Apparently this is the question that inspired Merchant to write
this book. But he leaves us to figure out whether or not Janaki
(ie/ daughter of King Janak) refers to Sita the banished heroine of
the Ramayana or some other Janaki he has encountered in his
life.
I for one can see many parallels between the story of Sita and that
of Janaki in this novel. Both are 'defiled' by a mlecca or demon,
both give birth to twins in their exile and both go on to live
lives that are a mystery to those they left behind.
Regardless of wheter or not this is THE Janaki or not, the novel
weaves a captivating story about two sisters - the one who leaves
and the one who is left behind. There is tragedy without being
melodramatic, there is an insiders look to Bollywood without being
salacious. But what is most impressive is the insight into the
psyche of women, particularly considering it was written by a man.