Angada Describes the Lanka He Could Leave Fallen Behind Him
Lanka Kanda, Doha 30
Doha 30 · Movement 2 of 2
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Angada lets Ravana see the deed held back within his restraint. He would seize the ten headed king and hurl him upon the ground before the court that receives his boasts as law.
The demon army would fall, and the proud city would be laid waste. Walls, streets, palaces, and defenses would become the broken path by which the envoy passed. Ravana's queens would witness the ruin of the power in which Lanka trusted.
Then Angada would carry Janaki away, taking her from captivity together with the women of Ravana's household. He speaks not as though this act exceeds him, but as a lesser possibility already refused. The envoy did not enter to steal Rama's battle or replace Rama's deliverance. The vision of conquered Lanka reveals how much force obedience has kept silent.
A ruined city appears within Angada's words, then vanishes because the servant will not outrun his Lord.
Read the passage from the Manas
तोहि पटकि महि सेन हति चौपट करि तव गाउँ। तव जुबतिन्ह समेत सठ जनकसुतहि लै जाउँ।।30।।
I would hurl you to the ground, slay your army, and lay waste to your city. Then, O fool, together with your queens I would carry Janaki away.