The Interaction with Animals in The Ramayana

Exploring the Ramayana: Cultural Impact and Significance

This project illustrates the methodology behind creating the 'Pet Ramayana' or 'Contemporary Popular Children’s Illustrated Edition of the Ramayana.' I conducted research on various versions of the Ramayana and concluded that it is an important religious epic. However, it also contains events that may be unsuitable for children. How can Hindu parents introduce their children to these stories while also teaching them about global ethical concerns without disregarding the original story or diversity of faiths?

The Role of Animals in Hindu Mythology and Philosophy

The popular deity in Hinduism is often depicted with a cow, highlighting the importance of animals in relation to dharma. Hindu philosophy emphasizes social, environmental, and economic responsibilities, extending to the treatment of family, community, and the natural environment. Hinduism promotes unity between animals, humans, gods, and the earth, with a focus on the good of the community, including animals. Giving up animals or animal products for religious purposes is highly valued, as Hindu scriptures emphasize the protection and preservation of nature.

In Hindu folklore, non-human characters play a vital role. The first god in the pantheon is a man-lion, then follow a fish, tortoise, boar, and others. The ten avatars of Vishnu are all half-human, half-animal forms in which God descended to save the world from the domination of evil. You also have to bear in mind the fact that there was no animal protection act at that time and that no wild animal was subject to legal protection in the forest, i.e., nothing about the inalienable right of animals to live under the wild and free conditions that are necessary to their physical well-being.

Notable Animal Characters in the Ramayana

The Ramayana and Mahabharata are the two epics that have played a significant role in shaping Indian civilization. However, while the Mahabharata revolves around royal power, dharma, and the state, the Ramayana concerns itself with the struggle of the devout and righteous individual, the Maryada Purush, against anarchy and disorder. This essay considers the interaction of this perfect individual with the animal kingdom as reflected in the various characters of the Ramayana.

The Ramayana presents a diverse array of characters from different parts of India and social backgrounds. Animals also play significant roles, embodying compassion and merging their consciousness with divine figures. They serve as idols of affection for others and mirror complex human conditions. Their interactions with Rama and Sita offer insights into the writer's view of humankind and its intricacies.

Themes and Symbolism of Animal Interactions in the Ramayana

The Indian narrative tradition is rich with tales that employ various devices to enchant and entertain its audience. One of the recurring themes in the Ramayana pertains to the interaction between humans and animals. The engagement comes in three forms: the overcoming of man-eating monsters or ogresses that later become allies of the protagonist, the altruistic interaction that seeks to undermine human lust for pleasure through the discomfiture of kings, or as a metaphor that highlights ethical values that society reveres. The animals mentioned in the tales range from the carnivorous monsters that menace travelers and ascetics in the forests or ashrams to the quirky monkey king Vali. Variously, these seem no more than interesting digressions or tales of casual cruelty that bear no relation to the poetic project.

A glance at the text unveils the composer's appreciation and lack of consideration for animals. However, a closer reading reveals the complex interplay of themes and symbolism. Beasts defeated by warriors and kings connect to discussions on the Divine, desire, and civilization. In one tale, the loss mocks playing with domesticated animals. The epic uses animals to unite a plea to appreciate the hero Ramachandra. This is influenced by modern analysis of animals and materialism in Indian tradition.

Comparative Analysis of Animal Representations in Different Versions of the Ramayana

The paper demonstrates how different versions of the Ramayana present interactions between humans and animals. The focus is on comparing the representation of sweetheart pets: the male monkey servants of Rama and Lakshmana with those who have romantic relationships with women, in the oldest Ramayana text. A particular tension is noted between male characters and pets who are male in connection to lovers who are women. An interesting confrontation between a male character and pets who are male occurs when Rama, pretending to be Luna, is advised by Jambavan. The major conclusion is that after Rama kills the female animal, the alliance between Rama, the male human, and the male animals is restored. This alliance maintains Rama's identity as king and man. Freely interpreting the Ramayana, different authors use the presented topic for discussing rites of forcible taming of animals.