LIVING RAMAYANAS

By Dr R Sudarshan

Anything that is believed to hold timeless relevance is bound to transform in perspective with changing times. Ramayana is a prime example. There is no single Ramayana; there is one that Valmiki wrote but that too has changed with the changing cultural consciousness. Across geographies in South east Asia, transcending faiths and contexts, Ramayana exists in a wide diversity. The Belgium born Camille Bulcke once counted over 300 versions in the world.

Azeez has now chronicled the oral traditions of Wayanad in Kerala to show that the tribals believe that Ramayana happened in Wayanad. In their version, there are locations corresponding to all major Ramayana events in this hilly district.

Azeez argues that human societies reshape narratives. And Ramayana must not be talked about as a mythological text of yore but as something that is alive, playing through the current consciousness and locally familiar geographies.

That's the bubble of wisdom on the shelf this evening.

For any relevant query, message 81051 12990.

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