India, a culturally diverse country, has a rich tradition of history recording, writing and transmission. Such historical traditions are often myriad and divergent, changing according to temporal and spatial constructs. The Itihasa-purana tradition is an important source for studying the diverse Indian past.

Ramayana, a part of the Itihas-purana tradition, is part of a varied substratum. It is not a monolithic tradition but an amalgamation of dynamic cultures and countless community practices. It is an evolving heritage. It includes several texts, dance, drama, art forms, folk songs, theatre and puppetry, etc. It remains relevant even today as it continues to shape current notions of righteousness, duty and honor. So much so that its deep roots in Indian subcontinent’s consciousness define how women and men see themselves and want to see others. Thus, one needs a deep and thorough understanding to explore different perspectives and interpretations of the Ramayana traditions.