The Ramayana has been referred to as ‘Aadhikavyam’, meaning the first ever poetry that glorifies Lord Rama, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. With about 24,000 verses, the Ramayana is considered to be one of the world’s greatest epics. According to modern day historians, Valmiki Ramayana was supposed to have been composed in the fifth century BCE and Lord Rama is believed to be born in ‘Treta Yug’ which is about 1.29 million years ago.
For thousands of years, the Ramayana has been well-known in India. The first ever Ramayana known as the ‘Valmiki Ramayana’ was written by Saint Valmiki who is also called as ‘Adi Kavi’. There are many versions of Ramayana in India. Along with Sanskrit, it has been written in numerous other languages and also been performed as folklore, puppet shows and innumerable kathas or oral retellings in towns as well as in villages.
However, beyond India, the Ramayana has been showcasing global spread of Indian culture. The spread of the Ramayana is a testimony to how Indians travelled across the world. For thousands of years, the Hindu epic, the Ramayana has shaped Indian philosophy, spirituality, and culture. It also had a significant impact on several regions surrounding Southeast Asian nations as well as numerous other nations worldwide. During the early Christian Era, the glory of the Ramayana spread to countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, China, Tibet, etc., and by the 19th century, it gained popularity in parts of Africa, the Caribbean and Oceania. Apart from Valmiki’s Ramayana which is considered as original text, there are over 300 different versions of the Ramayana available all over the world.
Spread of the Ramayana in the Asian Region
The Ramayana has undergone diverse interpretations across different cultures and regions. While many versions diverge from Brahmanical values predominant in the original text, they introduce new characters and themes, epecially in Jaina texts and across Asia. Rama became a revered figure even among Buddhists in Southeast Asia, with the Buddhist version, Dasarata Jataka, differing significantly, particularly in the absence of Sita’s abduction. The epic’s popularity led to its adoption by kings to legitimise their rule, as seen in an 11th-century Burmese inscription proclaiming King Kyanzittha as an incarnation of Rama’s relative.
In Southeast Asia, the spread of Hinduism, Mahayana Buddhism, and later Theravada Buddhism was facilitated by Odia and Tamil Sea merchants who exchanged goods and stories during annual voyages. Hanuman, a prominent character, is depicted differently in some Southeast Asian versions, often as a clever trickster who outwits others. Despite variations, Rama remains the central figure in most adaptations of the Ramayana in Southeast Asia.
During the early centuries of the Christian Era, the Ramayana travelled through three routes from India to the rest of Asia. By land, the northern route took the story from Punjab and Kashmir into China, Tibet, and East Turkestan. The southern route carried the story from Gujarat and South India to Java, Sumatra and Malaya. Further, through land, the eastern route delivered the Ramayana from Bengal into Burma, Thailand, and Laos. Partly from Java and partly from India, through the eastern route, the Ramayana reached Vietnam and Cambodia too.
Hinduism came to Southeast Asia in the 4th century BCE through Indian traders and scholars. They traded with the Khmer Kingdoms, such as Funan and Angkor and Srivijaya, with whom Indians shared close economic and cultural ties. Many traders stayed back there, either because they married local women or got jobs there.
Thailand The Thai epic, The Ramakien, meaning ‘Glory of Rama’, is based on the Hindu epic, Ramayana. In Thailand, the Ayutthaya kingdom (1350–1767) is believed to have been based on the Ayodhya of the Ramayana. According to the UNESCO article on the city of Ayutthaya, when the capital of the restored kingdom was moved downstream and a new city was built at Bangkok, there was a conscious attempt to recreate the urban template and architectural form of Ayutthaya to emulate the perfection of the mythical city of Ayutthaya. The version of ‘The Ramakien’ that has been presently recognised was compiled in the Kingdom of Siam, the present-day Thailand, under the direction of King Rama I (1782–1809). He was the founder of Chakri Dynasty, which is still in power in Thailand. The present King is called Rama X. The Thai king is and continues to be revered as the embodiment of Lord Ram. One of the greatest works of Thai literature, the Ramakien, has been instilled in Thai culture since it was first read by the people of Thailand. It is still being taught and read in the schools of Thailand.
Indonesia Despite being one of the largest Muslim countries, Ramayana has played a major role in the culture, music, and art of Indonesia. There are several Indonesian adaptations of the Ramayana, including the Javanese ‘Kakawin Ramayana’ from where another Indonesian version of Ramayana developed which is called as ‘Balinese Ramakavaca’. Ramayana is usually performed through a puppet show called wayang kulit, in Java. Bali Island in Indonesia is a place with a majority Hindu population and many Hindu temples. Ramlila, which is based on the Ramayana is played every day at the Uluwatu temple. It is played in their traditional dance form, the Kecak dance, depicting the abduction of Sita and the visit of Hanuman at Ashok Vatika to present the ring of Lord Rama to Sita and the burning of Lanka.
