The R¿m¿yana, an Indian epic, is one of the world's best-loved stories. Made available in English for the first time, this version by a female poet from Bengal is very direct, touching, timely, and accessible. The three-part poem is a highly individual rendition of the ancient epic, and instead of celebrating masculine heroism it laments the suffering of women caught in the play of male ego.

This book presents a translation and commentary on the text, and provides readers with an alternative view of the tale. It expands the understanding both of the history of women's self-expression in India and the cultural potency of the epic tale. The book is of interest to students and researchers of South Asian studies, R¿m¿yäa studies and women's and gender studies.