Ramayana (Sanskrit, “Story of Rama”) is the shorter of the two great Sanskrit epics of ancient India, the other being the Mahabharata. It tells of the birth and education of Rama, a prince of Northern India, and recounts his winning of the hand of Sita in marriage. Displaced as rightful heir to his father’s throne, Rama goes into a forest exile, accompanied by Sita and by his brother Lakshmana. Sita is carried off by the demon king Ravana, who will kill her if she has not submitted to him by the end of one year. With the aid of the monkey general Hanuman and an army of monkeys and bears, Rama, after a long search, slays Ravana and rescues Sita. Rama regains his throne and rules wisely.
