The story of Rama and Sita Is a part of India. It was first _ eet down by the sage Valmiki in his epic poem in Sanskrit, Ayodhya. The King had three wives-Kaushalya, Kalkey! and Sumitra. Rama was the eon of Kaushalya, Bharata, of Kaikeyi and Laxmana and Shatrughuna of Sumitra. As they grew up so did their fame as valiant and brave prin- ces. Sage Vishwamitra came seeking the help of Rama and Laxmana in killing the demoness Tataka. On the way back in the land of King Janaka, Rama suoceeded in win- ning the hand of Sita, the King’s daughter. Dasharatha decided that this was the time to crown Rama King. Jeal- ous Kaikeyi persuaded an unwilling Dasharatha to banish Rama into the forest and to crown Bharata the King. Sita and Laxmana opted to follow Rama. While in the forest the Rakshasi Shoorpanakha accosted Rama and even- tually had herself disfigured by Laxmana. The angry female went and complained to her brother, Ravana, the King of Lanka. Ravana with a cunning typical of him carried Sita away. Rama and Laxmana in the course of their search for Sita came across the monkey king, Sugreeva and struck a bond of friendship with him. One of Sugreeva’s assistants, Hanuman discovered Sita’s whereabouts and Rama led the army of monkeys against Lanka. In the terrible battle that ensued Ravana and his associates were killed. Accompanied by Laxmana, Rama and Sita returned to Ayodhya where they were welcomed by Bharata and crowned King and Queen. But their troubles had not ended. How the suspicion of his subjects forced Rama to banish Sita even though she was pregnant and how his sons Luv and Kusha brought up in the ashram of Sage Valmiki were ultimately united with him is told in colourful pictures in the following pages. Based on “UTTARAMACHARITA” of Bhavabhuti. Printed by H, K, Nasta at IBH Printers, Marol Naka, Mathuradas Vissanji Road, ‘Andheri East, Bombay-400 059 and ‘published by H. G. Mirchandani, for my 02? And punieued Sy: Fi. SS, rnsGET OUT OF MY HAS LIVED IN ANOTHER’S HOUSE MAHARAY, TODAY A LAUNDERER WAS BEATING Wéee O07 BECHORE | | AUSE OF WHAT THE PUBS CAUVDEBER ae MY PEORLE, NO... AL 1 HAVE TO SEND eyINO BU THIS IS Mt DECISION!ee THISF WERE | AM, MOTHER, BOXING THIS SS DEER’S EARS! MAHABSH) VALMUIKL PERSONALLY ATTENDED 70 THEIR EDUCATION. TO ANIMALS! —_—J 'T WAS THE 7 DEER WHO WAS BEING CRUEL TO ME!PULL WITH ALL. K YOUR MIGHT, THEN LET THE NOTAT ALL, MOTHER! WE ARE PRACTISING — HOW TO STAY EACH OTHER’S ARROWS,PM GOING INTO = I THE JUNGLES TO, WLWANT: “THAT IS NOTHING.) (ZS) (KEEP MY FATHERS] GO WITH ICAN ALSO PROMISE! BREAK YOU! QE DAY AS RAMA WENT: Dike, RAVAN, KIDMARCED“ONE DAY, BECAUSE OF WHATA J) LAUNDERER SAID, RAMA VAIDEHI! 44 VALWIK TAUGHT THEM OF YAMA” AND SUCH Tees IF EVER WE MEET HER, WELL. BRING HER TO. THE HERMITAGE.80UT NABADA HAD SOME- ee 70 SAY 70 WSK \ OF HERIMANY A RULER ACCEPTED KAUAS ISUOREMACY WITHOUT | AAIGHT. NOBODY Y/WHO DARES (OHECKS THE \ FIGHT THIS , HORSE. 7 ARMYP Z| AH Wen SHALL MINISTER 2 / DO ANY:CHILDREN! GIVE THAT HORSECHILDREN, AND 0 80 BRAVE! WHO COULD THEY BEP YOU TAKE OVER, LAXMANA. GO AND CAPTURE THOSE BOYS,GO AWAY NOW, BOYS! }. y f TAKE AaKUSH ANE LAXMANA ENGAGED IW A FURIOUS BAT TL:f__ KNOW ABOUT OUR FATHER. BUT SITA IS OUR MOTHER. BUT WHY ARE YOU SO INTERESTED ANYWAY? YOU ARE SITA’S...THEY TIED HANUMAN WEAR THE MOTHER WILL. ' BE PUAGED TO & SEE CUR CAPTIVE KEY! GOODNESS! HE IS STILL UN: CONSCIOUS!HEAVENS! NO! 4 YOU KILL HIMT TAKE SITA YOU. »DO NOT GRIEVE TT WAS SAID, SITA MY SONS. YOUR | WAS BORN OF THE EARTH. THIS PRO- BABLY_WAS TRUE. HER MOTHER, ~~ Z EF aVED THEIR WORTH! ONE DAYBUILD YOUR CHILDREN A HOME LIBRARY OF ECHO BOOKS ILLUSTRATED WITH ATTRACTIVE COVERS ECHO speaks of India to your child in many ways. Mythology, Folk— tales, History, Biography, General Knowledge. Animal Stories, Poetry. Science, Mystery and Fiction. Over 80 titles now on sale Price Rs. 3.00 & Rs. 4.50 PUBLISHED BY:- INDIA BOOK HOUSE EDUCATION TRUST RUSI MANSION, 23 WODEHOUSE ROAD. BOMBAY-400 039, Reprint: August 197: 10,000HISTORY MYTHOLOGY LEGEND