“Banker’s strength in characterisation comes through very well in this book”
Apr 14th, 2008 by Ashok
Posted by Ritu Lalit on Book Blog
Demons of Chitrakut, the third in Indian author Ashok K Banker’s 6 book Ramayana series carries forward the story of Rama.Rama weds Sita, and then returns to Ayodhya. On the way he meets Parashuram, the self declared destroyers of all arrogant Kshatriyas, and vanquishes him in a duel. Meanwhile, in the court of Ayodhya, intrigues continue. Under the spell of Manthara’s intrigues, Kaikeyi “persuades” Dasaratha to banish Rama and make Bharata the yuvaraja instead. It is a very poignant scene, when Rama tells his newly wed bride that he has been exiled by his father. Events move fast, and soon the Crown Prince Rama walks towards the forests of Dandaka with his bride and his brother Lakshmana, where they must stay in exile for 14 years. Rama’s growth into the King who staunchly follows his dharma in the face of all obstacles probably starts here.
The encounter with Sharbari is nicely depicted. Then of course comes the Supanakha mutilation which leads to her brothers Khara and Dooshana to seek revenge from the mortal prince.
The pace of this book is slow after the breakneck speed of the two previous books. This books strength lies in the refreshing way old tales we know since our childhood are retold. I do have a bone to pick with Mr. Banker. Kaikeyi as per the way we have learnt our mythology, was ferocious, greedy, spoilt. Making her Mathara’s pitiable stooge is a bit hard to swallow. Oh, I know, he has made it convincing, but still ……….. Any how, I agree, this Ramayana is his very own.
Banker’s strength in characterisation comes through very well in this book. The devious Manthara, the helpless aged Dasaratha, Vibhishan, Madodari, the vulture king Jatayu mourning the loss of his entire tribe. Simply awesome writing. I put down the book with the strong image of Ravana trapped in a block of stone !!!! Great reading.
