The Rāmāyaṇa of Vālmīki: An Epic of Ancient India, Volume VI: Yuddhakāṇḍa (Princeton Library of Asian Translations)

The sixth book of the __Ramayana of Valmiki__, the __Yuddhakanda__, recounts the final dramatic war between the forces of good led by the exiled prince Rama, and the forces of evil commanded by the arch demon Ravana. The hero Rama's primary purpose in the battle is to rescue the abducted princess Sita and destroy the demon king. However, the confrontation also marks the turning point for the divine mission of the Ramavatara, the incarnation of Lord Visnu as a human prince, who will restore righteousness to a world on the brink of chaos. The book ends with the gods' revelation to Rama of his true divine nature, his emotional reunion with his beloved wife, his long-delayed consecration as king of Kosala, and his restoration of a utopian age. The __Yuddhakanda__ contains some of the most extraordinary events and larger-than-life characters to be found anywhere in world literature. This sixth volume in the critical edition and translation of the __Valmiki Ramayana__ includes an extensive introduction, exhaustive notes, and a comprehensive bibliography. Contents List of Abbreviations Preface Guide to Sanskrit Pronunciation PART I. INTRODUCTION 1. The Significance of the Yuddhakāṇḍa 2. Synopsis of the Yuddhakāṇḍa 3. Statecraft and Violence: The Themes of the Yuddhakāṇḍa 4. The Major Characters of the Yuddhakāṇḍa 5. Style and Structure of the Yuddhakāṇḍa 6. Text, Translation, and Commentaries PART II. YUDDHAKĀṆḌA PART III. NOTES Glossary of Important Sanskrit Words, Proper Nouns, and Epithets Glossary of Flora and Fauna Glossary of Weapons Emendations and Corrections of the Critical Edition Bibliography of Works Consulted Index