Urmila: The Ascetic Princess

It is not for nothing that the Ramayana is also known as "The Epic Beautiful". Readers have forever been enchanted with Valmiki's achingly beautiful poem that time and again, pitilessly sacrifices love, at the altar of duty.

As children, we've grown up with the story of Rama. We know his valour, his wisdom and every twist of fate that comes his way intimately. We know the tragic arch of unrequited love between him and his beloved wife Sita. We have listened – wide eyed, open-mouthed – to how the mighty Ravana eventually fell, his glorious island kingdom overrun by an army of monkeys and bears.

And yet should we delve a bit deeper, it seems the Ramayana will always have a little more to offer. For instance, this story of Urmila – Sita's sister and Lakshmana's wife. Few know her… but those that do might insist – here, is a tale of unparalleled bravery. A tale of constancy, fidelity and austerity like no other.