The Radheshyam Ramayan in Text and Performance

The Radheshyam Ramayan in Text and Performance delves into the heart of early 20th-century India, where a remarkable poet from Bareilly reimagined the timeless epic of the Ramayan. This biography chronicles the life of Pandit Radheshyam Kathavachak, a brahmin poet and singer-storyteller whose modern rendition of the Ramayan resonated with the masses and secured his place in the lineage of revered Ramayan poets like Valmiki and Tulsidas. Drawing inspiration from Tulsidas's Ramcaritmanas and navigating the socio-political landscape of Gandhi's India, Kathavachak's 'Radheshyam Ramayan' emerged as a beacon of 'epic modernity.' Initially penned in a blend of Hindi-Urdu, his work underwent significant revisions, reflecting his evolving perspective and the changing times. Through extensive ethnographic research, this book offers an intimate look at Kathavachak's journey, his creative process, and the cultural milieu that influenced his storied career. It also provides a window into the world of Ramlila performances, showcasing how Kathavachak's epic swiftly transitioned from text to stage, captivating audiences across northern India. "Rediscovering the Ramayan" is not just a biography; it's an exploration of a man who transcended the constraints of his era to leave an indelible mark on the literary and performance arts as a celebrated Vaishnav poet-singer.