The Ramayana Culture: Text, Performance and Iconography

Book Detail:

• Author: Bose, Mandakranta
• Publisher: D.K. Printworld Pvt. Ltd.
• Edition: 2003
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of Pages: 200
• Release Date: 30-04-2004
• EAN: 9788124602249
• Package Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Languages: English

Description:
This collection of essays, initially presented at an international conference, explores the Ramayana in a modern context, shedding light on its aesthetic and ideological significance. The essays delve into the epic from diverse perspectives, including textual criticism, art, architecture, and film. The volume addresses key themes such as Valmiki's seminal status, the canonicity of the epic, gender representation, and the portrayal of love and marriage as ideals. Additionally, it investigates the cultural manipulation of social values, especially concerning the position of women in the text. Through rigorous textual and historical analysis, the essays uncover the layers of meaning within the Ramayana while situating the epic in the broader cultures of South and Southeast Asia. This scholarly work brings a fresh, critical lens to the ancient narrative, enhancing its relevance in contemporary discourse.

Author Details:
Mandakranta Bose is a renowned scholar in the field of Indian literature and culture. Her academic work centers on the study of ancient texts, particularly epics like the Ramayana. Through her research, she examines the complex layers of meaning within these texts and their cultural implications. Bose's scholarship bridges traditional analysis with modern perspectives, offering new insights into classical works and their influence across South and Southeast Asia. Her contributions are widely regarded for their interdisciplinary approach, combining textual studies with examinations of art, architecture, and gender dynamics in literature.