I know it's late, but it's Friday and with the #Ayodhyaverdict coming down tomorrow, let's do a quick round of questions.
Anything you want to know about the Ramayana -- Ask away. I'll answer the first 5 questions that come in. #history #MastodonThread #publichistory #Ramayana
@iwanderer Q: Is the story of Shambuka present in Valmiki's Ramayana?
A: Yes, it is in the Uttarakanda, volume 7 (many of whose episodes are of relatively late origin). It was known by at least the 7th century since it appears in Bhavabhuti's Uttararamacarita (possibly earlier; I've have to check). The episode appeared to disturb numerous later commentaries who added elements designed to soften the beheading, such as adding an element of divine approval or showing Rama hesitating.
Audrey Truschke
The Wayfarer