SĀKET: An English Transcreation reawakens Maithili Sharan Gupt's 20th-century Hindi epic, widely considered the finest work of modern Hindi literature. It masterfully shifts the focus of the Ramayana away from the battlefield and onto the domestic heart of Ayodhya, chronicling the forgotten narratives of women whose silent suffering upheld the Dharma.
This meticulously crafted English Transcreation preserves the poetic integrity, meter, and profound emotional depth of the original, finally making this essential literary masterpiece accessible to a global audience. It is an act of poetic transference, capturing the very soul and rhythm of Gupt's poetry rather than merely translating words. Comprehensive annotations are included, providing a cultural bridge for Western readers to the philosophical, mythological, and literary nuances of classical Indian culture.
The narrative is powerfully centered on two women who bear the deepest, most complex sacrifices of the epic:
Urmila: The Embodiment of Viraha The poem offers a revolutionary portrayal of Urmila, Lakshmana’s wife. When her husband chooses exile, Urmila willingly accepts 14 years of profound, conscious separation (Viraha). Gupt elevates her voluntary sacrifice—her silent vigil, her deep spiritual commitment, and her unwavering devotion—into the core spiritual truth of the epic. The intensity of her grief and unwavering love is the central focus of the poem, offering a powerful meditation on duty, self-control, and the strength found in solitude.
Kaikeyi: The Journey to Repentance Sāket brilliantly humanizes Kaikeyi, the queen whose cruel demand initiated the entire tragedy. The poem delves into her later life, depicting her genuine, agonizing repentance and her attempts to seek redemption and forgiveness from her family and subjects. Her journey from villainy to self-awareness challenges the traditional narrative, presenting a complex and empathetic portrait of a woman grappling with the consequences of her actions.
Why This Epic is Essential Reading Sāket is essential reading for lovers of epic poetry, feminist literature, and spiritual narratives. It is a foundational text in challenging patriarchal readings of the Ramayana, foregrounding female agency, strength, and suffering. Experience a pivotal work that marked a new age in Hindi literature, combining traditional themes with modern sensibilities. Urmila’s devotion and Kaikeyi’s remorse speak to the universal human experience of love, duty, and the arduous path to forgiveness.
Step into the heart of Ayodhya and experience the Ramayana through the eyes of the women who bore its greatest weight. Add SĀKET: An English Transcreation to your library today.