“Ramayana” and Modern Hindi Literature

Abstract

The article examines the existence, development and influence of the ancient plot of the Ramayana and its main characters, Rama and Sita, on modern Hindi literature. Numerous publications confirm the importance of this subject for contemporary India. The ancient plot is modernized and connected with the current situation in India and the world. The images of Rama and Sita also allow writers to create new genres: a modern mahakavya in Hindi rather than Sanskrit, a satirical or detective story, a feminist novel, a utopian novel or a postmodern novel with elements of comics. The article focuses on two Hindi works: Premchand’s “Ram Charcha” (Discussing Rama), a Ramayana in simple prose for children and a broad audience, and Kusum Ansal’s “Ek aur Panchavati” (One More Panchavati), a novel in the “mahila lekhan” (women’s writing) movement.