The Rāmāyaṇa of Vālmīki: Selections from the Opening Cantos of the Bāla Kāṇḍa

Bibliographic Details

Book Title: The Rāmāyaṇa of Vālmīki: Selections from the Opening Cantos of the Bāla Kāṇḍa

Author: Vālmīki; translated into English verse by Ralph T. H. Griffith

Introduction by: Sumbawa Das

ISBN-13: 9789367210116

Pages: 168

Edition: First Edition (2027)

Binding: Paperback

Genre: Literature & Fiction > Classics > Indian Epics > Sanskrit Literature > English Verse Translation

Recommended Age Group: 14+ years; suitable for senior school, undergraduate, postgraduate, mythology readers, and students of Indian literature

Reading Difficulty: Moderate

Estimated Reading Time to Finish: 5–6 hours

Price: ₹ 225.00/-

Description

The Rāmāyaṇa of Vālmīki: Selections from the Opening Cantos of the Bāla Kāṇḍa, translated into English verse by Ralph T. H. Griffith, offers readers an accessible and elegant entry into one of the foundational epics of Indian civilisation. This edition presents selected opening cantos from the Bāla Kāṇḍa, the first book of the Rāmāyaṇa, where the epic world begins to unfold through sacred narrative, royal lineage, moral instruction, divine purpose, and the early life of Rāma. With an introduction by Sumbawa Das, the volume is designed to support both literary appreciation and academic understanding.

The Bāla Kāṇḍa introduces readers to the cultural, ethical, and spiritual framework of the epic. It situates Rāma within the larger world of dharma, kingship, devotion, duty, and cosmic order. Griffith’s English verse translation preserves the elevated tone and narrative movement of the original tradition while making the text approachable for readers encountering the epic in English. The selection is especially useful for those who wish to begin with the opening movement of the Rāmāyaṇa before progressing to the wider story of exile, conflict, loyalty, and restoration.

This edition is suitable for students of Indian literature, mythology, comparative literature, religious studies, Sanskrit epic tradition, and world classics. Its compact format makes it valuable for classroom reading, examination preparation, guided discussion, and personal study. The Rāmāyaṇa of Vālmīki remains an essential literary and cultural text, and this selected edition provides a meaningful introduction to its poetic grandeur, moral vision, and enduring influence.

Key Features

• Selected opening cantos from the Bāla Kāṇḍa.
• English verse translation by Ralph T. H. Griffith.
• Includes an introduction by Sumbawa Das.
• Introduces the early epic world of Rāma and dharma.
• Useful for Indian literature and mythology students.
• Suitable for comparative literature and world classics.
• Explores duty, kingship, devotion, and moral order.
• Compact 168-page edition for focused study.
• Ideal for classroom reading and personal reflection.
• First Edition 2027 from Doaba Publications.

Manufacturer Details

Copyright: © 2027 Doaba Publications

Manufacturer: Doaba Corporation

Published by: AUMRAM PUBLICATIONS

Publisher Address: C-131, Sector 2, NOIDA, U.P. 201301

For and on behalf of: DOABA PUBLICATIONS

Associated Address: Shanti Mohan House, 16 Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi – 110002

Associated Websites: www.doabapublications.com | www.doababooks.com

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Typeset at: Doaba Graphics, Delhi

Printed and Bound in: India

Imprints: Anubhav Publishers and Distributors, Doaba Publications, Aedha Imprints

Year: 2027