• Swetalina Priyadarshini

This research paper undertakes a comparative study of the ancient Indian epics, the Ramayana, and the Mahabharata, focusing on societal structures, cultural practices, and geographical elements presented in these texts. While historical, archaeological, and astronomical dating of these epics has been a subject of scholarly debate, this study aims to explore the evolution of societal norms by examining the shift from matriarchy to patriarchy reflected in the narratives. It has been considered by all that Ramayana is an older epic than Mahabharata because of the Hindu philosophical cycle. There are four Yuga according to the Hindu Cycle, Satya, Treta, Dvapara, and Kaliyuga respectively. According to popular belief, Valmiki had written Ramayana in Terta Yuga, which is in the 2nd phase and Mahabharata written by Vyasa in Dvapara Yuga, which is in 3rd phase. Unlike the previous data, this research does not delve into philosophical or religious aspects but concentrates on social and cultural customs, orders, and topographical elements, proposing that the Ramayana can be considered as a later text than the Mahabharata. This paper will investigate comparatively to know the chronological timeline of these two great Indian epics.

comparative study, cultural practices, society, dating epics, Mahabharata, Ramayana, societal transformation, geography.

"Chronological Conundrum: A Comparative Analysis of Ramayana and Mahabharata.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 1, page no.f700-f703, January-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2401586.pdf

"Chronological Conundrum: A Comparative Analysis of Ramayana and Mahabharata.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 1, page no. ppf700-f703, January-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2401586.pdf