Living Ramayanas

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There is no single Ramayana, just as there is not just one kind of people. The epic originally penned by Valmiki has evolved across time and cultures, reflecting the diverse consciousness of humanity. Various social contexts—in India, Southeast Asia, and beyond—have generated an immense variety of Ramayanas across oral, textual, and visual mediums. Azeez Tharuvana is particularly drawn to the oral tribal Ramayana tradition in Wayanad, Kerala, where locals believe the region is central to the epic's events. In their version, locations like Ashramkolly and Jadayattakavu are imbued with significance tied to Valmiki and Rama. Tharuvana's exploration of this tradition reveals how societies reshape narratives to express their unique identities and moral codes. The Ramayana transcends its role as a religious text, embodying plurality and featuring fascinating divergences. It remains a living work, continuously evolving rather than relegated to the past. The various profound and often entertaining adaptations discussed in this insightful work underscore that the Ramayana should be viewed not merely as a mythological text but as a vibrant, polyphonic, and pluralistic narrative. Through Rama's story, Tharuvana highlights the text's inclusivity like no other.