Conversations on South Asia with Gregory Clines

The Rāmāyaṇa—the story of Rām and the kidnapping of his beloved Sītā by the malevolent Rāvaṇa—is one of the world’s best-known epics. Translated, transformed, told, and retold for centuries, the tale remains an important touchstone for religious—and political—life across South Asia and in the diaspora.     

Yet for all its popularity, most associate the epic with Hindu religious traditions. What sense, then, can we make of Jain retellings? What moral, ethical, and political imaginings do these versions offer? 

Analyzing three Jain texts, Gregory Clines (Trinity University) offers some answers in his new book Jain Rāmāyaṇa Narratives: Moral Vision and Literary Innovation (Routledge Advances in Jaina Studies, 2022).

Join us on January 10 to learn more.