Ravana is one of the most fascinating characters in the epic traditions of the world. His uniqueness comes from the tact that he is not merely a villain but also a highly accomplished character in arts and learning. Ravana's accomplishments make him a most distinct villain in the epic traditions of the world. The different essays that are brought together in this volume bring out this greatness in the character of Ravana. The essays also show how the tradition of Ramayana exists in different forms and with different meanings in various parts of South Asia and South East Asia. But the one constant feature in all these traditions, as the essays show, is the nature of accomplishment that is associated with the character of Ravana. The essays in this volume consist of lectures, commentaries and research works that have been carried out especially since 20 century till the present times. The essays also remind us of the fact that analysis of the Ramayana would remain incomplete without considering the role of Ravana in making possible the subtlety and grandeur that the epic is infused with.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Indira Goswami
Prof. Indira Goswami (Mamoni Raisom Goswami) is one of the leading writers of India today. She has won the prestigious Jnanpith Award for the year 2000, which is the highest literary award of India. She is also the recipient of many awards and distinctions that include Sahitya Akademi Award, Assam Sahitya Sabha Award, Katha Samman, Sauhardya Samman, Kamal Kumari Foundation national Award, International Tulsi Award. She is known for her novels and research work on the Ramayan. Her short stories and novels have been translated into different Indian languages. The Feature Film "Adaiya" based on her novel Dantal Hatir Une Khowa Howdah won National and International Award. She has travelled widely in South-East Asia, Japan, Europe, Africa and USA. At present she is working as a Professor in the Department of Modern Indian Languages and Literary Studies, University of Delhi.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Manjeet Baruah
Writer, translator and researcher, Manjeet Baruah is currently a research scholar in cultural history of Assam at Delhi University. He is also associated with Women's Studies & Development Centre, Delhi University, in research and teaching. His short stories, research papers, translations and books have been published by Indian Literature, Social Action, ICHR, Rupa & Co., Muse India and others. His documentation of life and works of Indira Goswami was recently published to critical acclaim. His current research includes oral traditions and gender in the Brahmaputra valley of Assam and women workers in the tea plantations of Assam.
There are no reviews yet.