Indian Literature - The Ramayana

Explore the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana, in this 31-minute lecture presented by Michael H. Fisher. Delve into the 24,000-verse poem's significance as both a literary masterpiece and a religious text for Hindus. Examine the similarities between the Ramayana and other classical epics like the Odyssey and Aeneid. Discover how the Kshatriya martial dharma became a model for kings and how Rama's character exemplifies ideal behavior for Hindus. Investigate the historical authenticity of figures like King Dasharata and Prince Rama. Analyze the trials of Rama and Sita in the forest, exploring emic viewpoints on women and the moral implications of Sita's abduction. Learn about modern adaptations of the Ramayana in television and fiction, and consider critiques of the epic's elitism. Gain insights into Rama's enduring cultural influence and the Ramayana's impact on Indian literature and society.

First Major Work of Sanskrit Literature
Similarities Between Ramayana, Odyssey, and Aeneid
Kshatriya Martial Dharma Becomes Model for Kings
Emic View on Ramayana
Was King Dasharata Real?
Rama Models Ideal Behavior for Hindus
Trials of Rama and Sita in the Forest
Emic Viewpoint on Women
Sita's Abduction: Blaming the Victim or Moral Virtue?
Was Rama a Real Prince Deified?
Modern Adaptations of Ramayana for TV and Fiction
Dravidian Organization Attacks Rama's Elitism
Rama's Cultural Influences