INTRODUCTION ]
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appears in a beautiful form instead of her natural ugly look. She is punished not for trying to assault Sita, but for her advances to Laksmana, on being rejected by Rama. Far from guarding Sita in a secluded cave, Laksmana helps R3ma in fighting Khara and DO$apa. Ravana does not carry away Sita in a chariot, but flies away through the sky holding her in his arms. The dropping of ornaments by Sita as well as Indra’s sending her a divine drink is not mentioned. Rama’s encounter with Trilokl follows instead of preceding his meeting with Jatayu. Dlrghabahu is mentioned in the place of Kabandha, The cause of the enmity between Vail and Sugrlva is not narrated, nor is Tara’s lamentations for Vail mentioned. The Mainaka episode follows Hannman’s encounter with the demoness whose name (Surasa) is not given. His encounter with Lahka, the description o f Puspaka, his eulogy of DaSaratha’s family and the Indra-kaka episode are all done away with. The description of Sita after Lafikadahana, introduced rather abruptly, does not appear as natural as in the Ramayana. The description of the ocean on HanUman’s return journey is newly introduced only for illustrating the figures of speech. Similarly, the amorous activities of Lanka youths are newly inserted for illustrating the quality of Madhurya. The ocean is described once again for illustrating Bhasasama diction. The Suka-Sarana, the MayaSira and the Sugriva-Ravanayuddha episodes are dropped. So also, the battle with Vajradamstra, the appearance of Mahendra and Rama’s fight with Makaraksa are omitted. Ravapa’s lamentations for Kumbhakarna are newly introduced for illustrating the Lrflakara. Ravana’s being dissuaded by his ministers from killing Sita after Indrajit’s death is not mentioned. The physician Susepa is not introduced. Vayu, Vasundhara, the Night and the Day and the Sun are invoked by Sita and they, along with Agni, declare her chastity. Valmlkl has mentioned Kubera, Yama, Indra, Varuna, Mahadeva, Siva and Brahma. The arrival of Dasaratha is announced by Siva and not Agni. Bhatti has thus dropped a few of the characters in the Ramnyana. Yet his characterisation of the principal characters
