Description
The Ramayana of Tulsi Das; On comparing the above sketch with my translation of the corresponding portion of the Hindi poem, it will be seen that the two agree only in the broadest outline. The episodes so freely introduced by both poets are, for the most part, entirely dissimilar; and even in the main narrative some of the most important incidents, such as the breaking of the bow and the contention with Parasuram, are differently placed and assume a very altered complexion. In other passages where the story follows the same lines, whatever Valmiki has condensed as, for example, the description of the marriage festivities Tulsi Das has expanded and wherever the elder poet has lingered longest, his successor has hastened on most rapidly.
