Ramayana or “Rama” “Ayana” literally means Rama’s progress. In this one line from Bibek Debroy’s blurb about the book, he truly sums up the spirit of this mythological travelogue, which retraces the route of the Ramayana.
Historical fiction and mythology have become common genres of writing. We have had the same story from different perspectives which makes it more interesting to read. Yet, there are few titles which make us travel to the places that an epic has traversed.
Have you ever wondered what life would be in the age of our epics like The Ramayana? We may have wondered innumerable times if they existed at all. It all began with a question which went unanswered by over a hundred people that inspired the authors Vikrant Pande and Neelesh Kulkarni to set off on a journey to retrace the steps of Rama during his exile. They realized that most people know the Ramayana quite well, yet have never given much thought to the places mentioned in it. The book acts like a friendly guide which helps one discover the places mentioned in the Ramayana as also uncover the numerous tales associated with it.
Here are 14 reasons on why you should read this book. An unusual number you may wonder – but it signifies the 14 years of exile of Rama. Though there are many more reasons to read this book in this age of Kalyug, which is defined by listicles, it is perhaps best to stick to 14 points about the Treta yug.