रामपाणिवादकृतम् सीताराघवम्- Sitaraghavam of Ramapanivada

Contribution of Kerala to Sanskrit Literature is wide and varied. Valuable manuscripts of important works in Sanskrit are preserved in Kerala from very ancient times. Many of them are published, some unpublished and others partly published. Fresh endeavours are needed to bring out new editions with critical studies of many of them.

The present edition is the outcome of such a long felt need. Sitaraghava, a Nataka by Ramapanivada, was published long ago from Trivandrum Sanskrit series which is out of print now. The Drama is the best example for the poetic fancy and creative skill of the author. The play is presented here with a critical study which throws light on the different aspects of the drama like the plot, deviations and innovations, characters, sentiments and Sandhis and Sandhyangas.

I am very thankful to Dr. N. P. UNNI, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, for blessing the endeavour by providing a foreword for the edition. I am greatful to my teachers and friends for encouraging me in this effort.

The cover of the book was designed by Sri Saaju Thuruthil of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady. I am extreamly thankful to him for that.

Special thanks are also due to New Bharatiya Book Corporation, Delhi, for undertaking the publication of this Kerala Sanskrit Drama.

Ramapanivada is one of the most prolific authors in Sanskrit whose compositions embrace a wide range of topics both literary and technical. If he is to be identified with Kunchan Nambiar who contributed a lot through the vernacular, then he will have to be ranked among the all-time greats. Patronised by many a ruler he enjoyed popularity which only a few could claim.

Among his contribution to the fileld of dramas may be included Nataka, Prahasana and Vithi. His Sitaraghava belongs to the type of Nataka while Madanaketucarita is a Prahasana. Among the Vithi type he has written Candrika and Lilavati all of which are published from the Trivandrum Sanskrit Series.

The present edition of Dr. C. M. Neelakandhan fulfils a long felt need in that this valuable Rama play was out of print for long. He has appended a study as introduction to the work which sheds much light on the author and his allround contributions. I am sure that this will be welcomed by sanskritists all over the world.

**Contents and Sample Pages**