Laos In Laos, the Ramayana is referred to as ‘Phra Lak Phra Ram’. Hindu temples, like Vat Phou in Champassak, are revered by the Lao people. They are often decorated with scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. According to the beliefs of the people of Laos, Laos is the city of Lava, son of Rama. The nation’s epic poem, ‘Phra Lak Phra Ram’, has been adapted from Valmiki’s Ramayana.
It is now a Buddhist country. Lord Rama has been considered as a previous incarnation of Buddha. He is regarded as the epitome of moral leadership and true follower of righteousness.
Cambodia ‘Reamker’ (RamaKerti—Ram + Kirti/glory), which dates back to the 16th century, is the Khmer adoption of Ramayana. The story centres on Preah Ream, (Ram in Khmer), the abduction of his wife Neang Seda (Sita) by the evil Reap (Ravan), and her eventual rescue with the help of Hanuman. The Angkor Wat temple complex, built in the 12th century, features murals from the Ramayana, and was originally a temple dedicated to Vishnu. Reamker is performed in their classical dance-drama and puppet plays.
Myanmar ‘Yama Zatdaw’ in Burma, is associated with the Ramayana and is considered as a Jataka story of Theravada Buddhism. In Burma, Rama is ‘Yama’ and Sita is called ‘Thida’. It is believed that it was introduced in the 11th century, during King Anawratha’s reign.
Nepal The oldest manuscript of the Ramayana was discovered in Nepal. The Nepali translation of the Valmiki Ramayana was done by Bhanubhakta Acharya, which was published in 1887.
Malaysia ‘Hikayat Seri Rama’ is the Malay version of the Ramayana. It is most likely to have been introduced through Tamil traders. The epic was written between the 13th and the 17th centuries. It has been written as ‘Hikayat’, meaning ‘stories’ in Arabic. Despite being a Muslim country, the epic’s ideals of righteousness, loyalty and selfless devotion are popular in Malaysia. Lakshman is glorified more in the epic, than Rama, for his courage.
Japan Ramayana arrived in Japan with the introduction of Buddhism. The Ramayana is known as ‘Ramaeenna’ or ‘Ramaensho’ in Japan. Japanese Ramayana was written during the 10th century as Sambo Ekotoba and the 12th century as Hobutsushu. ‘Bugaku’ and ‘Gagaku’ dance styles based on Indian classical dances are popular in depicting Japanese Ramayana.
China Buddhists introduced Ramayana to China in the first century CE. In the Buddhist text, Liudu Ji Jing, there are various Jataka stories related to Ramayana. In the Yunnan province of China, Ramayana is called ‘Langka Sip Hor’ which is written in Tai Lu language. It has many Sanskrit and Pali words and affixes.
Russia and Mongolia Among the Kalmyk people of Russia, legends of Ramayana are popular. They trace their roots to Mongolia, which has an epic based on Ramayana.
Spread of Ramayana outside Asian Region
A significant migration of girmitiyas from outside India, in the 19th century, took the Ramayana to Africa, the Caribbean, etc. There was an immediate need for people to work on plantations that had previously employed slave labour, once slavery was abolished. A large number of men and women were migrated from British India to countries like Fiji, Mauritius, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, etc. The phrase ‘girmitiya’ originates from ‘agreement’ which these people were made to sign to work in the plantations. Majority of these girmitiya labourers were from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. They carried with them ‘Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas’ as a part of their culture.
Fiji In 1875, the British took more than 60,000 Indian labourers to work on the sugar plantation. They belonged to the Bhojpuri belt of North India who survived with their strong belief in their faith. The Ramayana played a very important role in building their strong character and personalities. Presently, in Fiji, there are about 2000 Ramayan Mandalis.
Mauritius In 1834, when the girmitias arrived in Mauritius, they brought with them Ramcharit Manas and Hanuman Chalisa. Mauritius is renowned as the land of Ramayana.
Significance of Cultural Footprint of Ramayana across the World
The Ramayana holds a profound significance in the realm of cultural diplomacy and soft power, serving as a timeless narrative that transcends borders and fosters connections across the world.
Introduction to cultural diplomacy and soft power In today’s era, cultural diplomacy has emerged as a potent tool in shaping foreign policy, with nations leveraging their rich cultural heritage to enhance soft power. India, with its diverse cultural tapestry, stands as a prominent player in this arena, using narratives like the Ramayana to strengthen its global influence.
Lord Rama’s significance Lord Rama, the central figure of the Ramayana, symbolises not only the ideals of righteousness and heroism but also represents India’s values of unity in diversity and openness of thought. The recognition of Rama’s significance by global leaders, as highlighted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscores the universal appeal and relevance of the epic.
Global recognition of Ramayana The Ramayana has garnered widespread recognition across the globe, with leaders and communities in various countries drawing inspiration from its timeless themes. Instances of world leaders such as UK’s former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and former Brazilian President Bolsonaro draw parallels between the struggles depicted in the Ramayana and contemporary challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic; demonstrate how the epic resonates with diverse cultures and geographies.
