Ramayana &
Mahabharata
RAMAYANA
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Ramayana is believed to have been
composed in Sanskrit by the sage Valmiki
sometime between the 7th and 5th
centuries BCE. The story is set in the
kingdom of Ayodhya and tells of the life of
Rama, the seventh avatar of the god
Vishnu.
CULTURAL CONTEXT
The Ramayana is considered an important
part of Indian culture and identity, and
has influenced the politics, religion, and
art of modern India. It is also a source of
teachings on morality, ethics, and the
importance of virtue.
PLOT SUMMARY
The Hindu epic Ramayana relates the story
of the life of Rama, the seventh incarnation
of the god Vishnu. It follows the story of his
miraculous conception and birth, his many
exploits defeating demons in his youth and
his subsequent exile, defeat of the demon
Ravana, and eventual restoration to the
throne of Ayodhya.
Key Characters
SITA LAKSHMANA RAVANA
The wife of Rama, who is kidnapped by The younger brother of Rama, who goes into The demon-king of Lanka and the main
Ravana but remains faithful to Rama. exile with Rama and Sita to protect them. antagonist in the story
Key Characters
BHARATA KAIKEYI KUMBHAKARNA
The younger brother of Rama, who rules A multifaceted character who is said to be
A powerful female character who curses
Ayodhya while Rama is in exile. intelligent, pious, brave, and loyal
Rama and Sita to live in exile for 14 years.
Key Characters
KAUSALYA JATAYU SUGRIVA
The senior queen-consort of Kosala and the A mythical bird and friend of Rama's father, The younger brother of Vali, who succeeded
mother of Rama. who hears Sita's cries when she is being him as ruler of Kishkindha.
abducted by Ravana.
Themes & Moral
Good vs. evil
The story is a classic tale of good triumphing over evil. Characters move along a moral axis, choosing
The Ramayana is more to side with good or evil based on their actions and decisions.
than a story of adventure
Dharma
and divine intervention; it is The concept of dharma, or moral duty, is central to the Ramayana. Rama is considered the
a guide for living a virtuous embodiment of dharma, and is seen as an ideal son, husband, and king.
life. Through the themes of
Honor, loyalty, and duty
Dharma, devotion, the The characters in the Ramayana place a great deal of importance on honor, loyalty, and behaving
battle between good and dutifully to their family.
evil, sacrifice, and the
Righteous living
balance between fate and The Ramayana encourages maintaining personal integrity and commitment to truth.
free will, the epic imparts
profound moral lessons that
remain relevant even Ideal conduct
The Ramayana serves as a moral compass, prescribing guidelines for righteous living and ideal
today. conduct.
MAHABHARATA
Historical Context
The Mahabharata is more than a historical
record; it is a reflection of its time, addressing
the social, political, and religious complexities
of ancient India. While it dramatizes events, it
provides valuable insights into the ethos,
values, and struggles of early Indian
civilization, making it a cornerstone of Indian
history and culture.
Cultural Context
The Mahabharata serves as both a mirror and a
guide for ancient Indian society. It reflects the
complexities of human life, explores timeless
ethical dilemmas, and offers insights into
spiritual growth. Its cultural relevance
continues to resonate, offering lessons on
duty, morality, and the human condition.
Plot Summary
The Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic that tells the story of the
conflict between two branches of a royal family: the Pandavas and the
Kauravas. Here’s a brief overview of the storyline:
The epic begins with the story of Dhritarashtra, who is blind and
thus passed over for kingship in favor of his brother Pandu. This
sets the stage for the rivalry between their sons.
Exile and Marriage: After a series of events fueled by jealousy
and deceit, the Pandavas are forced into exile. During this time,
they marry Draupadi, a pivotal character in the epic, and form a
close bond with their cousin Krishna, who becomes their ally.
Plot Summary
The Kurukshetra War: The central conflict culminates in the
Kurukshetra War, a massive battle where the two families face
off for the throne of Hastinapura. The war is marked by intense
battles, strategies, and moral dilemmas.
Aftermath: The war results in the annihilation of the Kauravas,
with only the five Pandava brothers and Krishna surviving. The
epic concludes with the Pandavas ruling the kingdom, but it also
explores themes of duty, righteousness, and the consequences
of war.
Basu, A., & Artist, U. (2024b). Mahabharata. World History
Encyclopedia. [Link]
Key characters
The Pandavas
Yudhishthira Bhima Arjuna
Key characters
The Pandavas
Nakula Sahadeva Draupadi
Key characters
The Kauravas
Duryodhana Dushasana Duhshala
other Key characters
Krishna Bhishma Drona
other Key characters
Karna Kunti Dhritarashtra
other Key characters
Gandhari Vidura Shakuni
other Key characters
Drupada Dhrishtadyumna Shikhandi
other Key characters
Abhimanyu Ghatotkacha Ashwatthama
Themes
Dharma (Righteousness)
Karma (Action and Consequence)
Moksha (Liberation)
Family and Kinship
Fate vs. Free Will
moral
Dharma Triumphs
Karma's Inevitability
The Power of Selfless Action
The Importance of Forgiveness
The Dangers of Greed and Ego
Members
Gonzales, Aganta, Jaino,
Marina Roderick Franchesca
Baquer, Pagilagan, Pagilagan, Merino,
Arian David Ashley Karen
Thank
You!!!
