Description
“Set against the backdrop of the Ramayana, the novel follows Roopavati and Suvarna, royal stylists of the Ikshvaku dynasty. Though from different backgrounds, they share a deep bond of sisterhood. Their lives are closely tied to the royal family, making them silent witnesses to palace intrigues and political turmoil.
When Ram is sentenced to 14 years of exile, their lives, too, take a significant turn, leading them down unexpected paths that test their resilience and alter their destinies. For one, the prince’s exile becomes a catalyst for personal growth and empowerment, while for the other, it is a period of hardship and struggle that challenges everything she holds dear. Yet through every trial, their friendship endures.
The narrative also sheds light on the common people of Kosala, offering a fresh perspective on governance under Bharat, Ram’s steadfast brother and second-in-command. Despite his inner anguish, Bharat shoulders the heavy responsibility of ruling, facing countless trials to protect his citizens and uphold the Ikshvaku legacy.
Blending history, imagination, and insight, the novel revisits forgotten questions of the traditional tale and transports readers to the vibrant social life of prehistoric India—a society advanced in governance, trade, and women’s empowerment, and free from caste or gender discrimination. While honoring the epic, it also invites reflection on timeless values of duty, loyalty, resilience, and human connection, the qualities that seem to be fading in today’s fast-paced world.”
