FROM ANCIENT EPICS TO MODERN NARRATIVES: CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE'S ENGAGEMENT WITH RAMAYANA AND MAHABHARATA

The paper explores how contemporary literature has engaged with and reimagined the ancient Sanatan(Hindu) epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata. The paper delves into the transformative journey of these timeless tales from their traditional forms to the diverse and innovative narratives found in modern literature. The paper also discusses how modern adaptations or retellings of Ramayana and Mahabharata in contemporary literature serve several purposes, with special reference to four contemporary works namely, "Raavan: Enemy of Aryavarta" by Amish Tripathi, "Ramayana: The Game of Life" a book series written by Shubha Vilas and "Sita: Warrior of Mithila" by Amish Tripathi and "The Palace of Illusions" by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.