In this enlightening discussion, Jessica Frazier, a lecturer in the study of religion specializing in Hindu epics, and Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad, a distinguished professor of comparative religion, delve into the timeless tale of the Ramayana. They explore Sita's banishment and Valmiki's influence, while examining the epic's cultural significance and themes of virtue and kingship. The conversation highlights the narrative's evolution and its profound impact on regional adaptations, showcasing the complexities of Rama and Sita’s relationship within ever-changing moral contexts.
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insights INSIGHT
Blessings and Curses of Kingdoms
The rise of kingdoms during the Axial Age (500 BC) brought both benefits and drawbacks to societies.
The Ramayana reflects this period, showcasing the advantages and challenges of a kingdom-based system.
insights INSIGHT
The Rise of Cities and Ideas
The development of cities allowed for deeper conversations and the emergence of new ideas, like kingship ideologies.
Urban centers facilitated the creation of significant institutions such as universities, palaces, and city planning.
insights INSIGHT
Sanskrit's Systematization
Panini systematized Sanskrit's grammar, creating consistency across millennia.
This systematization led to Sanskrit becoming a cosmopolitan language, fostering debate and intertextuality.
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The Upanishads are a collection of ancient Indian philosophical and spiritual texts that form part of the Vedas. They explore the nature of reality, consciousness, and the self. The Upanishads are known for their profound insights into the relationship between the individual self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). They emphasize the importance of self-knowledge and meditation as paths to liberation. The Upanishads have had a profound impact on Indian philosophy and spirituality and have influenced various other spiritual traditions. They remain a significant source of wisdom for those seeking to understand the deeper dimensions of human existence and the universe.
Chandravati's Ramayana
A Woman's Perspective
Chandravati
Chandravati's Ramayana offers a distinct feminine perspective on the epic, focusing on the life and struggles of Sita rather than the traditional heroic narrative of Rama. It explores themes of sorrow and betrayal, reflecting both personal and societal experiences of women during her time.
Vessantara Jataka
The Great Birth Sermon
Traditional Buddhist Texts
The Vessantara Jataka tells the story of Prince Vessantara, one of the past lives of Gautama Buddha, who exemplifies perfect generosity by giving away everything, including his children. This tale is celebrated in Southeast Asian cultures and is an important part of Buddhist folklore.
Kambaramayanam
Ramavataram
Kambar
கம்பராமாயணம் என்பது தமிழ் இலக்கியத்தில் ஒரு முக்கியமான நூலாகும். இது இராமனின் கதையை மிகவும் அழகாகவும் கவிதை நயத்துடனும் விவரிக்கிறது. இந்த நூல் தமிழ் மக்களின் கலாச்சாரத்தையும் மதிப்புகளையும் பிரதிபலிக்கிறது.
Ramcharitmanas
Tulsidas
Baldev Prasad Saxena
This edition of Ramcharitmanas provides a word-to-word transliteration alongside the original text, making it accessible to non-Hindi speakers. It includes an English translation in a natural communicative style, facilitating understanding of this sacred Hindu text. The Ramcharitmanas is a poetic retelling of the Ramayana, composed by Tulsidas in the Awadhi language.
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Ramayana, the ancient Hindu epic which is regarded as one of the greatest works of world literature. Its importance in Indian culture has been compared to that of the Iliad and Odyssey in the West, and it’s still seen as a sacred text by Hindus today.
Written in Sanskrit, it tells the story of the legendary prince and princess Rama and Sita, and the many challenges, misfortunes and choices that they face. About 24,000 verses long, the Ramayana is also one of the longest ancient epics. It’s a text that’s been hugely influential and it continues to be popular in India and elsewhere in Asia.
With
Jessica Frazier
Lecturer in the Study of Religion at the University of Oxford and a Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies
Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad
Distinguished Professor of Comparative Religion and Philosophy at Lancaster University
and
Naomi Appleton
Senior Lecturer in Asian Religions at the University of Edinburgh
The image above shows Rama, Sita, Hanuman, Lakshmana and devotees, from the Shree Jalaram Prarthana Mandal, Leicester.
In Our Time 
