Representing Raavan: A Comparative Disquisition on the Characterisation of Raavan based on Asura by Anand Neelakantan and Raavan by Amish Tripath

Abstract Epics and mythological stories are well known for its diversity in characterisation and narratives. This diversity leads to further understanding of the characters from multiple perspectives which would give an enhanced reading experience to the readers, reinterpreting the same plot with different perspectives. Ramayana, the well known Indian epic had many versions written by great scholars of different languages. Most versions of Ramayana portrayed Ram, the protagonist, the prince of Ayodhya as an embodiment of good virtue and sacredness. Raavan the antagonist is often portrayed as the embodiment of evil virtues and tragic flaws. Literary reimagination often deconstructs the layers of characterisation employed by the author and offers a chance to reinterpret the story from an alternate view. The novels Raavan: The enemy of Aryavarta by Amish Tripathy and Asura : Tale of the Vanquished: The Story of Ravana and His People by Anand Neelakantan does the same by offering the plot of the well known Indian epic, Ramayana , from the perspective of Raavan, the antagonist. The aim of the study is to analyse how these novels contribute to the enhanced literary reimagination of the character Raavan and analyse the factors involved in the narration of this alternative perspective. Keywords: Mythology, Epics, Deconstruction, Reimagination, Raavan