In her essay on Ancient Indian Literature, Nandini Rao dwells on how its rich legacy – both through recreation and shaping religion and guiding human lives – continues to thrive. In buttressing the point, she cites the epic Ramayana and Mahabharata, and Vedas and Upanishads, making out a case that literature in ancient India was not limited to religious and philosophical texts; but also included poetry, drama, and music.
Literature is the mirror of a society and its people as it reflects their beliefs and traditions. In ancient India, literature not only served as a form of recreation but also played a crucial role in shaping religion and guiding human lives. The rich and diverse literary tradition of ancient India can be traced back to thousands of years and has continued to thrive till today.
One of the most prominent examples of literature that has shaped religion in ancient India comprise the epics of Mahabharat and Ramayan. These, written in Sanskrit, have had a profound impact on Indian religion and culture. They are not just mere stories but are considered sacred texts by Hindus and have been passed down from one generation to the next.
The longest poem
The Mahabharat stands as an illustrious monument in the literary and cultural landscape of humanity, revered as the longest epic poem in the world, with over 1,00,000 verses. Composed by the legendary sage Ved Vyas around 400 BCE, this magnum opus transcends mere storytelling; it encapsulates profound philosophical inquiries, moral dilemmas, and timeless wisdom that continue to resonate with readers across epochs and cultures.
At its core, the Mahabharat narrates the saga of the Kuru dynasty, chronicling the intricate webs of familial ties, political intrigues, and ultimately, the cataclysmic war between two factions: the Pandavas and the Kauravas, both stemming from the same lineage. Amidst the backdrop of a grand cosmic narrative, the epic portrays the complexities of human existence, vividly illustrating the interplay of virtue and vice, righteousness and deception, loyalty and betrayal.
Mahabharat transcends the confines of a mere historical account or a chronicle of warfare. It grapples with existential questions that have intrigued mankind since time immemorial. Central to its narrative are the profound concepts of dharma (duty), karma (action), and moksha (liberation), which serve as guiding principles shaping the characters’ destinies and moral dilemmas.
Dharma, often portrayed as the moral duty or righteous path one must adhere to, recurs throughout the epic. The characters are constantly confronted with dilemmas that pit familial obligations against responsibilities, personal ambitions against societal welfare. Whether it be Arjun’s moral quandary on the battlefield or Yudhishthir’s ethical struggles amidst political intrigues, the epic reflects the nuances of dharma in various contexts.
Karma, the law of cause and effect, serves as another foundational concept in Mahabharat. The epic elucidates the profound interconnectedness of human actions and their consequences, underscoring the inevitability of accountability and redemption in the drama of life.
Moreover, the Mahabharat offers insights into the quest for moksha, the ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Amidst the tumultuous events, the characters embark on spiritual journeys, seeking transcendence beyond the realm of worldly affairs. The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred scripture embedded within the Mahabharat serves as a spiritual discourse between Lord Krishna and Arjun. It encapsulates timeless wisdom on duty, devotion, and the path to liberation.
The enduring legacy of the Mahabharat lies not merely in its historical significance or narrative grandeur but in its timeless relevance to the human condition. Across cultures and civilisations, readers have found solace and enlightenment in its teachings, as a beacon of wisdom, guiding generations towards enlightenment and moral living.
Virtue over vice
The Ramayan stands as one of the most revered and cherished epics in the world – the eternal struggle between righteousness and malevolence, and the triumph of virtue over vice. Composed by sage Valmiki around 500 BCE, this ancient masterpiece transcends the boundaries of time and geography, as it weaves profound moral lessons, spiritual insights, and timeless wisdom.
At its heart, the Ramayan narrates the divine saga of Lord Ram, the embodiment of righteousness, and his arduous quest to rescue his beloved wife Sita from the clutches of Ravan. The epic unfolds with a captivating narrative that traverses through enchanted forests, and treacherous battles, showcasing the indomitable spirit of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion.
Central to Ramayan is the overarching theme of dharma, the sacred duty and righteous path that governs the conduct of individuals in their lives. Lord Ram, the epitome of virtue and nobility, exemplifies the ideals of dharma through his steadfast adherence to truth, honour, and moral integrity, even in the face of formidable adversities. His unwavering commitment to upholding righteousness serves as a guiding light for mankind to embrace the path of righteousness.
Moreover, Ramayan serves as a poignant portrayal of the significance of relationships – the profound bonds that bind individuals. The sacred bond between husband and wife is exemplified through the enduring love and devotion shared between Ram and Sita, which transcends the trials and tribulations they encounter throughout their journey. The relationship between father and son is epitomised through interactions between Ram and his father King Dashrath.
Furthermore, Ramayan delves into the complexities of fraternal relationships, portraying the unbreakable bond between Ram and his loyal brother Lakshman, who stands by his side through thick and thin, embodying the ideals of selfless service and unwavering loyalty.
The enduring appeal of Ramayan lies in its universal resonance and timeless relevance, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers to impart profound moral and spiritual guidance to millions of people worldwide. Adapted into various forms of literature, including poetry, drama, music, and visual arts, the epic continues to captivate mankind across generations, resonating with its portrayal of noble ideals, virtuous conduct, and the eternal triumph of good over evil.
Potions of knowledge
Apart from these epics, ancient Indian literature also includes the Vedas and Upanishads. The Vedas are a collection of hymns, prayers, and rituals that were passed down orally before being written down around 1,500 BCE. They are considered the most sacred texts in Hinduism and are believed to contain the knowledge revealed by gods to the ancient sages. They lay the foundation for Hindu beliefs and practices and have shaped the religion to a great extent.
The Upanishads, on the other hand, are philosophical texts that explore the nature of reality, consciousness, and the self. They were written between 800-500 BCE. The Upanishads focus on concepts such as Brahman (ultimate reality), Atman (soul), and Maya (illusion), providing insights into the nature of existence and human consciousness. These texts have had a significant influence on not just Hinduism but also Buddhism and Jainism.
Indian literature from ancient times also includes the Puranas, which are a collection of stories, myths, and legends. They were written between 300-1,000 CE and are considered to be a guidebook for religious rituals, customs, and practices. The Puranas contain stories of gods and goddesses, creation myths, and moral lessons.
The impact of ancient Indian literature goes beyond religion; it has also guided human lives for thousands of years. For example, the Arthashastra, written by Chanakya around 300 BCE, is not just a treatise on politics and economics but also deals with ethics and governance, providing valuable lessons for rulers and citizens alike. Literature has also played a significant role in the development of languages in ancient India.
Furthermore, literature in ancient India was not limited to religious and philosophical texts; it also included poetry, drama, and music. The Natya Shastra, a Sanskrit text written by Sage Bharat around 200 BCE provides detailed instructions on various aspects of theatre including acting, music, and dance. Poet Kalidas’ Meghaduta and Abhijnana Shakuntalam showcase his unparalleled skill in using language to evoke emotions and paint vivid imagery.