Anand Neelakantan interview: ‘The greatness of Ramayana is in how every community, gender, and nationality finds value in it’

The portrayal of Sita in many of the folk Ramayanas is more feminist. In South India, for example, some folktales portray Sita as a powerful figure with agency, who makes her own choices and stands strong against her circumstances. In Adivasi Ramayanas of Wayanad, the entire Uttara Khanda is believed to have happened in Wayanad, and the Ramayana is viewed from a woman’s perspective. In Mithila folk tales, there is a greater emphasis on an empowered view of women, challenging the medieval patriarchal versions of the mainstream Ramayana. I give many such examples in my book.

Certain adaptations emerged during the colonial period, where the narratives were reshaped to foster nationalistic sentiments. The Ramayana was often used to invoke a sense of pride and identity among Indians during the struggle against British colonial rule, presenting Rama as an ideal leader and unifying figure against foreign oppression. Ramayana also became a tool of syncretism and integration.

Many local beliefs and deities were absorbed within the Ramayana framework, not just in India but across Asia. In Indonesia, for example, the Wayang Kulit shadow puppet performances mix Hindu elements with indigenous belief systems, leading to a version that not only conveys the Ramayana but also resonates with local cultural and spiritual practices. In certain interpretations, especially during times of political strife, the characters and their dilemmas may serve as allegories for contemporary leaders and their governance styles. For instance, debates around Rama’s decisions might reflect public sentiments about leadership and the responsibilities of rulers, thus rendering the narrative relevant to the audience’s political reality. Ramayana transcends a single narrative; it adapts and moulds itself in response to the values, struggles, and identities of the societies that claim it, making each version a reflection of its historical and cultural backdrop.

What would you say is the historical origin of the Ramayana story? Was it born in the Indian subcontinent or somewhere else?

I am not a historical scholar but a storyteller with a deep passion for Indian epics, so my opinion could be biased. But I feel Ramayana is an out-and-out Indian story that transcended the borders of India and Indian religions. It grew into a global epic, but its values, sensitivity, and roots are truly Indian.

Is there a common thread that ties together different versions of the story across South and Southeast Asia?

There are several common threads that tie together the different versions of the Ramayana across South and Southeast Asia. While the specifics may vary, the overarching storyline of the Ramayana — including the key events such as Rama’s exile, the kidnapping of Sita, the battle with Ravana, and the eventual return to Ayodhya — remains consistent. This core narrative forms a fundamental framework that unites the various adaptations. The principal characters of the Ramayana — Rama, Sita, Ravana, Hanuman, and Lakshman — are common across most versions, though their portrayals may differ in terms of traits, motivations, or moral complexities. These characters typically embody various virtues and flaws, contributing to the universal appeal of the story. How they are interpreted may vary from culture to culture and from time to time, but the overall arc remains the same.

The concepts of duty (dharma) and righteousness are central to all versions of the Ramayana. Characters often face moral dilemmas that test their sense of duty, providing audiences with lessons about ethics, responsibility, and the consequences of one’s actions. Another character who has a universal appeal is that of Hanuman. The underlying theme of devotion of Hanuman who exemplifies unwavering loyalty to Rama, is prevalent in almost all adaptations. This devotion often transcends cultural boundaries and resonates with audiences in diverse settings.

The adaptability of the Ramayana to local contexts allows for the integration of regional customs, beliefs, and values. Despite different cultural expressions, the essence of the narrative often reflects shared cultural heritage and values intertwined with local identity. Across different versions, the Ramayana serves as a source of moral teachings and guidance. The challenges faced by the characters often allow for reflections on life, ethics, and human relations, appealing to the shared human experience regardless of cultural variations. These common threads contribute to the enduring popularity and significance of the Ramayana across the vast geographical and cultural landscapes of South and Southeast Asia, illustrating its role as a timeless epic that resonates with diverse audiences.

In your previous works, you have written about the Ramayana from the point of view of Ravana, Sita, and Hanuman. Are these characters written about differently in the different versions of the Ramayana? If so, how would you say that caste, gender, and regional affinities play out in the Ramayana story?

The greatness of the Ramayana tradition is how it lends to interpretations and how every community, gender, and nationality can find value in it. I have written different versions of Ramayana in different mediums like books, television shows, and plays, from different points of view, like that of Ravana in my first book Asura: Tale of the Vanquished, from Bali’s point of view in Vanara, in marginalised women’s point of view in Valmiki’s women, in Sita’s point of view in my television show Siya Ke Ram or from Ram’s point of view in the show Srimad Ramayan. Depending on the point of view one takes, each story follows a traditional retelling prevalent in different regional or caste groups. This book is a compilation of many such stories that helped me explore Ramayana from various angles and a glimpse of the vast diversity of Ramayana retellings that have been in existence for thousands of years.

Is there any one or a couple of versions of the Ramayana that stand out for you? If yes, could you explain what is so special about them?

I love the versions which say Sita is the daughter of Ravana. Many of the traditional Ramayana plays outside India use this version. It changes the dynamics of the story and forces us to think of Ravana in a different light. This is what inspired me to write my debut book Asura 13 years ago and hence this version, which shocked me when I encountered it first, is a version that stands out in the sea of diverse Ramayana traditions. This book, Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons, is my attempt to bring together various folk and oral versions into an easily readable narrative that would give a layered and deep understanding of Ramayana to the reader. I hope it provokes them to think about this great epic in ways they aren’t familiar with and gives them a glimpse of how deep the storytelling tradition of India is.