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The Great Indian Epics: The Stories of the Ramayana the Mahabharata

Written by John Campbell Oman

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About this book

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Great Indian Epics: The Stories of the Ramayana the Mahabharata, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 12 hours
  • intermediate
  • epic
  • philosophical
  • dramatic

John Campbell Oman's "The Great Indian Epics" serves as an accessible introduction to two foundational texts of Hindu culture, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, for a Western audience. Published in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this work aims to distill the vast narratives, complex genealogies, and profound philosophical underpinnings of these epics into a comprehensible format. Oman meticulously recounts the major story arcs, focusing on key characters, pivotal events, and underlying moral lessons. His book acts as a valuable bridge, offering readers a glimpse into the rich mythology, ethical dilemmas, and spiritual insights that have shaped Indian thought and society for millennia.

“"The Ramayana is a poem of domestic affections, a tale of love and separation, of devotion and constancy, embodying the ideal of righteousness in a prince and purity in a princess."”

Key themes

Dharma (Righteousness and Duty)
Dharma is the foundational theme, representing cosmic law, moral duty, and righteous conduct. Oman highlights how characters like Rama embody perfect Dharma, while others struggle or fail to uphold it, leading to conflict and suffering. The epics explore the complexities of Dharma, especially when individual duties clash with broader moral obligations.
Karma and Destiny
The epics extensively explore the law of Karma, where every action has consequences, influencing one's present and future. While characters strive for good, their destiny is often shaped by past actions and divine will, creating a tension between free will and predestination. Oman's retelling shows how characters' choices inevitably lead to their fate.
The Nature of Good vs. Evil
Both epics present a clear, though sometimes nuanced, struggle between forces of good (represented by Rama, Pandavas) and evil (Ravana, Kauravas). Oman emphasizes these stark contrasts, highlighting the destructive nature of avarice, pride, and unrighteousness, and the ultimate triumph of virtue, even if achieved through immense sacrifice.

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How does Oman's retelling balance historical accuracy with narrative accessibility for a Western audience?

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