Ramayana in World Art and Thought: A Timeless Epic Across Cultures

Ramayana in World Art and Thought delves into the epic’s profound influence on art, culture, and spirituality across civilizations.

on Feb 11, 2025

Ramayana in World Art and Thought – An Anthology of Diverse Perspectives by Padmashri Shovana Narayan

Ramayana in World Art and Thought – An Anthology of Diverse Perspectives edited by Padmashri Shovana Narayan features contributions from sixteen esteemed writers, scholars, historians, and thought leaders including Sharon Lowen, Lady Kishwar Desai, Amb. (Retd.) Sangeeta Bahadur, Shovana Narayan, Dr. K.K. Mishra, Dr. Abira Bhattacharya, Rear Admiral (retd) Dr S. Kulshreshtha, and Rana Safvi to name a few, who will delve into various facets of the Ramayana and its deep influence across time, cultures, disciplines and eras. The Anthology is Produced by Shubhi Publication.

This coffee table book was unveiled on February 10, 2025, at 6 pm at Lecture Room II, IIC Annexe Basement, New Delhi that immersed the readers in an intellectual exploration of ethics, spirituality, and morality, all wrapped within the timeless narrative of the Ramayana. The anthology is set to fascinate not just scholars, but also anyone with a keen interest in understanding how this ancient epic has shaped art, literature, culture, and thought across the world. The Chief Guest of the event was Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi. Other eminent guests including Nelofar Currimbhoy, Corporate Lawyer Rennie Joyy, Raka Bhal, Ambassador Sangeeta Bahadur, and Ranjana Narayan graced the event.

In the words of Padmashri Shovana Narayan, “We all know that the Ramayana and Mahabharata have inspired every being and have become the interwoven threads to shape the texture of our way of life. The influence of Ramayana has been widespread and in-depth. Depending on the method of counting, we are told that today there are more than 300 versions of the Ramayana. Whether in various parts of the country or Southeast Asia or Far East or even because of the Girmitiyas and the Jahajis (the India indentured labourers) transported from British India in different parts of the world, the epic has transcended historical boundaries and geographical spaces.

From the historical connections between Ayodhya and South Korea to uncovering elements of Rama’s journey found in Punjab, and the impact of the Ramayana on Mughal paintings, the warrior persona of Rama, the ‘bhakti’ of Hanuman, the ‘shakti’ of Sita, the diverse ecological landscape of Bharatvarsha covered in the Ramayana, to the warp and weft of ethics and morality, the essays beguile and illuminate readers from start to finish.

This insightful discussion by the authors and scholars provided insights into their contributions and the fascinating journey behind this intriguing narrative.

Event Details:
Date: Monday, February 10, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Venue: Lecture Room II, IIC Annexe Basement, New Delhi