Ramayana

The Ramayana is an ancient Indian epic traditionally attributed to the sage Valmiki. Composed in Sanskrit, its date is uncertain, with estimates ranging from the early centuries BCE to the first centuries CE. The text narrates the life of Rama, a prince of Ayodhya, and his wife Sita, and centers on duty, virtue, and the triumph of good over evil.

The epic is structured into seven kandas or books: Bala Kanda (childhood), Ayodhya Kanda (Rama’s life in Ayodhya and his exile), Aranya Kanda (forest life), Kishkindha Kanda (monkey kingdom), Sundara Kanda (Hanuman’s search for Sita), Yuddha Kanda (the war with Ravana), and Uttara Kanda (later events). It follows Rama’s fourteen-year exile, Sita’s abduction by the demon king Ravana, the alliance with Hanuman and the monkey allies, the war, and Rama’s restoration to the throne.

Key characters include Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatrughna, Ravana, Hanuman, Jatayu, and Vibhishana. The narrative explores dharma, righteousness, loyalty, and filial piety, with Rama often described as an ideal ruler, husband, and son, and Sita as an exemplar of devotion and virtue.

The Ramayana has influenced literature, performing arts, theater, sculpture, and temple art across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Numerous vernacular retellings exist, such as the Ramcharitmanas in Hindi by Tulsidas, and regional versions in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Sinhala, Thai, and Javanese. The story also informs religious practices, festivals, and moral discourse.

Scholars debate its composition and dating, but most agree it reflects early to classical Indian religious and social ideas. The Ramayana remains a foundational text in Hinduism and continues to be retold in many cultures.