About The Book: The Sundara Kanda forms the heart of Valmiki's Ramayana and consists of a detailed, vivid account of Hanuman's adventures. After learning about Sita, Hanuman assumes a gargantuan form and makes a colossal leap across the ocean to Lanka after defeating Surasa, the mother of the nagas, and Simhika, who is sent by the devatas. In Lanka, Hanuman searches for Sita, and finally finds her in the Ashoka Vatika. In the Ashoka Vatika, Sita is wooed and threatened by Ravana and his rakshasi mistresses to marry Ravana. Hanuman reassures her, giving Rama's signet ring as a sign of good faith. He offers to carry Sita back to Rama; however, she refuses, reluctant to allow herself to be rescued by anyone other than her husband. She says that Rama himself must come and avenge the insult of her abduction. Hanuman then wreaks havoc in Lanka by destroying trees and buildings, and kills Ravana's warriors. He allows himself to be captured and produced before Ravana. He gives a bold lecture to Ravana to release Sita. He is condemned and his tail is set on fire, but he escapes his bonds and, leaping from roof to roof, sets fire to Ravana's citadel, and makes the giant leap back from the island. The joyous search party returns to Kishkindha with the news. About The Editor: Manmatha Nath Dutt (1855–1912) Bengali writer, scholar of Sanskrit and Pali, served as rector in educational institutions (Keshab Academy and Serampore College), described as India's most prolific translator of Hindu epics and scriptures. Later known as Manmatha Nath Shastri after getting that degree. Maternal grandfather of Sucheta Kripalani. Partial biography here. Works:Gleanings from Indian Classics (1893); Kamandakiya Nitisara, or, The elements of polity (1896); Buddha-his life, his teachings, his order (1901); Outlines of Hindu Metaphysics (1904); Markandeya Purana (1896).Translations:The Ramayana (1891-94); Bala Kanda; Ayodhya Kanda; Aranya Kanda; Kishkindha Kanda; Sundara Kanda; Yuddha Kanda; Uttara Kanda.
