in length, Ramrajya is not a book you can read in a day. You need to take it slow to absorb it all in. That said, the mechanizations of Shurpnakha do have you turning the pages.
Kaikeyi and Suparna (Shurpnakha)
While the book has a balanced approach to the perspectives of Ram, Ravan, Hanuman, Kumbhkarn, and Vibheeshan; there is a detailed focus on Kaikeyi and Suparna (Shurpnakha). The two vilified women of the epic have always been painted all black.
Kaikeyi is often depicted as a power-hungry mother who exiled her stepson for the sake of her own son. Instead, the author explores through the medium of some truly interesting conversations with Ram, a mother’s guidance, and her reluctant approval. A mother who takes the blame on herself for eternity so that her son can follow his true dharma.
Shurpnakha’s character has a lot more depth. Instead of a lust-filled, scorned woman, she is depicted as a shrewd warrior. A woman who would stop at nothing to avenge the murder of her husband.
The author also explores an interesting play of words. Was it disfiguring in the true sense or a ruse to instigate her brother? After all, “naak kaatna” (cutting off someone’s nose) is referred to as publicly disgracing someone. This makes for an interesting read and I will leave that for you to explore. There is also a hint of magic realism that adds to the narrative.
Ramrajya and the Current Times
The world has been divided like never before. Religion is the purview of a select few who decide how one needs to follow it. The radicals define the religion. The moderates get caught in the crossfire. Often asked to prove our allegiance and choose sides.
The book is a classic example of how our religious texts need to be read and interpreted. Religion is personal. Some of us are more spiritual than religious. Being religious is not a crime it is made out to be. Being radicalized is.
Quoting the author “I strongly believe that the day we start following his conduct, instead of merely appreciating it; the day we adopt his character and vision instead of merely worshipping his idols, would be the day when Ram Rajya will be established in its truest sense.”
The Translation
The sign of a good translation is when you cannot differentiate if it is a translated text at all. A crisp and free-flowing writing. A book like Ramrajya can get heavy to read. It is well translated making it easier to understand and grasp.
There is a generous use of Hindi words and phrases with meanings included inline or in footnotes. Words that would lose their meaning if literally translated. Tarang is a skilled translator who has retained the essence of the original.
The Verdict
I highly recommend you pick up the book. A book that makes you think. It makes you question things. Are we following rules just because they are expected to be followed?
Some Quotable Quotes
I end the review with the quotable quotes. Ranging from politics to human nature to the epic itself. There were so many excellent quotes that it was difficult to limit them to just a few. Here are some that have stayed with me.
“Ravan wants to gain powers through his devotion and Ram wants to use his powers towards devotion.”
“A powerful king and the capital do not signify the strength of a state. There is a difference between someone’s Raj and someone’s Rajya. The rectitude and integrity of a state in the presence of the king is a proof of the efficiency of the King. However, if the citizens are strong, safe, creative, prosperous, and positive even in the absence of their King, then it is the proof of the success of his state. In Raj, the King is important, while in Rajya, the citizens play an important part.”
“Power doesn’t make you disciplined, however, discipline has the power to teach you to handle Satta and Sinhasan in a better way. Discipline acquired after receiving the throne is a farce, whereas the power obtained from discipline is enlightenment”
“When you are enthroned, even your request sounds like a command. But even when you stand by society, shoulder to shoulder, then, even your order feels like an evocation”
“Being ambitious is human nature. A man is always insecure about his powers and influence. He doesn’t even hesitate to ignore the ethics when it comes to the establishment of his power. His own nescience converts his merits to demerits, and thus causes his destruction.”
“A person in power is not a person anymore, he becomes a small machine in a large system. Then there is a disparity between his words and actions.”
“Today, Purushottam Ram had to embrace defeat for the sake of victory and decorum”
A unique retelling of the great epic. Ramrajya by @ranaashutosh10, Translated by @TarangSinha #BookReview @KautilyaBooks #BookishLeague Share on X
About the Author
Ashutosh Ramnarayan Neekhra, known professionally as Ashutosh Rana, is an Indian actor, producer, author and television personality. He has worked in Marathi, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and Hindi films along with working in various Indian television shows. Besides his acting career, he is an author and philanthropist. Some books written by him include Maun Muskaan Ki Maar and Ramrajya.
Follow him online at her Amazon, Twitter, Instagram, or Goodreads.
