Ramayana - A Modern Retelling offers an intriguing look at Hindu mythology, tracing the extraordinary lives and aspirations of those who lived in ancient India. This story is not history or biography, but about what could have been.

One of the oldest living religions in the world, Hinduism is unique in that it has many sects but no single leader. Its beliefs have evolved over 4, 000 years, and it numbers over 1 billion followers. It is difficult to understand Hindu Dharma unless one tries to understand the characters of Raama, Lakshmana, Seetha, Bharata, and Hanuman. This book does just that.

Ruling over the kingdom of Khosala from the city of Ayodhya, King Dasaratha is beloved and respected by all. Although he has three wives, he is childless. To rectify the matter, a powerful prayer is performed. Within a year, four sons are delivered by his three wives, including a set of twins.

Named Raama, Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrugna, they train to become royal princes. As the brothers mature, they are molded by training and royal values. This greatest of epic stories follows them as they marry and fight for their honour. The story blazes across India until a new king is crowned.

Squadron Leader S. Ravi [IAF] Retd, was born and raised in Chennai, a city in southern India. After graduating in mechanical engineering from Regional Engineering College, Rourkela, Ravi joined the Indian Air Force as a commissioned officer. Having travelled the world as an officer, Ravi is now a business consultant for a company called Force 1 and is living in Chennai with his wife.