Hikayat Seri Rama

Hikayat Seri Rama is one of two Malay adaptations of the Indian Ramayana epic, the other being Hikayat Maharaja Wana. The main story remains the same as the original Sanskrit version but some aspects of it were slightly adapted to a local context such as the spelling and pronunciation of names. Numerous branch stories had also been developed as accretions to or extensions of this epic, with the addition of motifs from the Javanese Panji (king) romance, the upgrading of minor characters to major ones, or the invention of totally new characters. For example, Malay writers and storytellers have produced variations in which Laksmana (Lakshman) plays a larger role, sometimes becoming more important than Rama the elder prince much like the Lao Phra Lak Phra Lam. Rama, although righteous and virtuous, was perceived to be weak and his character is often moved to the background while the younger Laksmana is admired for his courage and willingness to react decisively.

History

Since the time of their founding, ancient Southeast Asian kingdoms such as Langkasuka and Funan shared close ties with India. The original Ramayana story as depicted by Valmiki was brought to the region by Tamil scholars and settlers. Through the influence of Srivijaya, Majapahit and Angkor, the legend quickly spread throughout the Malay Archipelago among other areas. By the 9th century it was already commonly known in all of Indochina and provided the basis for numerous traditional dances as well as other performance arts. The "Wayang Ramayana" was one of the most important play of the wayang kulit (shadow theatre) puppeteers who would pick the most exciting episodes for their shows, particularly the scenes relating to the marriage of Seri Rama, the abduction of Siti Dewi (Sita), the final battles in Langkapuri (Lanka), and the heroine's rescue by her husband.
Javanese priests translated the Ramayana into Kawi, the ancient Malay literary language, and inscribed it on lontar palm-leaf books. During the 16th century AD, the story was translated again into the more contemporary Malay language written in Jawi script. This later version was called Hikayat Seri Rama (Legend Of The Great Rama). Traders from Java brought the tome to Bali, Patani, Terengganu and Melaka. Even after the Malays had converted to Islam, the old myths remained popular and are still an important part of Malay culture. However, the Islamic revival of the 1980s and 90s lead many modern Malays to regard legends like the Hikayat Seri Rama as relics of a Hindu-Buddhist past which is better off forgotten. Nevertheless, cultural historians see the story as integral to Malay literature. Those who respect the Hikayat Seri Rama as a work of art appreciate its ideals of righteousness, love, loyalty, and selfless devotion.

Characters

Gods

*Iswara/Siwa (Ishvara/Shiva)- Highest of the dewas (devas) on Mount Meru
*Wisnu (Vishnu)- Iswara's deputy
*Berahma (Brahma)- Forms the Trimurti together with Iswara and Wisnu
*Indera (Indra)- Leader of the lesser deities
*Suria (Surya)- God of the sun and Sugriwa's father
*Bayu (Vayu)- God of wind and Hanuman's father

Humans

*Seri Rama (Sri Rama)- Wisnu's incarnation and son of Raja Dasarata
*Siti Dewi (Sita Devi)- Seri Rama's wife
*Barata (Bharata), Laksmana (Lakshman) and Satrugna (Shatrughna)- Rama's half-brothers, the incarnations of Wisnu's possessions
*Dasarata (Dasaratha)- King of Ayodhya and father of Seri Rama and his brothers

Allies of Seri Rama

*Hanuman- Dewaraja (god-king) and general of the monkeys
*Sugriwa (Sugriva)- Hanuman's uncle and Subali's younger brother
*Jatayu (Jathayu)- The bird who tried in vain to rescue Siti Dewi from Rawana

Enemies of Seri Rama

*Rawana (Ravana)- Twenty-armed and twenty-faced king of the raksasa (demons) on Langkapuri

ee also

*Ramayana
*Reamker
*Ramakien
*Phra Lak Phra Lam

References

* [http://ias.berkeley.edu/orias/SEARama/RamaMalaysia.htm Center for South East Asian Studies: The Ramayana in South East Asia]