Indian Epic Tradition
When we talk about Indian culture, nothing captures its spirit better than the two grand epics — the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. These stories aren’t just old books gathering dust on a shelf. They’re alive. You’ll find them in TV serials, Assamese Bhawnas, WhatsApp forwards, Instagram or Facebook Reels, school dramas, temple carvings, and even in political speeches. But more than anything, they’re about life — how we live, how we struggle, how we try to be better people. That’s why they’re still relevant today.
At the heart of both epics is this tricky thing called Dharma. People say it means “duty” or “righteous path”, but really, it’s more than that. It’s about doing what’s right — even when it’s hard, even when it breaks your heart. In the Ramayana, Rama is the poster human of dharma. He gives up his throne, his comfort, even his wife — all for the sake of duty. You might say, “Isn’t that unfair to Sita?” Yes, it is. But that’s the thing — dharma doesn’t always feel nice. It demands sacrifice. In Mahabharata, it gets even messier. Yudhishthira, the so-called ‘Dharmaraj’, gambles away everything — his kingdom, his brothers, even Draupadi. How’s that dharma? Exactly! That’s what makes Mahabharata so intense — it forces us to think, not just follow.
Another major theme is karma — the idea that your actions shape your destiny. You can’t escape it, no matter how rich or powerful you are. In Ramayana, King Dasharatha dies of heartbreak when Rama leaves, but it’s actually karma coming back. Years ago, he killed a boy by mistake. In Mahabharata, Karna is a tragic hero who dies unfairly, but he’s also stuck in the web of his past choices. These stories remind us that actions have consequences, even if those consequences show up years later.
And then there’s bhakti — love and devotion. This is the soul of both epics. Look at Hanuman. He doesn’t care about fame or rewards. He just loves Rama, serves him without question. In Mahabharata, Arjuna finds himself lost and confused on the battlefield. Krishna steps in, not just as a friend, but as a divine guide. His words in the Bhagavad Gita are still read by people trying to make sense of life. It’s about letting go of ego and trusting a higher power.
Now let’s talk about good vs evil. In Ramayana, it’s pretty clear — Rama is good, Ravana is bad. But even that’s not black and white. Ravana is a scholar, a great devotee of Shiva, a brave warrior. He crosses the line when he abducts Sita, yes, but he’s not just a monster. In Mahabharata, things get even greyer. The Pandavas are supposed to be the heroes, but they do some shady things. Krishna literally helps them break the rules to win. Meanwhile, even villains like Karna and Bhishma have honour. This shows us something important — real life isn’t just good vs evil. It’s complicated. People have both inside them.
One thing people don’t always realise is that these epics aren’t just one version. They’ve been retold, reimagined, and rewritten across India for centuries. These are called recensions. The original Ramayana is by Valmiki, but most North Indians know Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas. In the South, they follow Kamba Ramayanam in Tamil. Even tribal groups, Buddhists, and Jains have their own versions. There are over 300 known Ramayanas! The same goes for Mahabharata. The version by Vyasa is the base, but every region has shaped the story in its own way — in poetry, drama, dance, even street theatre. It proves that Indian tradition doesn’t freeze stories — it lets them grow.
So, why does all this matter in 2025? Simple. These epics are still with us. Whenever you face a difficult decision, think about Rama choosing exile, or Arjuna on the battlefield. When you feel torn between heart and head, these stories show up, not to give perfect answers, but to ask better questions. What is my duty? When should I stand up and when should I step back? What do I owe my family, my friends, myself?
To wrap up — the Indian epics aren’t about perfect heroes or fantasy battles. They’re about flawed people trying to do the right thing in a messed-up world. Just like us. They teach us that dharma isn’t about being ideal — it’s about trying. Trying to be fair. Trying to be wise. Trying to live with courage and love, even when it hurts. And that, honestly, is the kind of story we all need.
References (used and adapted):
- Chaudhari, Usha & Indernath. Hinduism: A Way of Life and Mode of Thought, Niyogi Press, 2012.
- Rajagopalachari, C.R. Ramayana & Mahabharata, Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, 2013.
- Flood, Gavin. Introduction to Hinduism, Cambridge University Press, 2015.
- Literopedia.com
- ArchaicSocieties.com
- Inflibnet eBooks
