Appropriating the Ramayana a critical reading of the twentieth century political discourses

Abstract

The Ramayana has significantly influenced Indian politics in the twentieth century. Going beyond the level of a mythical story, the Ramayana became an influential force in reshaping the country's culture and politics. This Ph.D thesis titled “Appropriating the Ramayana: A Critical Reading of the Twentieth Century Political Discourses” explores how the Ramayana was politically appropriated in twentieth-century India. The Ramayana, originally evolved from a myth and was spread by travelling bards, was transformed into a revered text and eventually used as a tool for political influence. Contrary to the idea that Valmiki's Ramayana is the only valid version, this research advocates recognising the legitimacy of different renditions found across India. The main goal is to uncover how the Ramayana was used politically in the twentieth century. The study examines the roles of renowned political leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Periyar E.V. Ramasami and organisations of hindutva ideology in shaping this political discourse. Gandhi used the Ramayana to mobilise Hindus for India's freedom, while Periyar criticised the Ramayana as it reinforced caste hierarchies. Hindutva ideology's political use led to communal tensions, the Ayodhya dispute and efforts to make India a Hindurashtra. This research uses a comprehensive approach, analysing speeches, interviews and documents to understand the Ramayana‘s political journey. It combines perspectives from history and sociology to offer a complete picture. In conclusion, the study finds that hindutva forces strategically used nationalism by appropriating the Ramayana.Unlike inclusive nationalism during the nation's independence, hindutva framed it as Hindu consciousness. Through the strategic use of the Ramayana to promote exclusive Hindu nationalism, hindutva groups accomplished political objectives such as the construction of a new Rama Temple in Ayodhya. Portraying Rama as a national hero, they endorse hindutva's vision for the nation establishing influence among the majority Hindu population. Hindutva utilises the nation's culture as a backdrop to wield nationalism as a weapon, creating cultural nationalism, which divides people along ethnic lines and threatens national harmony. This Hindu nationalism proclaimed in hindutva's fundamental texts, poses a significant danger. Mere secular and democratic principles are insufficient to combat this peril. Given hindutva's fascist nature and its manipulation of culture, resistance must also engage with cultural narratives. Political discourse should shift from mere nationalism to encompass culture, acknowledging ancient India's inclusive and diverse cultural heritage. Thus, when nationalism becomes a menace, resolution involves utilising the cultural foundation of the nation.