Dr. Abinash Gayen
Abstract
The
Ramayana, one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient Indian literature, has
been a significant influence on culture, art, and spirituality across
generations. While traditionally perceived as a male-cantered narrative, the
role of women in the transmission of the Ramayana has been pivotal in shaping
its enduring legacy. This paper examines the dynamic and multifaceted
involvement of women in the cultural transmission of the Ramayana, exploring
their roles as active participants in the preservation, interpretation, and
dissemination of its stories.
Historically, women have contributed as
storytellers, poets, performers, and spiritual leaders, influencing both oral
and written traditions. In the family setting, women have been instrumental in
passing down the epic through oral recitations, where they often embody the
virtues and trials of characters like Sita, Kaikeyi, and Urmila. Women have
also played a key role in performing arts, such as dance, theatre, and music,
ensuring that the Ramayana reached diverse audiences.
The paper explores how women, particularly in communities across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the diaspora, have adapted the Ramayana’s narrative to reflect local customs, beliefs, and social structures, thereby enriching the text’s significance. Moreover, the role of women as both guardians of tradition and as reformers of cultural narratives has been crucial in the evolving interpretations of the Ramayana, from ancient times to the modern era. The study calls for a re-examination of the Ramayana through a gender-inclusive lens, acknowledging the profound and lasting impact of women in its cultural perpetuation.
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Published: December 2024 [Vol. 07, No. 12]