Significance of Allegory
Allegory, as defined in the Purana, Vedanta, and Indian history, serves as a narrative device that symbolizes broader meanings. In the Ramayana, it conveys moral and philosophical themes through characters and events. Vedanta uses allegory to clarify rites and meditation concepts, featuring deities and Asuras. Additionally, in pastoral poetry and plays by playwrights like Ghosal, allegory reflects deeper morals or societal commentary, revealing political truths and enriching the literary landscape of India.
Synonyms: Fable, Parable, Metaphor, Symbolism, Analogy, Representation, Illustration, Symbol, Apologue
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Allegory'
In Hinduism, allegory serves as a narrative technique to elucidate rites and meditation through symbolic characters, such as gods and Asuras, particularly in texts like the Ramayana, where events reflect deeper moral and philosophical themes.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A narrative device used in the Ramayana, where characters and events symbolize broader moral and philosophical meanings.[1]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) A narrative form used to explain the concepts of rites and meditation, introducing characters like gods and Asuras.[2]
The concept of Allegory in local and regional sources
Allegory is a narrative technique employed by playwrights like Ghosal, where characters and events represent broader moral or political truths. It’s also a literary device in pastoral poetry that conveys deeper meanings about morality and societal issues.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A narrative illustrating a deeper moral or political meaning beyond the literal story, such as the significance of Sharma's aboo.[3] (2) A narrative technique used by Tagore wherein characters and events symbolize deeper moral or spiritual meanings.[4] (3) A literary device used in pastoral poetry whereby characters and events symbolize deeper meanings, often related to morality or societal commentary.[5] (4) A narrative technique used by playwrights like Ghosal, where characters and events symbolize broader moral or political truths.[6]