ALike the Greece, ancient Indian history is blessed with two greatest epics of all times, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The Ramayana illustrates the adventurous journey of a Prince who had to wander for 14 years in the wilderness of South India, fighting against all odds and evils to keep the promises of a father alive. The Mahabharata based on the greatest war of the thirteenth or fourteenth century with many living legends of that era sacrificing their lives amidst the bad politics, along with smart fighting skills of Lord Krishna casted this epic tale of Indian history. Together these two epics comprise the entire Hindu literature. They together present the real lifelike view of Indian civilization, culture, social life, political era, religious aspect and the thoughts in practice.
The Ramayana, like the Mahabharata, has witnessed a sharp growth with every passing century. Thousands of years before the Christian era when this epic tale was first penned down by the great poet Valmiki, the Kosalas of Awadh and the Videhas of north Bihar who were once acclaimed as the most cultured races had also passed away. This reflects their fame which distinguished them from other races. These races have the lustre present in their achievements in which they flourished. That period is often quoted as the Golden Age of India. Ayodhya was the capital of the Kosalas, as mentioned in the imaginative writing of the poet. Dasratha was the king of the Kosalas. Rama, the eldest son of Dasratha was the hero of the epic called Ramayana. He was an ideal prince, dedicated to his duty with complete devotion.
Janak was the king of the Videhas. He was a monarch and a saint. His daughter Sita is the heroine of this great epic. She portrayed the ideal of a faithful woman and a devoted wife. The Ramayana is a pious collection of what true human sacrifice is. This work became so popular that it grew with the passage of time. Many fresh descriptions of those ancient incidents as written down by Valmiki came up. Many generations of poets kept on adding their vivid descriptions to this epic making it precious to the Hindus. The virtues and good deeds of Rama along with the faithfulness of Sita was such a glorious portion of this epic that readers and listeners always liked the fresh additions. The devotion of Rama's brothers, the preaching of the saints and the long account of Rama's fight to bring his wife back has been elaborated perfectly.
The current genesis and growth of the Ramayana indicates the way it's different from the Mahabharata. The Mahabharata rose out of the legends and traditions after the historical battle between the Pandavs and the Kauravs. The Ramayana grew out of the virtues of good deeds from the era of the Kosalas and the Videhas. The characters of the Ramayana were devoted to truth, faithfulness and promise. The Ramayana has presented numerous ideals of immortal faith, with domestic affections forming the core of this epic saga. Rama's duty towards his father, father's inclination for Rama, the faithfulness and devotion of Sita's soul, and the major portion when Rama's heart was torn up after the death of his father forms the most influential, powerful and respectable work in Indian literature. Whereas the bad deeds of Rama's step-mother and the old nurse presents how a human heart can become poisonous filled up with one's wickedness.
The truth and power in depicting these scenes makes the Ramayana an excellent write up. The story of this great epic connects with our real life, it strikes the cords of our heart in one go, and Sita's presence weaves a golden fabric of faithfulness and womanly love. Rama and Sita are widely seen as perfect man and perfect woman, with their devotion to duty under all misfortunes. Sorrow, sufferings, pain, trial and the domestic politics of this epic presents the perfect view of human life. Rama and Krishna are believed to be the incarnations of that one GOD who created this universe. The story of Rama has influenced many religious reformers and purified our popular faith in the divine.
Understanding the Indian epics means knowing real life people better. Indian epics have a huge impact on our civilization and the life of every individual who takes birth in India. Modern languages, literature and religious reforms, all together comprehend the real Indian scenario of the present and the past through these epics. In India, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana have been the cherished heritage since thousands of years. It has the same respect, same values and same pride even today which it has carried since its first compilation. They reflect the practical present day thoughts, beliefs and moral values which every citizen of India carries.
