Rama, prince of Ayodhya, won the hand of the beautiful princess Sita, but was exiled with her and his brother Laksmana for 14 years through the plotting of his stepmother. In the forest, Sita was abducted by Ravana, and Rama with the help of Son of Vayu, Hanuman, gathered an army of monkeys and bears to search for her. The allies attacked Lanka, killed Ravana, and rescued Sita. After the couples triumphant return to Ayodhya, Ramas righteous rule (Ram-raj) inaugurated a golden age for all mankind. The epics poetic stature and marvelous story means that the story of Rama has been constantly retold by some of Indias greatest writers both in Sanskrit and regional languages. It is one of the staples of various dramatic traditions, in court drama, dance-dramas, and in shadow-puppet theatres. In northern India, the annual Ram-lila or Rama-play is performed at the autumn festival of Dassehra to celebrate with Rama and Sita the eventual triumph of light over darkness. Ramyug the latest ...