Interpolations in the Valmiki Ramayan and Rationality Behind It

Abstract

The present research paper investigates the interpolations in Valmiki Ramayan byfocusing on 'Bala Kanda's Original Ramayan (Mool Ramayan) and 'Uttara Kanda',which is composed around 500 CE. The Valmiki Ramayan is the first epic writtenby the first poet of the Literary world, the 'Adi Kavi' Guru Valmiki. It may be calledthe national epic of India. This paper highlights how the 'Uttara Kanda' stands apartnot only in its content but also in the texture of the text and the apparent gap in thequality of the poetry. Moreover, this research paper engages with several events in'Uttara Kanda' and how it differs from the other six Kandas. It also engages with thenuances in the poetic style of 'Uttara Kanda' by examining the language, style,emotion, and expressions. While depicting the incidents, a major focus of thepaper is to explore interpolation by examining various incidents, such as thePhalashruti at the end of 'Yuddha Kanda', Sita's banishment, Shambuk'stermination, the story of Valmiki Ramayan sung by Lava-Kusa, Sita's AgniPariksha etc.The Ramayan means journey or progress of Sri Ram. Sri Ram was not an ordinaryperson but Prince of solar dynasty and future king of Kaushal Pradesh. In thisunmatched and grand historical epic, we see the Journey of progress from being aprince to becoming the ruler of the heart of the people and national conciousnesstill date. By looking at the major points, this paper aims to negate and debunkcertain demeaning and baseless non-factual things which were created to blemishthe cultural fabric of India.