About the Translator
Tarang Sinha is a bilingual writer, translator, and a self-taught painter. Her articles and stories have been published in Juggernaut Books, Good Housekeeping India, Child India, The Hindu, Woman’s Era, and New Woman. She writes Hindi stories for a popular radio show Yaadon Ka Idiot Box with Neelesh Misra.
Follow her online at her Blog, Amazon, Twitter, Instagram, or Goodreads.
I received a copy of the book from the translator in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile.
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Dr. Preeti Chauhan.
Photo credit: Canva.com
September 27, 2024 @ 9:47 pm
Thank you so much, Ritu, for this beautiful and encouraging review. It means a lot to me. 💛🙏
September 27, 2024 @ 10:23 pm
The pleasure is all mine, Tarang. 😊 Thank you for sharing the book with me. It is indeed an incredible read.
September 29, 2024 @ 9:56 am
I enjoy mythological retellings but of late I have become somewhat cautious after reading Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel and another one by Anand Neelakantan. They just didn’t work for me. I do enjoy grey characters and I love different points of view but sometimes authors end up going too far in this need to be ‘different’ and that’s annoying. That said, I respect Ashutosh Rana as a performer and Tarang as a writer so I am tempted to pick this one up.
October 1, 2024 @ 6:58 am
This one is definitely on my tbr, especially because it carries Tarang’s name.
October 3, 2024 @ 9:47 pm
Retelling of the mythology is always a challenging task as it needs to be to the level of the reader’s expectations.
Interesting review with a thorough picture of the specialities of the book.
October 27, 2024 @ 4:05 am
Do you know why will i read this book? Wrong guess … it’s true I love mythology but this time the X factor is Tarang’s name as traslator… a name from our very own readers community. Picking a copy soon and will share my experience too with you all.
October 2, 2024 @ 4:16 pm
The Rama myth has given birth to infinite number of books. It deserves too as it’s quite a complex work. Let me see if I can manage time for this latest exploration. Your review is simply persuasive.
October 13, 2024 @ 6:29 pm
Ashutosh Rana has been vocal and expressive about society and religion but the story of Shree Ram does not hold much in terms of surprise or discovery as it has been told and retold in so many forms and formats.
I like your review because it does tell me how this one is different in the treatment of its women characters like Suparna and Kaikeyi and shows them in a different light ( though I have heard that too before).
Tarang’s name being associated with this work , does add a personal charm to the book.
October 22, 2024 @ 12:53 pm
I avoid religion in all its forms. It tends to become the proverbial opium. I prefer to live with spirituality and an open mind, but I like the fact that the author has mentioned “the day we adopt his character and vision instead of merely worshipping his idols.” Values and actions matter!
October 22, 2024 @ 6:37 pm
I’m currently reading an abridged version Shrimad Bhagavad Gita (by Naaven Niverthy) and Nadir (part 3 of the The Empress of Indraprastha) by Sonali Raje. So I’m totally in the mytho/spiritual reading zone. Hence, I’m so fascinated by your review and this book. Definitely checking it out
October 25, 2024 @ 3:34 pm
The quotes from the book sound good. I am curious if the author is the actor Ashutosh Rana.
October 25, 2024 @ 8:31 pm
Thank you for the post and introduction to the book Ramrajya. Bharatiya epics are never moralistic, and characters are never black and white. Every person has some good, some bad and some grey. As did Ravana, Surpanakha, Kankakee. Even Maryada Purushottam was not spared from grey shade. He killed Bali and sent Mata Sita to first. But think of it, today we suffer from love for family, when Maryada Purushottam listened to a washerman doubt and send his pregnant wife to forest. The axiom that “Caeser’s wife to be above suspicion” was being practiced long before Caeser.
October 26, 2024 @ 9:01 am
Wow Ashutosh Rana and someone in our midst, Tarang. That’s an awesome combo. Will surely check it out though it will take time to finish the book as it is not my genre.
October 27, 2024 @ 10:53 am
Retelling mythology can be really tough because it has to meet readers’ expectations. I haven’t found any rewritten books that live up to what I hoped for; I usually prefer the originals. I believe it’s better to read the original first and then explore the retelling. However, I respect Ashutosh Rana as an actor and Tarang as a writer, so I’m curious to give this one a try.
October 27, 2024 @ 2:07 pm
Ashutosh Rana has taken a whole stair of flight in my mind reaching newer heights. I had read some of his poetry but wasn’t aware about this side of him. I am now excited to read this one. Most probably i will pick up the original text. It’s just that I prefer the original work if I can understand it.
