The Indian Epics Retold: The Ramayana, The Mahabharata, Gods Demons and Others Narayan, R. K. [Paperback] Narayan, R. K.

Book Details

• Publisher: Penguin

• Author: R. K. Narayan

• Language: English

• ISBN: 9780140255645

• Binding: Paperback

• Pages: 600

• Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 1.7 inches

About the Book:

The Indian Epics Retold: The Ramayana, The Mahabharata, Gods Demons and Others is a monumental work by R. K. Narayan, one of India’s most celebrated writers. This book is a compilation of three of his masterpieces, offering a unique reimagining of the two great Indian epics — The Ramayana and The Mahabharata — as well as the mythological tales in Gods, Demons and Others.

In this retelling, Narayan brings his profound respect for Indian tradition and culture to the forefront. His version of The Ramayana is based on the Tamil version by the poet Kamban, whose poetry he greatly admired. His love for the character of Rama shines through in every word, and his deep understanding of Tamil adds authenticity to this retelling. For The Mahabharata, Narayan relied on the original Sanskrit versions and worked closely with a pundit to ensure his stories adhered to the ancient texts.

Gods, Demons and Others is a collection of narratives drawn from various puranas and epics, including the Devi Bhagavatam, Siva Purana, and the Tamil epic Silappathikaram, among others. Narayan’s reflections on these tales offer a glimpse into the conflicts and questions an average person might have about the events and characters of these grand stories.

Published in 2000 by Penguin India, this edition preserves the magic of Narayan’s storytelling while honoring the depth of Indian mythology and tradition. Narayan's writing bridges the ancient with the modern, making the epics accessible to readers from all walks of life. This book is a treasure for anyone interested in the mythological, cultural, and literary heritage of India.