Nature of the Project

In today's computer age, the 24,000 verses of Valmiki Ramayana are available online to the general public. Currently, it is possible to search for words within it. This project will create the necessary infrastructure to deeply search for topics from the Ramayana across various languages.

Once this project is complete, it will be possible to search for complex themes—such as what is specifically mentioned about cities, rivers, and human relationships anywhere in the epic.

Broader Impacts

Traditionally, the Ramayana is read, taught, and preached. In traditional institutions like mutts and temples, on the occasions of Ramnavami and other festivals, scholars are asked to give lectures on various topics. For example, if a scholar is asked to give a lecture on the 'Virtues of Rama', based on their study and experience, they collect points from various parts of the text. There are some famous passages where a large list of Rama's virtues is mentioned, and normally, people are happy with that much information.

But if we carefully examine the Ramayana, very subtle and highly interesting observations about the virtues of Rama are available at different stages of the story. If they are put together, the scope and impact of the lecture reach a new high. At present, this is possible only for a scholar who has spent decades studying the Ramayana. Unfortunately, such scholars are very rare, while listeners are eagerly waiting for such lectures.