Interpolations in the Valmiki Ramayan and Rationality Behind It

Abstract

The present research paper investigates the interpolations in Valmiki Ramayan by
focusing on 'Bala Kanda's Original Ramayan (Mool Ramayan) and 'Uttara Kanda',
which is composed around 500 CE. The Valmiki Ramayan is the first epic written
by the first poet of the Literary world, the 'Adi Kavi' Guru Valmiki. It may be called
the national epic of India. This paper highlights how the 'Uttara Kanda' stands apart
not only in its content but also in the texture of the text and the apparent gap in the
quality of the poetry. Moreover, this research paper engages with several events in
'Uttara Kanda' and how it differs from the other six Kandas. It also engages with the
nuances in the poetic style of 'Uttara Kanda' by examining the language, style,
emotion, and expressions. While depicting the incidents, a major focus of the
paper is to explore interpolation by examining various incidents, such as the
Phalashruti at the end of 'Yuddha Kanda', Sita's banishment, Shambuk's
termination, the story of Valmiki Ramayan sung by Lava-Kusa, Sita's Agni
Pariksha etc.
The Ramayan means journey or progress of Sri Ram. Sri Ram was not an ordinary
person but Prince of solar dynasty and future king of Kaushal Pradesh. In this
unmatched and grand historical epic, we see the Journey of progress from being a
prince to becoming the ruler of the heart of the people and national conciousness
till date. By looking at the major points, this paper aims to negate and debunk
certain demeaning and baseless non-factual things which were created to blemish
the cultural fabric of India.