Understanding Hindu Beliefs in the Ramayana

Understanding Hindu Beliefs in the Ramayana
Mr. Mitchell's Social Studies Class

Assignments to hand in: Hindu Beliefs Portrayed in the Ramayana Chart Illustrated Poem (Guidelines handout)

Step 1: Read the introduction to the Ramayana -

The Ramayana (pronounced Rah-MY-yah-nah) is one of India's classic epic poems and was composed by a legendary holy man named Valmiki. The Ramayana is the story of the Hindu God Vishnu, who comes to earth as the human prince Rama. Vishnu is sent to earth to kill an evil demon named Ravana. Scholars believe that the Ramayana was probably written in the third century B.C.E., but that the poem has been changed and added to many times since. The poem consists of seven books and contains about 24,000 rhymed couplets.

The Ramayana is frequently dramatized throughout India and has had a profound influence on Indian literature. The Ramayana has historically been an engaging way for Hindus - particularly Hindu children - to learn about the fundamental beliefs of their religion.

Step 2: Download the print out the following handouts: Reader's Theater Adaptation of the Ramayana (Scene 1-5) & Hindu Beliefs Portrayed in the Ramayana Chart

Step 3: Read the 5 scenes or plays (above) that make up the Ramayana and complete the Hindu Beliefs Portrayed in the Ramayana Chart (above). (Refer to the Basic Hindu Beliefs Chart completed in previous activity for ideas/connections) Look at the pictures below of the characters and the visuals of each scene:

A. Pictures/Masks for each character within each scene:

Mask of Agni Mask of Brahma Mask of Brother