1
The story of its composition is told in
“Valmiki” in the author’s Gods, Demons, and Others.
2
I have given an idea of an original Tamil epic
in Gods, Demons, and Others, in the chapter entitled “The
Mispaired Anklet.”
3
See “Viswamitra” in Gods, Demons, and
Others.
4
Lust, anger, miserliness, egoism, envy.
5
See “Manmata” in Gods, Demons, and
Others.
6
Manmatha, the god of love.
7
Another name for Sita.
8
A subtle compliment to Sita’s figure; a slender
waist being an aesthetic point stressed often and in various ways
by classical poets.
9
Ravana was known as an accomplished veena
player.
10
“Each yuga lasts for 3000 years, by celestial
measurements; but one celestial year is the equivalent of 3600
years of human time, so that the four yugas cover a span of
43,200,000 mortal years. Each of the four yugas . . . possesses
special characteristics of good and evil. . . . In Kaliyuga
righteousness, virtue, and goodness completely disappear. Rites and
sacrifices are abandoned as mere superstitions. Anger, distress,
hunger, and fear prevail, and rulers behave like highwaymen,
seizing power and riches in various ways.” Gods, Demons, and
Others.
11
From Gods, Demons, and Others.
12
From Gods, Demons, and Others.