वाल्मीकि‑रामायण में पर्यायवाची शब्द (Synonyms in Valmiki’s Ramayana)
Summary
In “वाल्मीकि‑रामायण में प्रयुक्त कुछ पर्यायवाची शब्द,” the author investigates the rich lexicon of synonyms used in Valmiki’s Ramayana. The study begins by explaining the significance of synonyms (paryāyavācī śabd) in Sanskrit poetics and how they enhance narrative beauty and precision. The author then identifies sets of synonyms employed by Valmiki to describe key characters, landscapes and emotions. For instance, Rama is referred to by names such as Raghava, Dāśarathi, Rāghava and Janakivallabha, each highlighting a different aspect of his lineage or character. Similarly, Sita is called Vaidehī, Janakī and Maithilī, emphasising her origins and virtues. The article also examines synonyms for forests, rivers, weapons and celestial beings, demonstrating how these variations convey subtle nuances of meaning and mood. The author analyses representative verses to show how Valmiki chooses particular synonyms to fit meter and context, thereby maintaining poetic flow. A section of the article discusses the challenges translators face in capturing these nuances and suggests strategies for rendering synonyms effectively in modern languages. The essay concludes by reflecting on the pedagogical value of studying synonyms: it deepens appreciation of the Ramayana’s artistry and enriches our understanding of Sanskrit vocabulary. By cataloguing and interpreting the synonyms, the author contributes to both linguistic scholarship and literary criticism.
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Conclusion
The article concludes that Valmiki’s deliberate use of synonyms adds layers of meaning to the Ramayana and reflects the poet’s linguistic mastery. Recognising and interpreting these synonyms allows readers to appreciate the epic’s subtleties and supports accurate translation. The study encourages future research into lexical variation across other Sanskrit works to further illuminate the richness of classical literature.