The Epithets of Principal Characters in the Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa

Abstract

This research aims to achieve three objectives: 1) to study the epithets of Principal characters in Rāmāyaṇa by Vālmīki, 2) to examine the components of these characters’ epithets, and 3) to analyse the relationship between the epithets and the roles of the characters. The study focuses on six major characters, including Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman, Ravana, and Indrajit. This research is a document-based qualitative study, employing analytical methods and presenting the findings through descriptive analysis. The findings reveal that 1) The epithets of the characters are created by incorporating significant historical backgrounds or distinctive characteristics to convey meaning about the characters. For instance, the term Rāghava refers to "a descendant of the Raghu dynasty" and is used to represent Rama. The term Jānakī means "the daughter of King Janaka" and refers to Sita. Similarly, the term Daśagrīva means "the one with ten necks" and is used to represent Ravana. 2) The analysis identifies five key components used to create the epithets in Ramayana by Vālmīki: 1) lineage, 2) familial relationships, 3) roles and duties, 4) personal characteristics, and 5) heroic deeds.  3) The study indicates a strong connection between the epithets and the characters' roles. These roles are categorised into seven types such as the role of a king, the role of a child, the role of siblings, the role of a wife, the role of a messenger, the role of a Rakshas, and the role of a warrior. The study of the epithets of principal characters in Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa reflects the values of the characters through the creation of words, incorporating elements and roles that the author emphasised differently. Each character, therefore, becomes interesting and unique through the presentation of these epithets, which reveal varying details. This can be regarded as a way of studying and understanding the characters through the epithets that appear in the literature, potentially leading to a clearer perspective on each character.