Book Review: Sita's Sister by Kavita Kane

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Sita's Sister: A story about Urmila, the lesser-talked-about character of the Ramayana.

The younger daughter of Maharaja Janak – she's an epitome of grace, love, and sisterhood. Her love story with Lakshman is not often talked about, though it holds immense importance in this epic.

Just like we talk about Lord Ram and Ma Sita, who met in the royal gardens of Mithila and whose love blossomed, Lakshman and Urmila's romance also bloomed in those royal gardens; it was the very place where the two first saw each other. But there was a clash of egos, thoughts, and even life views between them.

Urmila took her sweet time in acknowledging Lakshman as her suitor. The author beautifully depicts their conversation in the wooden hut beneath the forests, where both confess their love for each other — the imagery is truly beautiful.

After the wedding, all four princesses tried to maintain their bond—however, changes just happened. Or rather, in the palace of Ayodhya, the sisters were often pitted against each other. Mandavi was hurt when King Dashrath announced that Ram would be the successor. It seemed that Mandavi was unhappy. Many unanticipated events occurred, one of which was the exile given to Ram and Sita. Along with them, Lakshman decided to go into exile, leaving Urmila stunned.

Lakshman's character as a loving husband is portrayed beautifully in the book. He nicknamed her “Mila” — a name reserved just for him. Of course, as the bride of Ayodhya, she was expected to be graceful and responsible. However, back in their personal chambers, she was allowed to be herself, and he used to open her hair—that's how he liked it.

If Lakshman went into exile, Urmila too lived those fourteen years in exile. She also learned the reason why Kaikeyi sent Ram into exile for only fourteen years. Earlier, she had hated Kaikeyi, but upon learning the truth, her respect for the older queen grew.

The entire story is written from Urmila's perspective and brings a fresh outlook to the traditional epic we’ve seen on television or read about in books.

A must-read for mythology lover!