Scion of Ikshvaku
The cover art for Scion of Ikshvaku
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| Author | Amish Tripathi |
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| Cover artist | Think Why Not |
| Country | India |
| Language | English |
| Subject | |
| Genre | Fiction |
| Publisher | Westland Press |
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Publication date
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22 June 2015 |
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| Followed by | Sita: Warrior of Mithila |
Scion of Ikshvaku (also known as Ram: Scion of Ikshvaku) is a fantasy book by Indian author Amish Tripathi, released on 22 June 2015. It is based on Ram, the legendary Indian king regarded as an incarnation of Vishnu. The title was revealed by the author at the Jaipur Literature Festival. The story begins with King Dashrath of Ayodhya being defeated in a war by Lankan trader Raavan, and the birth of his son Ram. It follows through Ram's childhood and tutelage, along with the politics surrounding his ascension to the throne, and ultimately his 14-year exile, accompanied by wife Sita and brother Lakshman.
King Dashrath of Ayodhya, Emperor of the Sapta Sindhu region in India, objects demands made by Lankan trader Kubera. He declares war but is defeated by Kubera's general, Raavan, at Karachapa. Dashrath barely escapes with his life thanks to Kaikeyi, his second queen. At the same time in Ayodhya, Dashrath's first queen Kaushalya gives birth to their son, Ram. Following the defeat, Ravan monopolizes the entire trade system in India, causing economic crisis. Dashrath blames Ram as the reason for his defeat, and treats him apathetically.
Ram and his half-brothers, Bharat (son of Kaikeyi), Lakshman and Shatrughan (twin sons of Dashrath's third wife Sumitra), are sent to live at the hermitage of sage Vashistha. Under his tutelage, Ram becomes a skilled warrior, and gains knowledge about India's predicament. After training, Ram is given the job of maintaining law and police in Ayodhya, which he considerably excels. One day Roshni, daughter of the wealthy trader Manthara and sister-like to the four brothers, is gang raped and murdered. The culprits are all executed except one, Dhenuka, who is underage. A strict follower of the law, Ram is forced to imprison the boy although others request him for Dhenuka's execution. Manthara bribes Kaikeyi into influencing Bharat, who secretly murders Dhenuka, much to Ram's chagrin.
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