Ravana and His Tribe
By G. Ramadas
Summary
Focusing on Ravana, the antagonist of the Ramayana, this article examines the etymology of his names and their cultural significance. The author argues that ‘Ravana’ derives from roots meaning ‘to make others cry or roar’, referring to his terrifying voice and ability to instil fear, as depicted in epic passages. He critiques other etymologies and analyses the epithet ‘Dasagriva’ (ten‑necked). The article then explores the linguistic and tribal background of the Rakshasas, noting that many names appear to follow Dravidian patterns rather than Sanskrit. This suggests that Ravana and his tribe may represent indigenous peoples of South India or Sri Lanka who were later demonised in Aryan literature. The analysis highlights how epic narratives encode historical interactions between cultural groups.
Conclusion
By situating Ravana’s name and attributes in a linguistic and ethnological context, the article suggests that the Ramayana reflects historical encounters between Indo‑Aryan and Dravidian peoples. Understanding these layers enriches interpretation of Indian mythology.