The Ramayana and Mahabharata are two epic mythologies that have played a catalytic role in shaping the culture and ethos of the people of India. Compiled between 400 BC and 400 AD, these two epics of gods, demigods and legendary heroes have journeyed through the centuries to acquire a pan-Indian spread.

The themes of both epics project a cosmic war between “good” and “evil”. Once the “good” (invariably representative of ‘us’) are identified, they have divine sanction to do what they please, while the “evil” (invariably ‘them’) are divinely damned. Led by an incarnation of Vishnu the preserver, (Brahma and Vishnu being the other two in the sacred triad), the victors acquire the status of Gods while the vanquished are condemned forever.