Living Ramayanas

Living Ramayanas by Azeez Tharuvana explores the rich diversity of the Ramayana tradition by examining the many oral and community-based tellings that continue to thrive in Wayanad, Kerala. Rather than presenting a single definitive version, the book reveals how different communities have shaped the epic through storytelling, performance and cultural memory, offering readers a fresh perspective on one of India's most enduring narratives.

Drawing on extensive research, the author places these regional traditions alongside other Ramayana narratives from India and beyond. The result is an insightful study of how the epic has evolved across generations, reflecting local history, social relationships and cultural identity.

About This Book

Azeez Tharuvana examines the idea that the Ramayana exists in many independent tellings rather than as a single fixed text. The book highlights the oral traditions of Wayanad, where local communities connect the landscape with key episodes from the epic and preserve their own distinctive interpretations through narration and performance.

Featuring traditions such as the Adiya Ramayana, Chetti Ramayana and Sitayana, the book investigates how these narratives reflect the beliefs, experiences and social structures of different communities. It also considers the Ramayana as a living cultural text, offering historical and anthropological insights alongside literary exploration.

What You'll Discover

• The diverse Ramayana traditions preserved in Wayanad, Kerala.
• How oral storytelling and performance keep the epic alive.
• Insights into the Adiya Ramayana, Chetti Ramayana and Sitayana.
• The relationship between local landscapes and Ramayana traditions.
• How community narratives reflect social and cultural identities.
• A perspective on the Ramayana as a cultural and social text.

Perfect For

• Readers interested in the Ramayana and Indian epics.
• Students of folklore, mythology and cultural studies.
• Researchers exploring oral traditions and regional literature.
• Readers interested in Kerala's history and cultural heritage.
• Anyone curious about the many interpretations of the Ramayana.

Why You'll Love This Book

Living Ramayanas offers a thoughtfully researched exploration of the many ways the Ramayana continues to live through oral traditions and community memory. It provides a deeper understanding of the epic's cultural richness while highlighting the diversity of interpretations that have shaped its enduring legacy.