PUBLISHER'S NOTE TO THE FIRST EDITION
The chief aim in the present edition of the Ramayana is to supply in an attractive manner an authoritative text of the great epic. The edition differs from the rest that are already in existence in that it is the result of collation of various and varied manuscripts and printed edition. An Editorial Committee consisting of Mahamahopadhyaya Prof. S. Kuppuswami Sastrigal, Mahamahopadhyad S. Krishna Sastrigal, Brahmarsi S. K. Padmanabha Sastrigal and Brahmarsi T. V. Ramachandra Dikshitar have considered very carefully the various reading and have incorporated in the body of the text such readings as were satisfactory and appropriate. The need for such an authoritative text with an adequate index was felt by all lovers of Sanskrit literature; and the publication of this work is the fulfilment of a desire deeply cherished for years. Our thanks are due in no small measure to those composing the Editorial Committee as well as to Messers. T. R. Chintamani, M. A., T. Chandrasekhara Dikshitar, M.A., L.T., and Pandit T. S. Subramanya Sastrigal, who have helped, in various ways, the collation of the manuscripts and completion of the index.
The seventeen illustrations that are reproduced here are the painting in water colour by Sjt. K. Rammohan Sastri, a recognised Andhra artist, who undertook in line and colour some of the unforgettable episodes in the Ramayana so dear to the hearts of the Hindus. We are indeed grateful to him for his pictures which preserve the atmosphere of ancient India in form as well as content.
