Picture this! A tale so powerful that it has captivated hearts for millennia, shaping the cultural fabric of an entire subcontinent. Now, imagine peeling back its layers to reveal hidden gems of wisdom and wonder. This is precisely what Ami Ganatra attempts in her book Ramayana Unravelled, a work that promises to shed light on the lesser-known facets of Valmiki’s timeless epic.
Namo Namaha fellow Bibliophiles!
As a lifelong devotee of the Ramayana, I approached Ganatra‘s book with a mix of excitement and trepidation. After all, interpreting a text as revered and complex as the Ramayana is no small feat. Does Ramayana Unravelled live up to its ambitious title? Join me as we embark on this literary journey, exploring Ganatra’s insights and reflecting on their place in the rich tapestry of Ramayana scholarship.
The Eternal Allure of the Ramayana
From watching the Ramayana serial on Doordarshan with family to reading Amar Chitra Katha’s popular comic adaptation and listening to my granny’s narrations during the summer holidays, the Ramayana has been an integral part of my life. The emotions it evokes are profound – you ache when Rama does, cry when Sita does, and feel invigorated when Hanuman does!
The Ramayana: A Living Legacy
The Ramayana is more than just a story; it’s Itihasa (history) and lived experience of an ancient and thriving civilization.
The Bharatiya (Indian) civilization has survived unbroken to this day, with the same Rigvedic mantras chanted during the Ramayana period still resonating in modern-day India. This continuity is a testament to the epic’s enduring legacy and significance in Indian culture.
There are multiple versions of both the Ramayana and Mahabharata, with no consensus on when the originals were scripted. However, there’s no confusion about their authorship. Adi Kavi (first poet) Valmiki and Veda Vyasa brought the Ramayana and Mahabharata respectively to life in Sanskrit. Both epics have countless retellings, reimaginings, and versions. Most credible versions, such as Kamba Ramayana and Tulsidas‘s Rama Charita Manas, pay homage to the original author, as was the tradition in ancient Bharat.
Unravelling Ami Ganatra’s Ramayana
In this non-fiction book Ramayana Unravelled, Ami Ganatra aims to bring lesser-known facets of Rishi Valmiki‘s epic to light. By giving the acknowledgments, introduction, and summary storyline sections Ganatra expertly sets the stage for the journey ahead! She clearly outlines her sources and intentions, providing a solid foundation for readers.
True to its tagline, the book focuses on less-explored aspects of the Ramayana. However, a prior understanding of the main storyline is recommended to fully appreciate the nuances and insights presented.
Key Insights
Let’s dive into what makes Ganatra‘s book particularly interesting:
- Dharma and Statecraft: The book delves into crucial Sanatana Dharmic (commonly referred to as Hinduism) concepts like Raja Dharma and Artha Shastra, offering readers a deeper understanding of the ethical and political dimensions that underpin the epic.
- Clarifying Popular Scenes: Ganatra addresses common questions and clarifies the authenticity of certain popular scenes, such as the Lakshmana Rekha incident and Veer Hanuman’s depiction with a Gadha as his weapon.
- Contextualizing Controversies: The book tackles contemporary concerns about the Ramayana, such as Ahalya’s story, Vali’s killing, Sita’s despair, and Rama Rajya, by providing the appropriate historical and cultural context.
- Interconnected Epics: Ganatra highlights the references to Ramayana and Shri Rama in the Mahabharata, showcasing the intricate web of connections within these epics.
Captivating Insights
Beyond these key areas, Ramayana Unravelled offers some truly fascinating sections:
- Rama and Sita’s Relationship: Ganatra’s nuanced exploration of this often misinterpreted relationship is particularly insightful.
- Living History: The geographical locations mentioned throughout the book serve as a powerful reminder of India’s rich and continuous civilization. Many of these places exist even today.[1]
- The Genius of Composition: The detailed explanation of the Anushtup Chhanda, the meter used in composing the Ramayana, is nothing short of genius. The Anushtup chhanda is made up of 32 syllables divided into four parts called padas. Each pada has eight syllables. Every single shloka follows this metre, making it rhythmic for musical rendition. There are specific rules about syllable placement: the 5th syllable of each Pada is laghu (soft) and the 6th is guru (hard). The 7th syllable of the 2nd and 4th padas is laghu and of the 1st and 3rd padas is guru. Remember, this was accomplished without editors, proofreaders, or publishers! Even the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita are composed in Anushtup Chhanda, showcasing the brilliance of Bharatiya poets.
- Vishwamitra’s Legacy: The book highlights how Brahmarshi Vishwamitra is attributed to the popular first line of Venkatesha Suprabhata
and the Gayatri Mantra, adding another layer to the rich tapestry of Indian spiritual history! - Intriguing Snippets:
- The Kumbhakarna Syndrome which might be diagnosed as Klein-Levin syndrome in modern times.
- The advanced civilization of ancient cities like Ayodhya.
- The origin of the phrase Bhagheerathi Prayasa.
Final Thoughts
Ramayana Unravelled is an engaging read for anyone interested in the Ramayana, particularly those with a prior understanding of the epic. Ganatra‘s approach is largely sincere and informative. While I wished for a deeper exploration of certain characters like Bharata, overall, the book offers valuable insights and a fresh perspective on this timeless epic.
This book serves as a reminder of why the legacy of Shri Rama is everlasting and why Hindu hearts pulsate with Rama and Hanuman Nama. In a world often fixated on reinterpreting ancient wisdom through modern lenses, Ganatra‘s effort to distill the epic’s essence for contemporary readers is commendable. I hope that the very deities it discusses will bless this attempt to bridge the gap between the ancient and the modern!
As I conclude this review on the day of Valmiki Jayanti, I’m struck by the timeless relevance of Adi Kavi‘s work! Today, as we honor the sage poet who first penned this epic, I’m reminded of how the Ramayana continues to inspire, guide, and captivate across millennia. Ganatra‘s work, in its way, contributes to this enduring legacy!
Today of all days is a good day to remember Brahma Deva‘s words on the eternity of the Ramayana:
“As long as the mountains stand and rivers flow on earth, this story of Rama will flourish in the world!”
Looking Ahead: This review marks the beginning of our journey through the world of Indian Epics. Stay tuned for more in-depth explorations of the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the profound wisdom they offer to our modern world.
What are your thoughts on Ramayana Unravelled and the enduring legacy of the epic? Share your insights in the comments below or reach out on social media – let’s continue this fascinating discussion on the timeless wisdom of the Ramayana!
Stay blessed, safe, and happy. Om Shanti!
very good review Mythri. All the best
detailed in-depth feedback