Concordance of the Fauna in the Rāmāyaṇa
Summary
In this study Sibadas Chaudhuri compiles a concordance of references to animals in the epic Rāmāyaṇa. He lists mammals, birds and reptiles mentioned across different books and recensions, providing their Sanskrit names, contexts and approximate modern identifications. The catalogue covers lions, tigers, deer, elephants, monkeys, bears and lesser‑known creatures as well as birds such as vultures, peacocks and swans. Chaudhuri notes regional associations—for example, the vānara and bear army in Kishkindha and the deer and bird life of Dandakaranya—and comments on how animals symbolise virtues or vices in the narrative. He compares the Valmiki and Kamban versions, showing additions and omissions of certain species, and points out metaphoric usage where creatures serve as similes. The article suggests that the epic reflects acute observations of wildlife and environmental diversity in ancient India. By compiling the concordance Chaudhuri provides a resource for scholars interested in literary imagery, zoological history and the cultural significance of fauna.
AI-assisted summary, not yet checked. Consult the original PDF before citing.
Conclusion
The concordance reveals that the Rāmāyaṇa is not only a tale of heroes but also a repository of ecological knowledge. It preserves information on Indian animal life and highlights the symbolic roles animals played in ancient cultural narratives.