Ancient Indian Colonies in the Far East (Vol. I: Champa; Vol. II: Suvarnadvipa) v2.c20.s5.20

v2.c20.s5.20

According to Poerbatjaraka the composition of the Old-Javanese Rāmāyaṇa has also to be referred to the same period.³ This is one of the best and most famous works of Indo-Javanese literature. Its subject-matter agrees quite well with that of Sanskrit Rāmāyaṇa, but it concludes with the reunion of Rāma and Sītā after the fire ordeal of the latter, and does not contain the story of her banishment and death. Some portions of this work, particularly in the last two *Sargas* or Cantos, have no corresponding passages in Vālmīki's Rāmāyaṇa, and are probably local additions. These portions may, however, be interpolations of a later date. The style is rich but simple, though occasionally the author makes an attempt to show off his learning.