Sita: An Illustrated Retelling of the Ramayana is a unique and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most enduring tales in Hindu mythology. Devdutt Pattanaik, a renowned mythologist and illustrator, offers a fresh perspective on the Ramayana, focusing on Sita, the central female figure in the epic.

The book delves into the complexities of Rama, the king known for his devotion to a single wife, and the controversial decision to abandon her in the forest. This act is examined not just as a narrative but as a reflection on notions of fidelity, property, and self-image.

Devdutt Pattanaik highlights the various retellings of the Ramayana across different cultures and times, each trying to solve the puzzle of the epic in its own way. The narrative approaches Rama by speculating on Sita: her childhood with her father, Janaka; her life in the forest with her ascetic husband; her interactions with the women of Lanka; and her profound connections with nature and divinity.

Through vivid illustrations and engaging storytelling, Pattanaik presents Sita not only as the demure Gauri but also as the untamed Kali, transforming the stoic prince of Ayodhya into a deity. This beautifully illustrated retelling invites readers to rethink and reimagine one of India's greatest epics.