Indian Mythology and Its Influence on Literature and Cinema
Indian mythology, deeply rooted in the Vedas, Puranas, and epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, has shaped India’s literary and cinematic landscape for centuries. These myths, filled with divine beings, heroic figures, moral dilemmas, and cosmic battles, continue to inspire writers, poets, filmmakers, and artists. Whether in ancient texts, modern novels, or blockbuster films, the influence of mythology remains strong in Indian storytelling.
This article explores how Indian mythology has influenced literature and cinema, shaping narratives that blend tradition with contemporary themes.
1. Indian Mythology in Literature
A. Ancient and Classical Literature
Indian mythology finds its earliest literary expressions in:
- The Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda) – Contain hymns, cosmic stories, and deities like Indra, Agni, and Soma.
- The Ramayana (by Valmiki) – The story of Rama, his exile, war with Ravana, and his triumph over evil.
- The Mahabharata (by Vyasa) – A grand epic featuring the Kurukshetra war, the Bhagavad Gita, and timeless lessons on duty and dharma.
- The Puranas – Contain stories of Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Durga, Krishna, and various celestial beings.
These ancient texts provided a moral and philosophical framework that influenced later literary works.
B. Medieval and Bhakti Literature
During the medieval period, mythology shaped Bhakti (devotional) poetry, focusing on gods like Krishna, Rama, and Shiva. Notable examples include:
- Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas – A retelling of the Ramayana in Awadhi, making the epic more accessible.
- Surdas’ Sur Sagar – Devotional poems about Krishna’s childhood and divine play.
- Kabir and Mirabai’s verses – Songs of devotion influenced by myths of Krishna and Vishnu.
C. Mythology in Modern Indian Literature
Indian writers continue to reinterpret mythology in contemporary novels, blending tradition with modern storytelling. Some well-known examples include:
- Amish Tripathi’s “Shiva Trilogy” – Reimagines Shiva as a warrior king.
- Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s “The Palace of Illusions” – Retells the Mahabharata from Draupadi’s perspective.
- Devdutt Pattanaik’s works – Provide modern interpretations of myths with philosophical insights.
- Ashwin Sanghi’s “The Krishna Key” – A thriller blending mythology with history.
These works show how mythology remains relevant, adaptable, and appealing to modern audiences.
2. Indian Mythology in Cinema
A. Early Indian Cinema and Mythological Films
The early years of Indian cinema (1910s–1950s) saw a strong influence of mythological stories, as filmmakers brought religious narratives to the silver screen.
- Raja Harishchandra (1913) by Dadasaheb Phalke – The first full-length Indian film, based on the legendary king Harishchandra.
- Lanka Dahan (1917) – A silent film depicting Rama’s war against Ravana.
- Mayabazar (1957, Telugu/Tamil) – One of the most iconic mythological films, based on the Mahabharata.
- Sampoorna Ramayana (1961) – A full adaptation of Valmiki’s Ramayana.
These films reinforced cultural values, religious beliefs, and heroic ideals through the medium of cinema.
B. Mythology in Bollywood and Regional Cinema
From the 1970s onwards, Bollywood and regional films continued to explore mythology but with new storytelling styles:
- Jai Santoshi Maa (1975) – A devotional film that became a cultural phenomenon.
- Bhakta Prahlada (Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, 1980s) – The story of Prahlada’s devotion to Vishnu.
- Mahabharat (TV Series, 1988-90) – The B.R. Chopra-directed series became a household favorite.
- Ramayan (TV Series, 1987-88) – Created by Ramanand Sagar, it remains one of the most-watched mythological adaptations.
These films and TV shows made mythology more accessible to newer generations.
C. Modern Retellings and Fantasy Films
In recent decades, filmmakers have modernized and reimagined myths, blending them with fantasy, action, and contemporary themes:
- Baahubali (2015, 2017) – Inspired by Mahabharata and Ramayana, this epic film redefined mythological storytelling in Indian cinema.
- Tumbbad (2018) – A horror-fantasy film inspired by folklore and the myth of Hastar.
- Adipurush (2023) – A big-budget retelling of Ramayana.
- Brahmāstra (2022) – A fusion of Indian mythology and superhero elements, featuring divine weapons (astras).
These films show how mythology continues to evolve, blending ancient stories with modern cinematic techniques.
3. Why is Indian Mythology So Influential?
A. Timeless Themes and Moral Lessons
- Good vs. Evil – Stories like Ramayana and Mahabharata teach the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (evil).
- Karma and Rebirth – Concepts of cause and effect shape philosophical and ethical discussions.
- Love, Devotion, and Sacrifice – Stories of Radha-Krishna, Sita-Rama, and Savitri-Satyavan highlight love and duty.
B. Strong Visual and Narrative Appeal
- Mythological stories are grand, dramatic, and visually stunning, making them perfect for cinema.
- They provide rich character arcs, from divine heroes to complex villains like Ravana, Duryodhana, and Shakuni.
C. Deep Cultural and Religious Connection
- Indian audiences relate to mythological themes as they are part of their heritage, traditions, and rituals.
- Festivals like Diwali (Rama’s return), Holi (Krishna’s playfulness), and Dussehra (Ravana’s defeat) are directly linked to these myths.
D. Influence on Global Cinema and Literature
- The concept of avatars (incarnations) has influenced Hollywood films like “Avatar” (2009).
- Characters like Krishna, Shiva, and Kali have appeared in global fiction and graphic novels.
- The hero’s journey in Western literature often mirrors Indian mythological arcs.
Conclusion
Indian mythology remains one of the most powerful forces in storytelling, influencing literature and cinema in profound ways. From ancient epics to modern novels, black-and-white films to CGI-powered spectacles, mythology continues to evolve, adapting to new formats while preserving its timeless wisdom.
As long as audiences seek epic stories, moral dilemmas, and larger-than-life characters, Indian mythology will continue to inspire writers, filmmakers, and artists for generations to come.