Reading Notes: PDE Ramayana, Part A

Crossing the Ganges. Rama and Lakshmana prior to meeting Visvamitra

Illustration originally published in Udaipur, 1712. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Section 1. King Dasharatha
Lonely heights: In the midst of the happiness and prosperity of his subjects, King Dasharatha lacks the former. What other thoughts could be going through an heir-less king's mind?

Section 2. Dasharatha's Sons
Reliance on the gods: Rather than relying on his own initiative, the king calls upon forces even greater than he is (gods and, perhaps, luck) to ensure that his dynasty survives via a male heir. This could represent the reliance that humans (even the most powerful among them) must live with the will of the gods. For his admittance of reliance, his wish is granted fourfold. Is this a reward for so humbling himself before the gods?

Section 3. Rama: Avatar of Vishnu
Vishnu at once grants Dasharatha his wish and helps his fellow deities. Thus, Vishnu and perhaps the other gods are not completely selfless beings. One could say that Vishnu took advantage of Dasharatha in his time of need by giving him, not sons, but rather four incarnations of Vishnu. One question which immediately comes to mind is whether Vashishtha knows that the son is the avatar (or one of four avatars) of Vishnu.

Section 4. Vishvamitra
The king is generous, but perhaps too much so. He unwittingly promises to send his son into battle against wicked deities. The desires of the king are thus made subservient to outside forces. As wise as he may be, or as wise as the counsel of Vashishtha may be, he is unable to rule his kingdom absolutely.

Section 5. Thataka
Rama is a capable and clever warrior, both of which are qualities required of a king. He now has celestial weapons and abilities at his beck and call. To what extent do these weapons cause his victories? Is he the primary cause of his victories or are the supernatural forces? How do the supernatural forces feel at having Rama be honored by humans?

Section 6.  Bhagiratha and Ganga
Power and other good things are brought to humans via self-sacrifice. The fact that self-sacrifice and self-imposed austerity are rewarded indicates a more collectivist society. Western European culture is more individualistic (though not without collectivism) but these types of behaviors are still held in high esteem. What would happen to the kingdom if they refused to sacrifice for the deities?

Section 7. Ahalya
Disloyalty to one's husband and one's family is met with severe punishments. What if his wife had held more power? How would that have played out?

10. Rama Wins Sita
The test of physical strength is similar to King Arthur and the sword in the stone. It's not surprising that two cultures whose survival depends on military prowess should hold physical strength in high esteem. What sort of challenge would be given if cleverness had been stressed more?

Section 11. Rama the Heir Apparent
Rama seems destined to become king. Why is victory in war mentioned as one of his positive traits but not a preference towards diplomacy? What would have happened if, among the advisors, there had been some who wished to install another leader? Would the king have supported any other candidate for his successor had they thought Rama unworthy?

Section 14. Manthara and Kaikeyi
Bharata's physical ugliness (suggested obesity, infertility, and unsightly physical proportions) indicates an internal ugliness. Like European fairytales, the physically beautiful are typically the "good guys." This is likely indicative of the Indian upper-class attitude towards the Untouchables. Wretched and dirty, they're ostracized by those classes who live in relative luxury.
Past, yet unfulfilled promises are extremely important.

Section 15. Kaikeyi and Dasharatha
Dasharatha follows through on his promise even though he thinks it will bring ruin to the kingdom. Shame and social ostracism are important aspects of the king's decision. Thus, perceived honor supersedes political stability. Why would the king let his natural successor be betrayed? What would the gods think? Would they support the fulfillment of promises over the wiser choice of king?

Bibliography

Various authors. Ramayana (public domain). Source.