Ramayana’s influence in Southeast Asia The Ramayana holds a special place in the hearts of Southeast Asian nations, where it has become an integral part of cultural identity. Through events like the Ramayana Festival organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), India strengthens its cultural connections with ASEAN countries, enhancing diplomatic ties and mutual understanding.
Historical and cultural bonds The Ramayana has played a pivotal role in shaping historical and cultural bonds between India and other nations. Examples from countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, China, and South Korea showcase how the epic has been embraced and adapted across different cultures, further deepening ties between nations.
Ramayana diplomacy in contemporary relations In contemporary diplomatic relations, the Ramayana continues to serve as a powerful tool for fostering goodwill and understanding. Partnerships like the one between India and Sri Lanka in promoting the Ramayana circuit not only boost tourism but also strengthen bilateral relations, showcasing the enduring relevance of the epic in modern diplomacy.
Enhanced international perception The promotion of the Ramayana enhances India’s international image as a custodian of rich cultural heritage and promotes its soft power globally. It fosters a positive perception of India and strengthens cultural ties with other nations.
Increased tourism and economic opportunities Initiatives like the Ramayana Circuit stimulate tourism, creating economic opportunities and boosting local economies in regions associated with the epic. This contributes to sustainable development and strengthens India’s soft power.
Promotion of peace and understanding Beyond its cultural and diplomatic significance, the Ramayana promotes values of peace, harmony, and mutual respect. By highlighting shared heritage and cultural bonds, initiatives like the Ramayana Circuit contribute to building bridges between nations and fostering a more interconnected world.
Government Efforts to Promote Footprints of Ramayana in India’s Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power
The Indian government has embarked on various initiatives to spread the timeless epic of the Ramayana, recognising its potential to enhance India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy on the global stage.
Re-airing of ‘Ramayan’, the TV series One of the notable efforts by the Indian government was the re-airing of the iconic ‘Ramayan’ TV series during the COVID-19 lockdown. Originally directed by Ramananda Sagar in 1987, this series garnered immense popularity and became one of the most viewed television programmes globally. By reintroducing this series, the government aimed to reinvigorate interest in the Ramayana among viewers across different generations.
Encyclopaedia of Ramayana project To comprehensively document the legacy of the Ramayana, the Encyclopaedia of Ramayana project was initiated. Led by the Ayodhya Shodh Sansthan, this project seeks to capture both the tangible and intangible aspects of the epic’s influence across the globe. Collaboration with ministries such as external affairs, culture, and human resource development highlights the interdisciplinary approach taken to preserve and promote the Ramayana’s cultural heritage.
Recognition of Ramayana circuit destinations Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme by the Ministry of Tourism, the government has identified 15 destinations in India for development as part of the ‘Ramayana Circuit’ theme. This initiative aims to showcase sites associated with the Ramayana and attract tourists interested in exploring the epic’s historical and cultural significance.
Ramayana festival and cultural connections The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has been instrumental in organising the Ramayana Festival to promote India’s cultural diplomacy. By bringing together artists and performers from Southeast Asian countries and beyond, this festival strengthens classical connections in a modern context. Additionally, the proposal to establish a ‘Group of Ramayana’ countries underscores India’s commitment to leveraging the epic for soft-power diplomacy.
Promotion of Ramayana in Southeast Asia India’s efforts to promote the Ramayana extend beyond its borders, particularly in Southeast Asian countries with deep cultural ties to the epic. Collaborative initiatives with countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, and South Korea aim to showcase the universal appeal of the Ramayana and strengthen cultural bonds between nations.
Ramayana circuit and tourism collaboration India’s collaboration with Sri Lanka under the Ramayana circuit reflects the shared cultural heritage and historical connections between the two nations. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote mutual tourism interests underscores efforts to capitalise on the Ramayana’s tourism potential and foster closer ties between India and Sri Lanka.
Addressing controversies and challenges Despite India’s efforts to promote the Ramayana diplomatically, challenges and controversies persist, as seen in recent tensions with Nepal over the epic’s origins. The Indian government’s proactive approach in addressing such issues underscores the complexities involved in leveraging cultural diplomacy effectively.
Conclusion
The footprints of the Ramayana across the world serve as a testament to its enduring relevance and impact in India’s cultural diplomacy and soft power strategy. The widespread influence of the Ramayana is evident in its diverse interpretations and adaptations across the globe. From Southeast Asia to the United States, the epic has inspired art, literature, and cultural traditions, fostering deeper ties between India and other nations. India’s relationship with Sri Lanka, rooted in shared cultural heritage and geographical proximity, exemplifies the transformative power of the Ramayana in shaping bilateral relations.
However, challenges persist, as seen in the recent tensions with Nepal over the epic’s origins. Despite such obstacles, India remains committed to nurturing the international appeal of the Ramayana through initiatives like the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Ramayana Diplomacy, with its ability to transcend boundaries and forge cultural connections, is poised to play a pivotal role in India’s soft power strategy, ensuring that the legacy of the epic continues to resonate with audiences worldwide for years to come.
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