The Ramayana of Valmiki is considered to be the oldest epic of India. Unlike the Mahabharata, the story of Rama has no historical foundation Yet the poem has become an intrinsic part of Hindu life. The victory of rama over Ravana. Symoilizing the victory of good over evil, is still celebrated all over India during the Dassera festival in October.

The story of Rama has inspired many to write poems and scholarly treatises. A number of versions of the story are prevalent, not only in Sanskrit, the language in which Valmiki wrote his Ramayana but also in Hindi, Bengali, Tamil and other Indian languages.

Mumali, a rakshasa king, comes form the nether-world to the world of men in search of a groom for his daughter, Kaikesi. He is impressed by the mighty Kubera, son of Vishrava. He argues that is if his daughter were to marry Vishrava, she too would bear great sons. The marriage takes place but Kaikasi bears rakshasa children. The oldest is named Ravana. Urged by his ambitious mother, Ravana puts forth his claim to be the Lord of Lanka. Thereafter follow a number of adventures, ultimately leading to the siege of Lanka by Rama.

The story, as narrated here, is based on the Uttara Kanda of Valmiki’s Ramayana.