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 satisfied with that much information.

However, a deeper examination of the Ramayana reveals subtle and highly insightful observations about the virtues of Rama at different stages of the narrative. If these are systematically compiled, the depth and impact of such lectures can reach an entirely new level.

At present, this level of insight is possible only for scholars who have spent decades studying the Ramayana. Unfortunately, such scholars are rare, while there is a growing audience eager to access this depth of knowledge.