Uttararāmacarita
Uttararāmacarita is a Sanskrit play written by Bhavabhūti, depicting the life of Rāma and Sītā after their reunion. The play consists of six acts (kāṇḍas) and opens with the coronation of Rāma. In the first act, Rāma receives a message from a spy that his brothers are being held captive in the kingdom of Kālañjara. He decides to go to their rescue, but Sītā, who is pregnant, insists on accompanying him. In the second act, they reach Kālañjara and are received by the king, who is later revealed to be Rāvaṇa’s brother, Vibhīṣaṇa. In the third act, Rāma successfully rescues his brothers and returns to Ayōdhyā. In the fourth act, Sītā gives birth to twins, Lava and Kuśa. In the fifth act, Rāma’s authority is challenged by his sons, who do not recognize him as their father. In the sixth and final act, Rāma’s identity is established, and the play ends with a happy reunion of the family. The play also features several subplots, including the story of the hermit Bhāradvāja and his wife, who take care of Sītā during her pregnancy, and the story of the monkey king Vāli and his brother Sugrīva, who are at odds with each other. The play also includes elements of philosophy and ethics, with characters discussing the nature of dharma and the importance of duty and righteousness.
1. Prologue 2. Rāvaṇa’s preparation for war 3. Rāma’s preparation for war 4. The war 5. Rāma’s Coronation 6. Rāma’s rule and his request to the sages to go to heaven 7. Bharata’s coronation 8. Epilogue
is unique in its portrayal of Rāma as a human being with human emotions and flaws. Unlike the traditional depiction of Rāma as an idealized and flawless hero, this work portrays Rāma as a complex and flawed character, capable of making mistakes and experiencing strong emotions like anger, despair, and jealousy. The work also depicts Sītā as a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to stand up for herself and her beliefs. Additionally, the work introduces several new characters and subplots that were not present in the original Rāmāyaṇa, adding new layers of complexity to the story. Overall, Uttararāmacharita offers a fresh perspective on the familiar story of Rāma and Sītā, and its unique portrayal of the characters and their emotions has earned it a place as a classic in Sanskrit literature.
is a valuable contribution to Sanskrit literature for its unique and innovative approach to the traditional story of Rāma. The author’s focus on the lesser-known characters such as Lava and Kuśa, and their perspective on events that occurred after the main story of the Rāmāyaṇa, provides a fresh and compelling narrative. Additionally, the use of Sanskrit language in the text is highly poetic and sophisticated, showcasing the author’s mastery over the language. The work’s contribution to Sanskrit literature is also evident in its influence on later works of poetry and drama, such as Bhavabhūti’s Mahāvīrācārita.
was written in the style of a court epic and it was intended to be performed as a dramatic play. It has been adapted into many regional languages and has inspired numerous literary works. The work is notable for its vivid descriptions of characters and settings, as well as its exploration of themes such as love, duty, and morality. The author, Bhavabhūti, is considered one of the greatest playwrights in the Sanskrit tradition, and his works continue to be studied and performed to this day.
was written in the style of a court epic and it was intended to be performed as a dramatic play. It has been adapted into many regional languages and has inspired numerous literary works. The work is notable for its vivid descriptions of characters and settings, as well as its exploration of themes such as love, duty, and morality. The author, Bhavabhūti, is considered one of the greatest playwrights in the Sanskrit tradition, and his works continue to be studied and performed to this day.
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