Concordance of the Fauna in the Ramayana
Summary
Compiling a concordance of animal names in the Ramayana, this article catalogues references to fauna across the epic’s books and recensions. It lists species alphabetically, matches Sanskrit terms with modern identifications and notes the narrative contexts in which animals appear. The article highlights iconic figures such as Hanuman’s monkey army, Jatayu the vulture and the golden deer that lures Rama away, but it also records lesser‑known creatures and mythical beasts like the gandaberunda. By cross‑referencing synonyms and examining variant readings, the concordance resolves ambiguities and reveals the epic’s detailed knowledge of Indian wildlife. Differences between northern and southern recensions suggest a wide geographic imagination, while comparisons with other literary sources help establish correct identifications. The work not only serves as a reference tool but also illuminates the ecological awareness of the epic’s composers, showing how animal imagery conveys ethical and symbolic meanings.
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Conclusion
The concordance shows that the Ramayana’s authors were keen observers of the natural world and used animal imagery to express cultural values. By gathering scattered references into a single list, the article aids philologists, historians and zoologists alike and encourages further study of how epic literature reflects environmental knowledge and regional perspectives.