Ramayana: A Tale of Gods and Demons [Hardcover]

Ranchor Prime (Author), B.G. Sharma (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2001

From the kingdom of Ayodhya to the isle of Lanka, we are transported to a land that has inspired morality and spiritual tradition for thousands of years. Rama, the king of Ayodya, comes to life through B.G. Sharma's never-before-seen compositions of this classic epic. From his intimate devotee, Hanuman, to his loving Queen, Sita, we are endeared to both text and illustration as these uniquely devotional paintings propel us through the story and into the heart of the Ramayana.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Mandala [Woods Distributing Co. and Bookpeople] releases another gorgeous Hindu art book with Ramayana: A Tale of Gods and Demons by Ranchor Prime. Artist B.G. Sharma contributes amazing paintings that illustrate the classic epic of Rama's exploits, drawing on the traditional styles of Kangra, Kishangarh and Moghal art to tell the story. Gold, gold, gold is everywhere throughout this beautifully designed book, both within the paintings and as borders and textual ornamentation around them. The result is a rich, elegant banquet of ancient saga and vivid art. Nov.)

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Awarded 1983 National Art Award for Master Craftsman by the President of India, B. G. Sharma is recognized as the foremost living painter of Indian miniatures. Famous throughout India for his originality in composition, design, and ornamentation, he has influenced and inspired many other artists on the subcontinent. While Sharma is accomplished in the traditional schools of Kangra, Kishangarh, and Mughal painting, he has developed a unique style that has contributed significantly to both traditional and contemporary Indian art.

Ranchor Prime works as a freelance writer and broadcaster and as an advisor on religion and conservation to the Worldwide Fund for Nature in Britain and India. He is the author of Hinduism and Ecology and Ramayan: A Journey, and contributes to many books on religion and the environment.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Mandala Publishing (October 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886069387
• ISBN-13: 978-1886069381
• Product Dimensions: 12.4 x 12.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,395,458 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent introduction to a timeless story, August 25, 2005

By 

S V SWAMY "swamy-reviews" (Hyderabad, India) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ramayana: A Tale of Gods and Demons (Mandala Classics) (Paperback)

Ramayana - A tale of Gods and Demons by Ranchor Prime is a colorfully produced, beautifully illustrated and well printed book. It was originally published as a full color bigger art book. The present Mandala Classic edition is also eye catching. The cover depicts Hanuman, the Monkey God and the servant, devotee and friend of Sri Rama. Hanuman looks charming indeed on the cover and I was thus attracted to take up the book ahead of the que of books awaiting review. The inner pages too are well printed. The illustrations by Shri BG Sharma are really appealing and add visual value to the well-printed book.

Tha story of Rama is now fairly well known, but bears repetition and retelling again and again. Ranchor Prime followed a particular translation of Valmiki's Ramayana. His narration is good. A few incidents as depicted in this book appeared odd to the reviewer who read different versions. One example is that the queens of King Dasaratha received Dasaratha and his party on return from Mithila with Sita. Another example is that Ravana is depicted as dragging Sita by her hair to his chariot. The story which the reviewer read is different, wherein Ravana doesn't even touch Sita but makes her swoon by showing his frightening form and then lifts her up indirectly by digging up the earth surrounding her body. The reason was that Ravana was cursed by another beautiful woman Vedavati that he will die if he ever touches a woman against her wish.

There are a few more similar differences in the story, but in general, the story is well told. One important omission is the story regarding Aditya Hridayam, the Heart of Sun, a glorious hymn in praise of Sun God, told to Rama by Sage Agastya. Ravana's death was certainly felicitated by Sun God's blessings of Rama's efforts. Aditya Hridayam is one of the most beautiful hymns of Valmiki Ramayan and is chanted daily by lakhs of devotees.

This book will be a good read for children and adults who are interested in Hindu mythology.

Note: Swamy is part of my name and I am not a Sanyasi (monk), though I do have spiritual leanings and devotion to Sri Rama, God in human form. I am married and am employed full time.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars No color inside, November 18, 2009

By 

BigTime "BigTime" (Ny, usa) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ramayana: A Tale of Gods and Demons (Mandala Classics) (Paperback)

You're heard it before - never judge a book by it's cover. Well that's so true about this book. I bought it because i was impressed by the color and detail of the cover illustration. I was expecting beautiful full color illustrations throught based on the book description, but all the illustrations, except for the cover, are in sephia. The translation, on the other hand, reads well. It's very concise, but full of memorable imagery.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book of Classic Story, April 18, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Ramayana: A Tale of Gods and Demons (Hardcover)

Very beautifully and tastefully done. This book tells an age old story with UNBELIEVABLE portraits. A must have for any one interested in Hinduism and want an easy read with beautiful and engaging images.