Who wrote the Ramayana?

The correct answer is Valmiki.

Key Points

• Valmiki is traditionally recognized as the author of the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana.
• The Ramayana is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient Indian literature, the other being the Mahabharata.
• Valmiki is often referred to as the Adi Kavi, or the first poet, because he invented the shloka (a verse form in which the Ramayana is composed).
• The Ramayana consists of 24,000 verses and tells the story of Prince Rama, his wife Sita, and his loyal companion Hanuman.
• Valmiki's Ramayana has had a profound cultural impact on Indian society, influencing art, culture, and literature over millennia.

Additional Information

• Mahabharata
  • The Mahabharata is another major Sanskrit epic of ancient Indian literature, attributed to Vyasa.
  • It is considered the longest epic poem ever written, with approximately 100,000 shlokas or over 200,000 individual verse lines.
  • The Mahabharata tells the story of the Kurukshetra War and the fates of the Kaurava and the Pandava princes.
• Panchatantra
  • The Panchatantra is an ancient Indian collection of interrelated animal fables in Sanskrit verse and prose.
  • It is attributed to Vishnu Sharma.
  • The Panchatantra is known for its moral stories, each teaching a lesson or principle.