The Hindu Religion, Philosophy & Belief system borrows heavily from the two epics of Ramayan and Mahabharatha.While the Rig Veda & Bhagvat Gita also set the tone for Hinduism and its customs, the primary focus has always been on the Ramayan and Mahabharata because the stories have a more human form to them which makes the characters easier to resonate with people.
Also given how these two epics have spawned off numerous versions and variations, plays, stories, serials etc, has increased their reach and understanding amongst the common man.
In the Ramayana versus Mahabharata Devdutt Pattanaik has extensively researched the two epics, understood the regional and language variations and penned down what he says is a playful analysis of the two.
Devdutt Pattanaik has to be appreciated for his efforts of bringing the two on a common platform.
To be able to draw as many parallels and commonalities in depth as this book has done, definitely requires and in-depth understanding and a keen attention to detail.
The similarities, or opposites in many cases leave one spell bound as to their uncanny nature.
The 2 plots, in details seem to feed off one another or to be more specific, The Mahabaratha seems to feed off the Ramayana simply because the the latter was the first of the two.
While certain aspects follow a linear line, some become circular and take an action reaction context.
I am not delving into specifics, because I like the readers to discover the details and make up their on minds as to the applicability of his perspective, but one will surely have a mental debate as to whether you agree with the analysis or not and to that effect makes it a very enjoyable book if you are keen to delve into our mythologies.
In today's modern life, we often question the legitimacy of the events of the two epics and wonder if the stories have been taken from folklore and spread over a period of time.
Indeed very little scientific evidence has been found that suggests that these two in fact did take place.
But on the corollary, how does one explain its presence even thousands of years later in the modern world. How does one explain the spread of the stories, the message, the philosophy beyond the shores of India deep into South East Asia.
Hindu religion, the peoples ideals, morals and values even today are largely based on the two epics so one would say they are here to stay and no amount of discussion, debates, and counter claims is going to make it go away.
In that context, reading this book and understanding a lot of aspects of what happened back then, which may seem unfair now, is perfectly justified as right and even celebrated as victory.
Devdutt Pattanaik has done a wonderful job of attempting to modernize the values, belief and justice system, and help explain their relevance in today's context.
The book also refers to its evolution over time givens India's invasion by the Mughal's and later by the British who brought in their own value systems and beliefs.
All in all, a very interesting read.
