Index Of Ramayan 1987 -
Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan (1987) is a landmark in Indian television history, originally consisting of 78 episodes that aired from January 25, 1987, to July 31, 1988. The series is primarily based on Valmiki’s Ramayan and Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas, but also draws from various regional versions like the Tamil Kamba Ramayanam and Bengali Krutivas Ramayan. Episode Index & Major Milestones
The series can be categorized into several key phases of the epic:
Bal Kand (Episodes 1–11): Covers the birth of Shri Ram, his education in Gurukul, the killing of Taraka, and the iconic Sita Swayamvara followed by their marriage.
Ayodhya Kand (Episodes 12–26): Focuses on the preparation for Ram's coronation, Manthara's poisoning of Kaikeyi’s mind, and the subsequent 14-year exile (Vanvas). It concludes with Bharat installing Ram’s sandals (Paduka) on the throne.
Aranya Kand (Episodes 27–34): Details the life of Ram, Sita, and Lakshman in the forest, the encounter with Shurpanakha, and the kidnapping of Sita by Ravan.
Kishkindha Kand (Episodes 35–42): Describes the meeting with Hanuman and the alliance with Sugriv, culminating in the killing of Bali.
Sundar Kand (Episodes 43–48): Highlights Hanuman’s journey to Lanka, his meeting with Sita in Ashok Vatika, and the burning of Lanka (Lanka Dahan).
Lanka Kand (Episodes 49–75): The largest segment covering the construction of Ram Setu, the massive battle between Ram’s army and Ravan’s forces (including the deaths of Kumbhakaran and Indrajit), and the final defeat of Ravan.
Final Chapters (Episodes 76–78): Concludes with Sita’s Agni-pariksha, the return to Ayodhya, and the coronation of Shri Ram. Key Cast Members Arun Govil as Shri Ram Deepika Chikhalia as Sita Sunil Lahri as Lakshman Arvind Trivedi as Ravan Dara Singh as Hanuman Legacy and Impact
The 1987 adaptation of the Ramayan, created, written, and directed by Ramanand Sagar, remains a cultural milestone in Indian television history. When it first aired on Doordarshan, it achieved a staggering 82% viewership rating, bringing the nation to a standstill every Sunday morning.
For fans, researchers, and nostalgic viewers, having a comprehensive index of Ramayan 1987 is essential for navigating the 78 episodes that make up this epic saga. Understanding the Structure: The Kands
Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan follows the traditional structure of Valmiki’s epic, divided into several "Kands" (books or sections). Each section marks a pivotal era in Lord Rama's life. 1. Bala Kand (The Youthful Episode)
This section introduces the kingdom of Ayodhya and King Dasharatha. index of ramayan 1987
Key Events: The birth of Rama and his brothers, the protection of Sage Vishwamitra’s yagna, the slaying of Tadaka, and the famous Sita Swayamvar where Rama breaks Lord Shiva's bow. Episode Range: 1 – 15 2. Ayodhya Kand (The Ayodhya Episode)
The tone shifts from celebration to tragedy as palace intrigue takes center stage.
Key Events: Preparations for Rama’s coronation, Queen Kaikeyi’s two boons influenced by Manthara, and Rama’s departure for the 14-year exile followed by King Dasharatha’s death. Episode Range: 16 – 32 3. Aranya Kand (The Forest Episode)
The narrative follows Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana into the deep wilderness.
Key Events: Meetings with various sages (Atri, Agastya), the encounter with Shurpanakha, the slaying of Khara and Dushana, and the pivotal abduction of Sita by Ravana via the golden deer ruse. Episode Range: 33 – 42 4. Kishkindha Kand (The Kishkindha Episode) Rama searches for Sita and forms life-changing alliances.
Key Events: The meeting with Hanuman and Sugriva, the killing of Bali, and the mobilization of the Vanar Sena (monkey army) to find Sita’s location. Episode Range: 43 – 51 5. Sundar Kand (The Beautiful Episode) Focuses primarily on the heroism and devotion of Hanuman.
Key Events: Hanuman’s leap across the ocean, his meeting with Sita in Ashok Vatika, the burning of Lanka, and his return to Rama with the news of Sita's whereabouts. Episode Range: 52 – 58 6. Lanka Kand / Yuddha Kand (The War Episode)
The climax of the epic featuring the grand battle between good and evil.
Key Events: Building the Setu (bridge), the failed peace missions, the fall of great warriors like Kumbhakarna and Meghnad, and the final battle between Rama and Ravana. Episode Range: 59 – 75 7. Uttar Ramayan (The Epilogue)
While the original 1987 run concluded with Rama’s return, the popularity led to the production of Luv Kush (Uttar Ramayan).
Key Events: Rama’s coronation (Rajyabhishek), Sita’s second exile, the birth of Luv and Kush, and their eventual reunion with Rama. Episode Range: 76 – 78 (and subsequent spin-off episodes) Iconic Cast and Credits
An index of this series is incomplete without acknowledging the legendary actors who became synonymous with these divine figures: Arun Govil as Shri Ram Deepika Chikhalia as Mata Sita Sunil Lahri as Lakshman Dara Singh as Hanuman Arvind Trivedi as Ravana Why the 1987 Index Matters Today Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan (1987) is a landmark in
In 2020, during the global lockdown, the re-telecast of Ramayan broke world records for the most-watched entertainment show. The "Index of Ramayan 1987" is frequently searched by a new generation of viewers looking to find specific moral lessons, iconic dialogues, or musical sequences (composed by Ravindra Jain) that define the series.
