View source for Ramayan/Major International Versions of the Ramayana

== International Versions of the Ramayana ==
The Ramayana spread far beyond India and became a shared cultural and spiritual heritage across Asia. Over time, the history, beliefs, and artistic styles of many countries gradually shaped their own Ramayana traditions in local languages. Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, and Japan all developed unique retellings of the epic, often through literature, temple art, dance, and theatre. These versions kept the heart of the story alive while reflecting local cultures, which is why the Ramayana is often seen as a shared Asian heritage rather than a single regional text. [[File:International Ramayan.png|alt=Explore Epic Literature of Sanatan Dharma – Ramayana as adopted by South Asia and Far East Asia|left|thumb|380x380px|Ramayana as adopted by South Asia and Far East Asia]]
==== Southeast Asia ====

# Ramakien – Thailand
# Reamker – Cambodia
# Phra Lak Phra Lam – Laos
# Kakawin Ramayana – Indonesia (Java, Bali)
# Hikayat Seri Rama – Malaysia
# Yama Zatdaw – Myanmar

==== East Asia ====

# Rāmāyǎnǎ – China
# Rama legends in Tibet – Tibet
# Japanese Ramayana adaptations – Japan

==== South Asia ====

# Ramayana of Nepal – Nepal
# Ramayana of Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka

==== Central Asia ====

# Khotanese Ramayana – Xinjiang / Silk Route

Some cultures preserve the Ramayana as court epics, while others preserve it as dance-drama traditions (Khon, Wayang, Lakhon). Many versions exist as oral folk traditions, not fixed texts. The Buddhist, Jain, and Islamic cultures reinterpret characters and theology.

[[Ramayan/Ramayanas in Regional Indian Languages|List of popular Indian versions of the Ramayana]]

'''''Further Reading:'''''

[[Ramayan|Ramayana’s Origin, Structure, and Significance]]
[[Category:Vedas]]
[[Category:Upanishdas]]
[[Category:Puranas]]