October 27, 2024 @ 3:50 pm
Oh wow! I will get this book today itself and it goes into my TBR. All versions of our itihasas are welcome (except those that are written just to vilify), and your review is intriguing enough to fit my desire! Gray is my colour! Thank you for this review.
October 27, 2024 @ 6:11 pm
Religion is truly personal as you have rightly pointed out.You don’t have to be a fanatic. Spiritually is something that is beyond idol worship. And life lessons are what we need to follow. Excellent review as always, Ritu.
October 31, 2024 @ 10:23 am
Nowadays translations done similarly to the original give every reader the joy of reading in their native language and that makes translations work excellent.
October 27, 2024 @ 7:32 pm
Absolutely captivating review!
Your insights into Ramrajya really highlight the depth of Ashutosh Rana’s retelling and the nuanced portrayal of characters like Kaikeyi and Shurpnakha. It’s refreshing to see a perspective that delves into the gray areas rather than simply categorizing characters as purely good or evil. The emphasis on the philosophical lessons and the relevance of the story to contemporary issues is thought-provoking. I can’t wait to dive into this book and explore the conversations that challenge our understanding of leadership and morality.
Thank you for sharing such a detailed analysis!
October 27, 2024 @ 7:34 pm
I have read the book by proxy and I love the way it is written. You are absolutely right. That is how religion needs to be followed.
October 27, 2024 @ 8:14 pm
Honestly, I didn’t know Ashutosh Rana is a writer. His diction is excellent, though, so I’m sure the original Hindi work must be great too. I like the honest review and I’m intrigued after reading it. It would be interesting to know the other side of the characters who have forever been painted dark.
October 27, 2024 @ 10:33 pm
This sounds like a very interesting read! I’m always curious with a retelling and a translation… U wonder what magic that’ll be! Adding to my tbr
October 27, 2024 @ 11:28 pm
Your review wonderfully captures the essence of Ramrajya and how Ashutosh Rana brings fresh perspectives to the Ramayana. It’s intriguing to see characters like Kaikeyi and Shurpnakha portrayed with more depth, showing them as complex and relatable. Tarang’s translation seems to keep the story engaging while preserving its cultural richness. This book sounds both thoughtful and relevant to our times, making it a must-read for anyone interested in a new take on this epic. Definitely going to check it out!
October 28, 2024 @ 12:35 am
Mythology is one of my favourite genres and your review is so convincing for me to pick this up.
October 29, 2024 @ 11:22 pm
Such an attractive cover! And I loved the quotes, particularly about the man in power. Will pick this one up after I am done reading my the books on my list.
October 31, 2024 @ 2:18 pm
Love the honesty with this book review and certainly intrigued on what takeaways I could get from reading it myself. Thank you for sharing with us this wonderful writing!
November 6, 2024 @ 12:45 pm
I love when authors/book take the villians of the classics/epics and give their perspective as well. In this case ofcourse is shurpankha. It always reminds me of a play I acted in when I was 7 andhow Shurpankha was played by my friend who was dark-skinned. I was too young to understand the repurcussions of that but I remember when I was 26 it came revisiting and I realise what that 7 year old friend of mine must have felt.
November 6, 2024 @ 7:03 pm
This review really speaks to me! I’ve always been curious about the motivations of characters like Kaikeyi and Shurpnakha, who often come across as one-dimensional in many retellings of the Ramayan. It’s refreshing to see them explored in a more nuanced way, giving voice to their perspectives and challenging the stereotypes. The idea of interpreting “naak kaatna” as a metaphorical act, rather than just a literal one, sounds intriguing—it adds a layer of complexity to Shurpnakha’s character and makes me think about how much of her story could be symbolic.
November 7, 2024 @ 7:03 pm
I’m honestly rather tired of Ramayana retellings, but this book sounds very interesting! I’m rather intrigued by the dialogues and philosophy between the characters and their decisions. Adding this one to my TBR list!
November 9, 2024 @ 12:58 pm
Great that Tarang has translated the book and you have reviewed it!
November 10, 2024 @ 11:18 pm
I love reading books of mythology genre and this retelling looks very interesting and your review is very convincing
December 6, 2024 @ 10:13 pm
I agree with your verdict that reading Ramrajya is not possible in one single day. One needs to read it slow to absorb the scenes and how this all scenario came up. Though I read Ramayana but I would like to read this book too. Thanks for recommending.