Abstract

            The paper would be an exploration of how space, particularly the forest of Dandakaranya, becomes a site of subversive expression of not only the characters but also their attendant actions, beginning with the forest itself where Rama observes “…birds did not chirp,” (Ramayana 508). The paper would primarily focus on the three main incidents that are at the heart of this kaṇḍa. First, the encounter with the raksasa Viradha, a first for the triumvirate Rama, Sita and Lakshmana in Daṇḍaka forest, happening as it does at the onset of the kanda, foreshadowing what would transpire towards the end of the kanda, namely the abduction of Sita by Ravana. Secondly, the Surpanakha incident where Surpanakha’s unreciprocated desire and subsequent, aggressive pursuit of first Rama and then Lakshmana leads to the cutting off her nose by Lakshmana. Thirdly and lastly, Ravana’s perception of the act itself – the nose being held as symbol of a family’s honour in many South-east Asian cultures in general but especially Indian culture – and Surpanakha being his sister, his taking of the act so meted out to his sister, rightly so, as an insult to his family’s name and lineage, leading to his response and revenge with the act of abducting Sita. Spatial theory has been mainly used as a means of analysis and interpretation for the topic explored in the paper.

Work Cited:

The Valmiki Ramayana. By Vālmīki, translated by Bibek Debroy, vols. 1 & 2, Penguin Books, 2017. PDF download.