Rama's Ring

by Sanjana Kapur, Niranjana Sivaram

Over the centuries, the two greatest Indian epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, have been written in different Indian languages to enable them to reach a wider audience. Poets like Tulsidas, Kamban and Krittibas Ojha have all penned down their own versions of these stories in the common language of their regions. The tribal communities also had their own versions in the form of songs and plays that their people could connect to. These versions of Indian epics are a part of our rich Indian heritage which should to be preserved and promoted. In this special collection entitled Rama's Ring, Amar Chitra Katha brings together nine lesser-known stories from alternate tellings of the two great Indian epics. This is the first time we bring Ramayana stories and Mahabharata stories together in a book. While some tellings in this book are poetic masterpieces in their own right, others are simple folk versions passed down from one generation to the next. The iconic illustrations and in-depth research of the credible team of Amar Chitra Katha make this book a must-read for all genders and all age groups.

So what are some of the stories inside?

Read about the time when Rama’s ring falls down a crack in the floor, and Hanuman takes a journey to the centre of the earth to retrieve it.

Find out how an alternate telling of the Mahabharata talked about not Krishna but a different set of saviours who came to Draupadi's rescue when she was humiliated by Dushasana in the Kaurava court.

Did you know that Ravana was capable of replacing his physical body with a fiercer, almost demonic form which made him nearly impervious to Rama's attacks?

Check out the special 'crossover' episode when the Pandava prince Bhima comes to Rama's help when Lakshmana is kidnapped by a celestial princess.

Learn why Duryodhana, inspite of recieving five powerful golden arrows guaranteed to kill the Pandavas from Bhishmacharya, still lost the war because of a debt he owed Arjuna.

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Sanjana Kapur is an author and editor with over 15 years of experience in children’s publishing. As the Associate Editor at Amar Chitra Katha, she has written and edited over twenty comic books across genres. Besides this, she has written several books for children, including the award-winning 'Who Stole Bhaiya’s Smile?'. Sanjana has also hosted quiz shows and children’s events in schools across India. When she is not writing, Sanjana is attempting to make sense of the world for herself and the people around her.

Reviews

[Ashish Iyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Amar Chitra Katha books always have different charm. Its always fun to read and quite educating as well. This book have collection of 9 stories consisting of 5 Ramayana and 4 Mahabharata stories. I enjoyed reading tribal's version. There are so many stories out there. Hope this book begins the trend of collecting tribal version of Mahabharata and Ramayana.

On the whole, the book is a treat. It introduces children to the diversity of epic traditions that exist in India and also to the multi dimensional nature of every character. This will help children understand their culture.

[Ajay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book.
So many small stories from various culture of India.

[Lsharathkumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice collection of stories from different versions of Ramayana. Very illuminating.

[Sunitha Pai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felt compelled to write a review as this is a well researched ACK. It includes few unknown stories from Ramayana and Maharashtra. Ones I particularly liked were the ones where Sita or Lakshman are highlighted, also the Draupadi vastraharan where other women come to the rescue, not Krishna. There are tidbits of info on the various versions of Ramayana, the various dance forms inspired by it among others.

[Sathya Raghunathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting.

[Brijesh Kartha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it because it had some unique tales that I had not read before. The tales showed an interesting and complex take on our mythological stories.

[Vaishnavi Rai · Rating 5 out of 5]

It contains small stories of various version of Ramayana from different parts of India and one from Mahabharatha also.
Happy reading 😊

[shweta dwivedi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful art and engaging stories

It was good to read stories u don't get to read so easily .the artwork in next level,that is the best for amar chitra katha

[Arun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique stories, beautiful artwork

[Sharvil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goood

[Karthika · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bouquet of awesome stories. I loved the first story about Rama, another one about Sahadeva and one more about Draupadi.