14 reasons to read – In the Footsteps of Rama by Vikrant Pande & Neelesh Kulkarni

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.

1. Mytho-Travelogue – In essence a travelogue with mythology at its core, this book is a beautiful blend of local fables and tales. I would call it an engaging mytho-travelogue. The book is divided into four parts, each part highlighting an important phase of the epic as we have known it, as also covering the places corresponding to the story of the Ramayana. Each part delves into lesser known incidents and brings them to the fore, making the reader inquisitive to know more.
2. Two authors – Despite being authored by two writers the style of writing is quite uniform. It makes for an interesting read.
3. Witty & Humourous – Easy paced and witty, it could be called an epic retold. The book is laced with instances of humour too – nothing about the storytelling seems forced.
4. Firm Storyline – The book swings back and forth between the epic era dialogues and the authors’ narrative, yet manages to remain on track with a firm storyline.
5. Spicy anecdotes – The entire book carries priceless anecdotes from Hindu mythology. For instance there is one on Lord Vishnu and Sage Markandeya which led to the churning of the sea. Its a mesmerizing journey full of stories by natives and locals many times contradictory. You can find priests telling the authors different stories such as, in one part a local describes that Ram had an elder sister Shanta. In another incident, the significance of the Chitrakoot aarti is described – which happens to be of greater importance that the Rishikesh and Haridwar aarti.
6. Arouses Travel Interest – Embarking on a trail to demystify the epic, the authors manage to arouse travel interest of the readers to discover the places mentioned. It does not seem like a simple chronological travelogue, just documenting the travels of the authors. Rather, it adds numerous layers to the epic and the many versions it has had over a period of time.
7. Well researched – Extensive research on the story, places mentioned in the epic – Vikrant Pande and Neelesh Kulkarni have embarked on the road less travelled. The authors referred to at least five versions of the Ramayana time and again to understand how the story is relayed in different parts of the country.
8. Story in itself – Whether you have read The Ramayana or not it does not matter. You can still pick up the book and read it because it narrates a story in itself.
9. Brings unknown places to life – The places mentioned in the story suddenly assume an identity and importance which seemed like a fragment of imagination by the creator of the epic.
10. Easy to read – The use of free flowing and lucid language makes one visualize the sites like a film playing before the eyes of the reader.
11. Connecting the past and the present – Once you pick up the book and go through its pages, you begin to realise that the essence of the epic holds true even today. It highlights the deep connect between Ramayana – the epic, local folklore and how it binds the moral framework of the people inhabiting these mystical places.
12. Fills a long standing gap – As one progresses through the book, answers begin to emerge to the numerous questions we have asked since childhood. It lifts the veil that shrouds places like Chitrakoot, Panchvati, Dandakaranya, Kishkindhya, filling a longstanding gap.
13. Retracing the steps of Rama – Travel writing of a different kind, following the trail, making history come alive as a living legacy of a bygone era. The authors have followed the route in great detail right from the places mentioned in each part of the book. At some places the authors upon interacting with the inhabitants discovered how they were blissfully unaware of it with regards to the epic.
14. Book Lover’s delight – Last but not the least- the cover of the book is inviting and a hard bound copy is what any book lover or collector would ask for.

A book which is unputdownable despite the missing map of the trail. A few pictures would have greatly enhanced the readers’ experience. However, it arouses sufficient interest to explore the trail on their own. Seeped in Indian cultural history, this is a book not to be missed.