This is one of the most critical textual questions in Indology. Multiple linguistic and manuscript traditions show strong evidence that Uttara Kanda is a later interpolation (Prakshepa):
1. Internal Phalasruti of Yuddha Kanda:
At the conclusion of the 6th book (Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 128), Maharshi Valmiki explicitly concludes the Ramayana with the traditional concluding verses (*Phalasruti*), stating that Rama ruled happily with Sita for thousands of years in Ayodhya. An epic never places its conclusion before an entire additional book unless that book was appended later.
2. Linguistic Style & Metrics:
The vocabulary, meter, and style of Uttara Kanda differ noticeably from the pristine classical Anushtup meter of the earlier six Kandas.
3. Even within Uttara Kanda narrative:
Rama as a constitutional King (*Raja Dharma*) was bound by the public scrutiny of his citizens. Rama himself was entirely convinced of Sita's purity and never remarried, keeping a golden murti of Sita by his side for the Ashvamedha Yajna. Thus, viewing Rama through a modern individualistic lens ignores both textual history and ancient constitutional Rajadharma.
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