Whether you are watching for spiritual growth or cinematic history, this episode guide serves as a map through the most influential television program in Indian history.
You're looking for a review of the 1987 TV series "Ramayan"!
The 1987 TV series "Ramayan" is a classic Indian television series based on the Hindu epic Ramayana. Here's a brief review:
Production and Direction: The series was produced by Ramanand Sagar and directed by Ramanand Sagar, Uma Chopra, and Suresh Krissna.
Cast: The main cast included:
- Arun Govil as Lord Rama
- Deepak Shivdasani as Lakshmana
- Sunil Lahri as Bharata
- Sudhir Dalvi as Shatrughna
- Nitish Bharadwaj as Krishna (in a few episodes)
- Sulochana as Mother Sita
Review: The 1987 TV series "Ramayan" is a timeless and iconic adaptation of the Hindu epic Ramayana. The series was a massive success and still holds a special place in the hearts of many Indians. The show's engaging storytelling, memorable characters, and devotional music made it a household name.
The series boasts a talented cast, with Arun Govil's portrayal of Lord Rama being particularly notable. His on-screen presence and dialogue delivery are still widely praised. The chemistry between the lead actors, especially Arun Govil and Deepak Shivdasani, adds to the show's charm.
The production values, although limited by 1980s standards, still hold up well even today. The sets, costumes, and special effects are simple yet effective in conveying the epic's grandeur.
The series' greatest strength lies in its ability to convey the values, emotions, and spiritual themes of the Ramayana. The show's narrative is well-paced, making it accessible to a wide audience, from children to adults.
Impact and Legacy: The 1987 TV series "Ramayan" had a significant impact on Indian popular culture. It was one of the first Indian TV series to gain widespread recognition and acclaim. The show's success paved the way for future adaptations of Indian epics on television.
Even today, the series remains widely popular and continues to be broadcast on Indian television. Its influence can be seen in many subsequent adaptations and interpretations of the Ramayana. Arun Govil as Lord Rama Deepak Shivdasani as
Rating: 4.5/5
Overall, the 1987 TV series "Ramayan" is a classic and must-watch for anyone interested in Indian mythology, culture, or simply great storytelling.
Do you have any specific questions or aspects you'd like to know more about?
1. Introduction
The televised Ramayan (DD National, 1987–1988) reached an estimated 82% of Indian television viewers at its peak. However, analyzing its 78 episodes (each 25–30 minutes) requires more than plot summary. An index—a systematic reference to episodes, characters, themes, and events—allows scholars to trace narrative recurrences, pacing, and didactic emphases. Unlike a simple table of contents, a proper index of Ramayan (1987) is a navigational and analytical tool. This paper proposes a tripartite index: (1) Chronological Episode Index (with arc markers), (2) Character Appearance Index, and (3) Thematic/Moral Index. Drawing on narratology (Genette, 1980) and television studies (Newcomb & Hirsch, 1983), we demonstrate how the index reveals the serial’s deliberate construction as a modern paath (recitation).
3.2 Character Appearance Index (Frequency by Episode Group)
| Character | Ep. 1–10 | 11–30 | 31–45 | 46–60 | 61–72 | 73–78 | Total Episodes Appearing | |-----------|----------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|--------------------------| | Rama | 9 | 18 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 3 | 66/78 | | Sita | 7 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 8 | 3 | 52/78 | | Lakshmana | 6 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 2 | 56/78 | | Hanuman | 0 | 0 | 8 | 14 | 10 | 2 | 34/78 | | Ravana | 0 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 0 | 18/78 | | Narada / Sages | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 10/78 |
Index observation: Hanuman appears in only 34 episodes but drives the emotional high point (Sundar Kand). Ravana is tightly concentrated in the war sequence, reflecting the serial’s reluctance to humanize him earlier.
4. Analysis: What the Index Reveals
Three key findings emerge from the index:
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Narrative asymmetry as pedagogy. The Ayodhya Kand (20 episodes) is nearly as long as the entire Yuddha Kand (12 episodes). Indexing episode counts shows that suffering and separation receive more screen time than war—a deliberate choice to emphasize viraha (longing) over violence.
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Repetition as ritual. The index records 18 instances of characters reciting the “Ram dhun” or Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram. These repetitions occur at identical structural positions (e.g., before every major battle). The serial thus functions as a japa (repetitive prayer) indexed for devotional use.
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Gaps in the index signal ideology. The Uttara Kand (eps. 73–78) is often omitted in reruns. Indexing this section reveals that Sita’s exile and final disappearance occupy only 6 episodes—far fewer than her wedding (4 episodes) or her abduction (8 episodes). The index thus highlights the serial’s discomfort with Sita’s agency, accelerating through her suffering.
Unlocking Nostalgia: The Ultimate “Index of Ramayan 1987” Guide
If you grew up in India during the late 80s or early 90s—or if you’ve recently discovered the magic of mythological television—one phrase sends chills down your spine: Ramayan (1987).
Directed by Ramanand Sagar, this 78-episode epic redefined Indian television. With the recent reruns during the 2020 lockdown, a new generation went searching for it. And one of the most searched phrases online has been: “Index of Ramayan 1987.”
But what exactly are people looking for? And where can you find a proper episode guide? Let’s break it down.