COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVES ON THE RAMAYANA ACROSS SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST ASIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1956/jge.v22i3.946Keywords:
Comparative Literature, Cultural Adaptation, Asian Civilization, Epic TraditionAbstract
The Ramayana is one of the most influential epics in Asian civilization and has profoundly shaped the cultural, religious, literary, and political traditions of both South and Southeast Asia. Originating from the Sanskrit epic attributed to Valmiki, the narrative spread across diverse regions through trade, migration, pilgrimage, and royal patronage. As the epic entered different cultural contexts, it underwent substantial transformations that reflected local beliefs, social structures, artistic traditions, and political ideologies. This article examines the comparative perspectives of the Ramayana across South and Southeast Asia by analyzing its regional adaptations in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, and Malaysia. The study highlights how the Ramayana evolved from a religious text into a dynamic cultural tradition with multiple interpretations. Particular attention is given to variations in kingship ideals, religious influences, characterization, performance traditions, and cultural symbolism. The study concludes that the Ramayana serves as a unifying cultural bridge across Asia while simultaneously preserving regional uniqueness and identity.
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