Reinterpreting the Rāmāyaṇa

This review critically examines Ananya Sharma’s article “Reinterpreting the Rāmāyaṇa: Cultural Memory and Narrative Authority’’ (2024), which explores the enduring significance and evolving interpretations of the Rāmāyaṇa across historical, political, and cultural contexts. Sharma’s comparative analysis of various versions—from Vālmīki’s Sanskrit epic to regional retellings—highlights the dynamic nature of the text as a living cultural institution shaped by shifting ideological and social perspectives. The review acknowledges the article’s strengths in interdisciplinary methodology, clarity, and emphasis on pluralism, while also noting areas for further exploration such as deeper political analysis and ethnographic engagement. Overall, the review positions Sharma’s work as a valuable contribution to understanding the Rāmāyaṇa’s complex role in Indian cultural memory and identity.