Hinduism Ramayana Review
Title
Valmiki’s Ramayana
Translation
1st known recorded versionfrom Sanskrit
Iconic
Characters
Rama-possibly critizing him
as the perfect man
Sita-Perfect wife/woman
Hanuman-Perfect Devotee
Significance
Not the most popular version
Not available in vernacular
languages
Teaches how to live in
accordance to dharma
Rama does not know his
status as a god till the end
Ramanad’s Sagar
Ramayana
Translation in Hindu
(Tulidas)
Iconic
Focus on Rama, Sita,
Lakshma, Hannuman
Legitamized Rama’s
questionable actions
Not devotional
Raised the popularity of
Rama throughout India
Darasan through the Tv
Increased the popularity of
TV
Possible spark of Ayodha
conflict
Katha, Ramaila
Telgu Women’s Songs
Symbolic/Indexical
Women Characters as
Focus
Devotional
Feminist/Women’s
perspective
Hanuman
Lakshuma and Urmila
Santa
Rama- not emphasized
Sita is not subversive to
Rama; however other
women are
Sita Sings the Blues
Symbolic
Ayodyha
Indexical
Important Words
Symbolic
Indexical
Iconic
Siva
Pavarti/Uma
Yagna
Gansea
Saravati
Lakshmi
Durga
Sakti
Kali
Rajya Dharma
Ksatryia Dharma
Familial Dharma
Stri Dharma
Sita-Victim/Heroine
Rama-Villian
Nina-parallel to Sita
3 Narrators-audience
VHP/BJP
Rama
Hindu priest in mosque
Film maker
Lower caste members
Non Brahmin-socio
economic problems, caste
issues
Sitayana
Modern Application
Connection to real/American
world
Sitayana
Propaganda- political
Religious-acting for/as
Rama
Rama presented as a Godstrong and marshalll