The Ramayana and the Mahabharata - condensed into English verse

Two great epics of the ancient Hindus offer a realistic image of Indian civilization and culture of India 3,000 years ago: the Ramayana, recounting the adventures of a banished prince, and the Mahabharata, based on the legends surrounding a war.

The Ramayana Revisited

The Ramayana is one of India's foundational epics, and it demonstrates a continuing power to influence social, religious, cultural, and political life. Brought to textual life in Sanskrit by the legendary "first poet," Valmiki, over the ensuing centuries the tale has been recycled with extraordinary adaptability and diversity through the varied cultural heritages of India and other parts of Asia. The basic tale of the Ramayana is continually adapted to new contexts, forms, and media. It is read, recited, sung, danced, and acted in one form or another, and renewed so constantly by changing times and values that it demands constant revaluation.