CHANDRA BHUSHAN JHA
Delhi University cbjha1@gmail.com
THE VĀLMĪKI RĀMĀYAṆA AS A LIVING TEXT: ITS RECEPTION IN MODERN SANSKRIT CREATIVE WRITING
The Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa stands as one of the most enduring and dynamic texts of Indian literary and cultural tradition. Rather than remaining a fixed and closed epic of antiquity, it has continually evolved through reinterpretation, adaptation, and creative engagement. This study examines the Rāmāyaṇa as a “living text” by focusing on its reception in modern Sanskrit creative writing, arguing that contemporary Sanskrit authors actively reanimate the epic to address new aesthetic, ideological, and social concerns. The notion of a “living text” implies ongoing dialogue between past and present. In modern Sanskrit literature, the Rāmāyaṇa is not merely revered as a sacred narrative but is re-examined as a flexible and multilayered work open to fresh perspectives. One prominent mode of reception is selective retelling, wherein writers foreground specific episodes or characters. Figures such as Sītā, Urmilā, and Śūrpaṇakhā are often reinterpreted, allowing modern authors to explore questions of gender, agency, and marginality. These re-readings subtly challenge traditional hierarchies embedded within the epic while maintaining continuity with its narrative framework. Another important dimension is psychological and ethical reinterpretation. Modern Sanskrit poets and dramatists frequently probe the inner conflicts and emotional complexities of characters like Rāma, presenting him not only as an idealised figure of dharma but also as a reflective and sometimes conflicted human being. This shift reflects a broader modern literary sensibility that privileges introspection and moral ambiguity, thereby making the epic more relatable to contemporary audiences. The reception of the Rāmāyaṇa in modern Sanskrit writing is also shaped by historical and cultural contexts. During the colonial and nationalist periods, Rāma was often invoked as a symbol of ethical leadership and cultural unity. In the post-independence era, however, Sanskrit authors have adopted more diverse and critical approaches, reinterpreting the epic in light of changing social realities. Themes such as justice, displacement, and power are explored through innovative reconfigurations of traditional episodes. Intertextuality and stylistic experimentation further sustain the vitality of the Rāmāyaṇa. Modern Sanskrit writers skillfully combine classical metres and idioms with contemporary themes, creating a synthesis that bridges tradition and innovation. Additionally, engagement with regional and global retellings enriches the Sanskrit reimagining of the epic, underscoring its universal appeal and adaptability. In conclusion, the Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa continues to function as a living text in modern Sanskrit creative writing through its constant reinterpretation and renewal. Modern Sanskrit authors do not merely preserve the epic; they actively participate in its ongoing transformation, ensuring its relevance in contemporary discourse. This dynamic engagement highlights both the resilience of Sanskrit as a creative medium and the enduring power of the Rāmāyaṇa as a source of literary inspiration and cultural reflection.